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Anal pain (pain in the bottom) is common. There are things you can do to ease it, but see a GP if you're in a lot of pain or it does not get better.
Anal pain has many different causes.
Your symptoms might give you an idea of what is causing anal pain. Do not self-diagnose, see a GP if you're worried.
| Symptoms | Possible cause |
|---|---|
| Pooing less than normal for you and pain when pooing | Constipation |
| Itchy anus, feeling a lump around the anus, blood on the paper after wiping | Piles (haemorrhoids) |
| Sharp pain when pooing, burning pain after doing a poo and blood on the paper after wiping | Anal fissures |
| Constant throbbing pain, pus and blood on the paper after wiping, high temperature | Anal fistulas and abscesses |
Less often, anal pain can be caused by something else like a sexually transmitted infection (STI) or fungal infection. Rarely, it can be a sign of something serious like anal cancer.
drink lots of fluid and eat plenty of fibre to keep your poo soft
exercise regularly
wipe your bottom with damp toilet paper
take paracetamol
take a warm bath to ease itching and pain
put an ice pack (or bag of frozen peas) in a towel on the painful area for up to 20 minutes every 2 to 3 hours
do not scratch around your anus
do not ignore the urge to poo
do not push too hard when pooing
do not use fragranced products, such as shower gels or soaps around your anus
do not eat spicy food or drink alcohol and caffeine
do not lift or carry anything heavy
do not take ibuprofen if your anus is bleeding
A pharmacist can recommend medicines to reduce constipation and anal pain such as:
Many pharmacies have private areas if you do not want to be overheard.
Do not feel embarrassed to see a GP. Anal pain is a common problem that they're used to treating.
You can call 111 or get help from 111 online.
Treatment for anal pain depends on what's causing it.
A GP will examine you and may prescribe:
The GP may also recommend changes to your diet or arrange for tests to look for a cause of the anal pain.
Sometimes surgery or other treatments may be needed if the pain is caused by severe anal fissures, piles or fistulas.
