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.

How you can ease or prevent anal pain

Do

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

Don't

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

A pharmacist can help with anal pain

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.

Find a pharmacy

See a GP if:

your anal pain is severe
the pain does not improve after a few days
you have blood in your poo or bleeding from your bottom

Do not feel embarrassed to see a GP. Anal pain is a common problem that they're used to treating.

Ask for an urgent GP appointment or get help from NHS 111 if:

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 can call 111 or get&t=/">get help from 111 online.

Go to A&E or call 999 if:

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

Treatment for anal pain depends on what's causing it.

A GP will examine you and may prescribe:

a cream or ointment to ease your pain
laxatives to help you poo more easily
antibiotics if you have an infection

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.

Sexual Health Advice

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