What to Do for Anal Pain

Anal pain is not something that is talked about a lot, though it can be quite significant. 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. Most of the time the causes of anal pain are benign, even if there is bleeding. Still, if your anal pain doesn't ease within a few days, it is essential that you get a proper diagnosis.

While this might not be a conversation you're eager to have, it's an important one. Learn the most common causes of anal pain, when to see your doctor, and tips for self-care.

The Most Common Causes

While only a doctor can confirm the reason behind your anal pain, there are some symptoms that can hint that a certain condition is to blame.

The most likely causes of anal pain are:

• 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 as well as see bright red blood on the outside of the stool or on 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 quite painful. You may experience itchiness and see bright red blood in the stool or 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.    
• Rectal tenesmus: Tenesmus is the urge to pass stool even when there is no more stool to pass. It is often accompanied by pain, straining or cramping. Tenesmus typically manifests itself alongside other medical conditions.
• Muscle spasms: Anal pain can also be the result of 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 be the result of a yeast infection, itchiness associated with a hemorrhoid, or the result of rough cleaning of the skin 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

Self-Care

While anal care certainly doesn't need to be an everyday focus, if you experience discomfort, try these tips for easing and avoiding anal pain:

• Remember to always wash gently with warm water. Avoid soap. Gently pat the area dry.
• Wear underwear that "breathes," such as choices made from cotton or moisture-wicking fabric.
• Do not use any creams in the anal area other than those prescribed by your doctor.
• Take an over-the-counter pain reliever, if necessary.
• If your anal pain is caused by an anal fissure or hemorrhoid, start taking regular sitz baths. Soaking the anus in hot water will both soothe and treat the underlying cause.
• If you engage in anal intercourse, always use a condom. Otherwise, never insert any foreign objects into your rectum.