*Welcome to the OutUK series looking at gay men and their health brought to you in association with the NHS* website.**
	Each week we'll tackle a different topic in our A to Z of Gay Health. We'll have features and advice on everything from relationships, sexual health, mental and physical conditions and how to stay fit. You can follow any of links provided below for more information direct from the NHS website, or view any of our Previous A to Z Features.

You should also know that OutUK has produced a special report about: Coronavirus Covid-19.

This Week - A : Anal Pain

Common causes of anal pain

Anal pain has many different causes including constipation and piles but there are lots of possible causes.

Do not try to diagnose the cause of pain yourself.

drink lots of fluid and get more fibre into your diet 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

A pharmacist can recommend medicines to reduce constipation and anal pain such as:

painkillers like ibuprofen or paracetamol
creams or suppositories (medicines you put into your bottom) to ease itching, pain and swelling
medicines that help make it easier to poo (laxatives)

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 have severe anal pain and you have a high temperature, or feel hot, cold or shivery
your poo is black or dark red

you're bleeding non-stop from your bottom
there is a lot of blood coming from your bottom - for example, the toilet water turns red or you see large blood clots

Find your nearest A&E

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.

We'll have more information and advice next week on another topic in our A to Z of Gay Health. We have covered many subjects in this series and you can catch up with all of our Previous A to Z Features. If you want to find out more about this week's subject you can visit the Original article on the NHS website. If you are worried by any aspect of your health make sure you go and see your doctor or book an appointment at your local clinic.
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