The anal region refers to the anus (= terminal opening of the digestive tract, through which stools are expelled) and the area around the anus. Many problems and ailments can occur in this area, and the feeling of discomfort (pain, itching) is quite common.

Common conditions that cause discomfort or pain near the anus include hemorrhoids, abscesses, fissures, and more serious problems like cancer.

Although problems affecting the anal area remain taboo and many people are reluctant to talk to their doctor about it, it is important to seek medical advice when in doubt, especially if there is persistent pain or bleeding.

Many pathologies or situations can cause discomfort in the anus. In addition to pain, symptoms can include:

• bleeding during a bowel movement or even between stools
• painful spasms
• abnormal discharge (purulent, blood, etc.) or leaking stool
• swelling
• itching (pruritus)

Only a medical consultation will be able to determine with certainty the cause of the disorder.

Among the pathologies frequently found, let us quote:

• hemorrhoids, which are abnormally dilated veins that are located in the rectum and anus. They can be very painful and bleed. Their causes are not fully understood, but there is a family factor.
• Anal fissure, or an injury to the anus, often due to constipation or on the contrary to too frequent bowel movements and irritation of the fragile mucosa.
• Anorectal abscess, which is an infection (accumulation of pus), near the anus or rectum.
• Anorectal fistula, which is an abnormal communication between an anal gland and the skin, which can extend to the vagina, or to the buttocks. It is one of the most common complications of Crohn’s disease and can also appear as a complication of an abscess.
• Condyloma: skin growths caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). Other sexually transmitted diseases can, when having anal sex, cause lesions in the anus.
• Rectal (or anal) prolapse: this is an externalization by the anus of the rectal wall, often due to an anomaly of fixation of the rectum
• Anal cancer or rectal cancer, which can have similar symptoms. Anal cancer is much rarer than rectal cancer.

Other problems can arise, in particular:

• anal incontinence, defined as an involuntary loss of gas or stool. It mainly affects the elderly but can occur at any age. Incontinence can be episodic or continuous.
• Anal pruritus, that is, itching. The causes are not always obvious, but it can be an excess or a lack of hygiene, an allergy to certain products (lubricants, soaps, etc.), but also infectious diseases of the type yeast infection or the presence of digestive worms, especially pinworms (which mainly affect children).

Problems in the anal area are particularly unpleasant and can lead to constipation related to fear of having a bowel movement. If you have hemorrhoids, a fissure or abscess, the pain can be extremely debilitating and can prevent the person from sitting or walking.

In addition, the discomfort caused by disorders in this area is also psychological: people hesitate to talk about it and consult their doctor, which often delays the moment when the diagnosis is made and when an adequate treatment is implemented.

The solutions obviously depend on the causes. It is therefore necessary to start by obtaining a clear diagnosis in order to be able to benefit from the adequate treatment.

In the event of hemorrhoids, the application of creams locally and the realization of sitz baths, to relieve the pain, often allow to wait while waiting for the veins to reabsorb. If the pain is too severe, surgical treatment can be done which involves excising the dilated vessel. Medical treatment to prevent constipation can also help.

In the event of an abscess or anorectal fistula, treatment consists of surgical drainage. Prescribing antibiotics may also be necessary. The prolapse is also corrected by surgery.

Finally, condylomas can be burnt (like warts), and other treatments (dewormers, local ointments, antimycotics, etc.) can be prescribed according to the disease in question.