Anal Pain
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Try one of these related symptoms.
Rectal pain
Anal pain
Burning pain in anus
About the Symptom
This refers to pain in or around the anus and rectum, which is the final section of the large intestine that ends at the anus.
When to See a Doctor
Seek professional care if you experience any of the following symptoms
- Pain over the anus
Possible Causes
Generally, Anal pain can be related to:
- Anal Cancer
This is a malignant tumor (cancer) of the anus. The anus is where the stool leaves the body.
- Anal Fistula
This condition involves a tunnel forming between the anus and the surrounding skin. Patients are at risk for recurrent infections, often connected to inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn's disease.
- Hemorrhoid
Commonly known as piles, hemorrhoids are swollen areas around the anus where feces are excreted from the body. They can form inside or outside the anus, often due to excessive straining or poor blood flow, and may result in painless bleeding.
- Anal Fissure
- Pilonidal Sinus
- Crohn's Disease
- Anal Varices
- Interstitial Cystitis
- Pyoderma Gangrenosum
Related Serious Diseases
Sometimes, Anal pain may be related to these serious diseases:
- Perianal Abscess
A buildup of pus near the anus, more common in patients with diabetes, obesity, or certain conditions causing gut ulcers.
Doctor's Diagnostic Questions
Your doctor may ask these questions to check for this symptom:
- Are you experiencing anal pain?
- When did you first notice the anal pain?
- When does your anal pain typically occur?
- On a scale of 1-10, how severe was the pain over the anus?
- How has the pain over the anus changed since it started?
Reviewed By:
Carlos Cuenca, MD (General Surgery)
Dr. Cuenca graduated from Rutgers New Jersey Medical School. He is currently a categorical surgical resident at UC Davis Health.
Aiko Yoshioka, MD (Gastroenterology)
Dr. Yoshioka graduated from the Niigata University School of Medicine. He worked as a gastroenterologist at Saiseikai Niigata Hospital and Niigata University Medical & Dental Hospital before serving as the Deputy Chief of Gastroenterology at Tsubame Rosai Hospital and Nagaoka Red Cross Hospital. Dr. Yoshioka joined Saitama Saiseikai Kawaguchi General Hospital as Chief of Gastroenterology in April 2018.
Yoshinori Abe, MD (Internal Medicine)
Dr. Abe graduated from The University of Tokyo School of Medicine in 2015. He completed his residency at the Tokyo Metropolitan Health and Longevity Medical Center. He co-founded Ubie, Inc. in May 2017, where he currently serves as CEO & product owner at Ubie. Since December 2019, he has been a member of the Special Committee for Activation of Research in Emergency AI of the Japanese Association for Acute Medicine. | | Dr. Abe has been elected in the 2020 Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia Healthcare & Science category.
Content updated on Jan 31, 2025
Following the Medical Content Editorial Policy
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People with similar symptoms also use Ubie's symptom checker to find possible causes
- Anus feels like its burning
- Pain over the anus
- Pain in the anus
- Have anal pain
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FAQs
Q.
Can rectal foreign bodies cause internal injury or infection?
A.
Yes, rectal foreign bodies can cause internal injury or infection. They may lead to serious health issues if not handled properly.
References:
Falcone M, Tiseo G, Galfo V, Giordano C, Leonildi A, Marciano E, et al. (2022). Bloodstream infections in patients with rectal colonization .... Clinical microbiology and infection : the official publication of the European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, 34197935.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34197935/
Lessa F, Tak S, Devader SR, Goswami R, Anderson M, Williams I, et al. (2008). Risk of infections associated with improperly reprocessed .... Infection control and hospital epidemiology, 18462138.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18462138/
Souverein D, Euser SM, Herpers BL, Kluytmans J, Rossen JWA, & Den Boer JW. (2019). Association between rectal colonization with Highly .... PloS one, 30682095.
Q.
How do doctors safely remove objects from the rectum in the hospital?
A.
Doctors use special tools and techniques to safely remove objects from the rectum, sometimes without surgery.
References:
Chilakamarry S, & Klipfel AA. (2021). Novel Approach to Removal of Rectal Foreign Bodies. Diseases of the colon and rectum, 33769318.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33769318/
Johnson SO, & Hartranft TH. (1996). Nonsurgical removal of a rectal foreign body using .... Diseases of the colon and rectum, 8756851.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8756851/
Bak Y, Merriam M, Neff M, & Berg DA. (2013). Novel approach to rectal foreign body extraction. JSLS : Journal of the Society of Laparoendoscopic Surgeons, 23925034.
Q.
What should you do if something gets stuck in your rectum?
A.
If something gets stuck in your rectum, you should seek medical help to have it safely removed.
References:
Bhasin S, & Williams JG. (2021). Rectal foreign body removal: increasing incidence and cost .... Annals of the Royal College of Surgeons of England, 34719960.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34719960/
Nivatvongs S, Metcalf DR, & Sawyer MD. (2006). A simple technique to remove a large object from the rectum. Journal of the American College of Surgeons, 16798498.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16798498/
Liu C, & Li Y. (2024). Rectal foreign body of a cosmetic bottle treated .... Medicine, 39809147.
Q.
What symptoms suggest a serious complication from a rectal foreign body?
A.
Symptoms like severe abdominal pain, bleeding, or fever after inserting something into the rectum could mean serious problems. It's important to see a doctor if these happen.
References:
Geist RF. (1988). Sexually related trauma. Emergency medicine clinics of North America, 3292221.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3292221/
Waraich NG, Hudson JS, & Iftikhar SY. (2007). Vibrator-induced fatal rectal perforation. The New Zealand medical journal, 17726499.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17726499/
Rimsha S, Aslam D, Ali S, Arqam SM, & Kausar A. (2025). A Perilous Plunge: A Unique Case of Rectal Foreign Body. Cureus, 40092013.
Q.
When is a rectal foreign body considered a medical emergency?
A.
A rectal foreign body is a medical emergency if it causes severe pain, bleeding, or signs of infection. Immediate medical attention is needed to prevent serious complications.
References:
Frendt E, Masroor M, Saied A, Neeki A, Youssoffi S, Malkoc A, et al. (2023). Characteristics and Outcomes Associated With Emergent .... Cureus, 38149151.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38149151/
Bak Y, Merriam M, Neff M, & Berg DA. (2013). Novel approach to rectal foreign body extraction. JSLS : Journal of the Society of Laparoendoscopic Surgeons, 23925034.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23925034/
Principe DR, Rubin J, Narbutis M, Cabrera J, & Mitsiev I. (2019). Repeat presentation of large rectal foreign body requiring .... Journal of surgical case reports, 31044063.
Q.
When should you not delay going to the emergency room for a rectal object?
A.
You should go to the emergency room without delay if you have a rectal object causing severe pain, bleeding, or if you cannot remove it yourself.
References:
Ologun GO, Stevenson Y, Cagir B, Granet P, & McPhail P. (2018). Successful Retrieval of a Retained Rectal Foreign Body in .... Cureus, 29531878.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29531878/
Yaman M, Deitel M, Burul CJ, Shahi B, & Hadar B. (1993). Foreign bodies in the rectum. Canadian journal of surgery. Journal canadien de chirurgie, 8472230.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8472230/
Principe DR, Rubin J, Narbutis M, Cabrera J, & Mitsiev I. (2019). Repeat presentation of large rectal foreign body requiring .... Journal of surgical case reports, 31044063.
Q.
Why is it dangerous to try removing a rectal object by yourself?
A.
Removing a rectal object by yourself can cause injury or make the situation worse, leading to complications that need medical attention.
References:
Sharon JJ, Devannagoundanur Gurumurthy G, M K, & Puranikmath MM. (2025). Unintentional Retention of Rectal Foreign Body Associated .... Cureus, 40130136.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40130136/
Rimsha S, Aslam D, Ali S, Arqam SM, & Kausar A. (2025). A Perilous Plunge: A Unique Case of Rectal Foreign Body. Cureus, 40092013.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40092013/
Dharmadhikari S, Rathod A, & Bakhshi G. (2025). A Case of Rectal Foreign Body Insertion in a Patient With .... Cureus, 39925487.
Q.
How can I soothe a burning anus after diarrhea?
A.
Soothe burning sensations in the anus after diarrhea by using gentle cleansing methods, applying soothing creams, and making dietary adjustments. These steps can help alleviate discomfort and promote healing.
References:
Fanny SA, Burge L, Small A, Turbeville J, Donaruma-Kwoh M, Adekunle-Ojo A. When "the runs" also burns: Case reports of severe diaper dermatitis in children with acute gastroenteritis mimicking scald burns. Pediatr Dermatol. 2023 Mar;40(2):341-344. doi: 10.1111/pde.15163. Epub 2022 Oct 20. PMID: 36263904.
Huizen, J. (2023, October 31). Burning diarrhea: Causes, treatment, and when to see a doctor. Medical News Today.
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