Anal Disorders

What is the anus?

Your anus is the opening at the end of your large intestine. It is where stool (poop) leaves your body.

What are anal disorders?

Problems with the anus are common. They include:

• Hemorrhoids
• Abscesses
• Fissures, small cracks or tears in the lining of your anus
• Anorectal fistula, an abnormal tunnel from your anus or rectum to the skin surface
• Anal itching (pruritus ani)
• Cancer

What are the symptoms of anal disorders?

Your symptoms will depend on which disorder you have. But some of the more common symptoms may include:

• Bleeding
• Discharge
• Itching
• Pain
• Swelling

How are anal disorders diagnosed?

To make a diagnosis, your health care provider will ask about your symptoms and medical history. Depending upon your symptoms, your provider may:

• Check the skin around your anus for anything that looks abnormal.
• Perform a digital rectal exam (DRE). For this exam, your provider inserts a lubricated, gloved finger into the lower part of your rectum to feel for lumps or anything unusual.
• Order tests, such as an anoscopy.

You may be embarrassed to talk about your anal troubles. But it's important to let your provider know about your symptoms, especially if you have pain or bleeding. The more details you can give about your problem, the better your provider can help you.

How are anal disorders treated?

Treatments vary, depending on the condition you have.

NIH: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases

Questions for your care team

General prompts to help prepare for your appointment.

• How does this information apply to my situation?
• Which symptoms or results need evaluation?
• Which tests are useful, and what can they tell us?
• What care options, benefits, and risks should we discuss?
• When should I seek urgent help, and whom should I call?
• When is follow-up, and how will we know whether the plan is working?