Anal Disorders

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Basics

• Summary
• Start Here
• Symptoms
• Diagnosis and Tests
• Treatments and Therapies

Learn More

• Related Issues
• Specifics

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Research

• Clinical Trials
• Journal Articles

Resources

• Find an Expert

For You

• Patient Handouts

Summary

The anus is the opening of the rectum through which stool passes out of your body. Problems with the anus are common. They include hemorrhoids, abscesses, fissures (cracks), and cancer.

You may be embarrassed to talk about your anal troubles. But it is important to let your doctor know, especially if you have pain or bleeding. The more details you can give about your problem, the better your doctor will be able to help you. Treatments vary depending on the particular problem.

NIH: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases

Start Here

• Anal and Rectal Disorders (Merck & Co., Inc.) Also in Spanish

Symptoms

• Anal Pain (Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research) Also in Spanish
• Rectal Bleeding (Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research) Also in Spanish
• Understanding Minor Rectal Bleeding (American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy) Also in Spanish

Diagnosis and Tests

• Anoscopy (National Library of Medicine) Also in Spanish
• Colonoscopy: MedlinePlus Health Topic (National Library of Medicine) Also in Spanish
• Lower GI Series (Barium Enema) (National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases) Also in Spanish
• Lower GI X-Ray (Barium Enema) (American College of Radiology; Radiological Society of North America) Also in Spanish
• Testing of the Anorectal and Pelvic Floor Area (International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders)

Treatments and Therapies

• Anal fissure - series (Medical Encyclopedia) Also in Spanish
• How to Use Rectal Suppositories (American Society of Health-System Pharmacists)
• Imperforate anus repair - series (Medical Encyclopedia) Also in Spanish

Related Issues

• How to Get More Fiber in Your Diet (American Academy of Family Physicians) Also in Spanish

Specifics

• Anal Abscess and Fistula (American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons) Also in Spanish
• Anal Fissure (American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons)
• Anal Fissures (American Academy of Family Physicians) Also in Spanish
• Anal Itching (Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research) Also in Spanish
• Anal Warts (American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons) Also in Spanish
• Pelvic Floor Dyssynergia (International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders)
• Pruritus Ani (American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons)

Clinical Trials

• ClinicalTrials.gov: Anus Diseases (National Institutes of Health)

Journal Articles References and abstracts from MEDLINE/PubMed (National Library of Medicine)

• Article: Characterization of Risk Factors Affecting the Recurrence of Perianal Abscesses and...
• Article: Sexual Function After Surgical Treatment for Benign Anorectal Disorders.
• Article: A Retrospective Study of the Presentation and Management of Perianal Disease...
• Anal Disorders -- see more articles

Find an Expert

• American College of Gastroenterology
• American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons
• Find a Gastroenterologist (American College of Gastroenterology)
• National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases

Patient Handouts

• Anal fissure (Medical Encyclopedia) Also in Spanish
• Anal itching - self-care (Medical Encyclopedia) Also in Spanish
• Anorectal abscess (Medical Encyclopedia) Also in Spanish
• Anoscopy (Medical Encyclopedia) Also in Spanish
• Digital rectal exam (Medical Encyclopedia) Also in Spanish
• Imperforate anus (Medical Encyclopedia) Also in Spanish
• Perianal streptococcal cellulitis (Medical Encyclopedia) Also in Spanish