What to Do for Anal Pain

Most of the time, the causes of anal pain, pain that occurs in the anus or lower rectum, are benign (not harmful), even if there is bleeding. Still, if your anal pain doesn't ease within a few days, it is important to get an accurate diagnosis.

Anal pain treatment depends on the cause, but pain relievers, stool softeners, sitz baths, and switching to a high-fiber diet can often effectively manage pain.

Learn the most common causes of anal pain, when to see your healthcare provider, and tips for home treatment.

Causes of Anal Pain

There are a lot of nerve endings in the area of the rectum and anus, so any issues with them can result in anything from mild discomfort to excruciating pain.

While only a healthcare provider can confirm the reason behind your anal pain, some symptoms can hint that a specific condition is to blame.

Anal Fissure

The pain associated with an anal fissure is typically located at the opening of the anus and is acute and sharp. The pain is experienced during a bowel movement but may persist over time.

You may also experience anal itching and see bright red blood on the outside of the stool or your toilet paper.

Hemorrhoids

A hemorrhoid is a swollen, inflamed vein in the rectum or on the anus.

Although some hemorrhoids can cause no symptoms, others can be pretty painful. You may experience itchiness and see bright red blood in the stool or on your toilet paper.

A thrombosed hemorrhoid is an especially painful but not necessarily serious type of hemorrhoid that involves a blood clot in the vein.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is also associated with hemorrhoids.

Rectal Tenesmus

Tenesmus is the urge to pass stool even when no more exists. It is often accompanied by pain, straining, or cramping.

Tenesmus typically manifests itself alongside other medical conditions.

Muscle Spasms

Anal pain can also result from muscle spasms in the pelvic area. This manifests itself as a sharp pain that goes away quickly.

Other Causes

Pain on the outside of the anus could result from a yeast infection, itchiness associated with hemorrhoids, or rough skin cleaning on the outside of the anus.

Associated Health Conditions

Other health conditions may also be the reason behind anal pain. They include, but are not limited to:

• Anal abscess
• Anal fistula
• Benign tumor
• Chronic constipation or diarrhea
• Chronic proctalgia
• Crohn's disease
• Fecal impaction
• Infection
• Injury/trauma (e.g., from anal sex, foreign objects)
• Levator ani syndrome
• Proctalgia fugax
• Proctitis (rectal inflammation)
• Pruritus ani (anal itching)
• Rectal cancer
• Rectal prolapse
• Solitary rectal ulcer syndrome
• Ulcerative colitis

Anal Pain Treatment

If you experience discomfort, try these tips for easing anal pain:

• Take an over-the-counter pain reliever, if necessary.
• If an anal fissure or hemorrhoid causes your anal pain, take regular sitz baths. Soaking the anus in warm water will soothe and treat the underlying cause.
• Ask your healthcare provider about taking stool softeners. Remember that these medicines should only be used in the short term.
  

Prevention

It is possible to prevent many of the causes of anal pain, including hemorrhoids and anal fissures. 

• Eat a diet that's high in fiber. This helps keep your stool soft and prevents straining.
• Always wash gently with warm water. Avoid soap. Gently pat the area dry.
• Wear underwear that "breathes," such as cotton or moisture-wicking fabric.
• Avoid sitting for long periods.
• Do not use any creams in the anal area other than those prescribed by your healthcare provider.
• If you engage in anal intercourse, always use a condom. Otherwise, never insert any foreign objects into your rectum.

Summary

Anal pain can have several possible causes. Most, like hemorrhoids and anal fissures, are not severe. Still, it is essential to see a healthcare provider if you continue to experience anal pain.

Anal pain can be treated at home with over-the-counter (OTC) pain medication and sitz baths. You can help prevent anal pain by eating a diet high in fiber, washing gently, and avoiding long periods of sitting.