Conditions
Anal Fistula
No, this isn’t linked to the Queen’s ‘annus horribilis’ speech of 1992, but you only need to remove an ‘n’ from this phrase to be closer to the mark. An anal fistula is when a small, tunnel-like passageway forms between the anal canal and the opening to the outer skin surrounding the anus. A fistula usually develops after an anal abscess (a collection of pus) bursts, but can also form when an abscess has not been completely treated. They can also be caused by a condition which affects the intestines, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or Crohn’s disease. The unpleasant symptoms of an anal fistula may include: a throbbing, constant pain, irritation of skin around the anus, fever, evidence of pus or blood when passing stools, and generally feeling unwell. Pain also tends to worsen when you sit, move around, pass stools or cough. Unlike an anal fissure, most anal fistulas require surgery as they rarely heal untreated.
Comments
You can share your experiences and thoughts with other Embarrassing Bodies site-users below. Comments are reviewed before they are published.
Please note: Unfortunately Channel 4 cannot respond to individual inquiries. If you have any concerns, you can check out the Channel 4 Health site or NHS Choices, but ultimately it is always best to check with a health professional.
I have a lump on the outer part of my bum hole, it is itchy and hurts after intercourse. what can this be? do i need to see a GP
back in sept i went my doctor and told him i had a lump near my back passage .
It never got to big i thought because i had an abcess there 12 years ago in the exact same place. that at the time needed lancing assumed it to be the same but no. after weeks on fluoxacilin i went to a+e i was sent up to see a doctor who had to do a exam of the anal passage and said it should go in 6+7 wks if not to see my doctor well still not gone but lump has gone flat but am leaking pus and water type stools in underwear a nurse friend said it could be a anal fistula is this true very afraid have made appointment to see doctor no pain or any other problems please can you helpHi i have a small tear in my anus also i am convinced i have piles as i have a lump and also a small bit of skin next to it. ireli dont know what to do about as i am so ashamed to see da doc. can u advise any creams which would help get rid of them. they do not physically hurt orcause any discomfort jst the fact that they are there is huniliating for me. can u please help me…
hi
i am in my early 50s when i go to toilet
my bottom dosent seem to be able to push it out anymore and i have to push from the front with my hand against the poo it seems like a great big lump inside my vagina its wierd what do you reckon is going on
hi i have a very itchy behind im not to sure what this is i have tryed cream for piles but that didnt work.
Hi I am 33 and hae a growth next to my anal passage which is about 1cm long and feels soft, any idea what this could be? I sometimes get itching round about this area too.
Hi, a while ago I had an itchy bottom and it persisted my doc told me to use anusol it didn't work well the itch comes mostly at night.. It has gotten worse though and inflamed now I have discovered blood when i go to the loo and it hurts when i i go.
I'm worried because i've been getting dry lumps of skin on my head and neck..could these be linked?
ARRG!!
Hi, i have recently started to get an itchy behind. it hurts when i clean it and hurts (though not much) when i take a stool. iv tried to investigate but it seems fine though does appear a little red around the area, im doubting its a fistula or piles though think it may be a fisure, could this be the case and what should i do to treat it.
hello, i am 17 and a few weeks back i had a sore smaller than a pea sized lump on my anus it went after about 2 weeks but now i find it painful when i go to the loo it feels sharp pains like glass and somtimes there is blood on the tissue it also hurts when i sit down after ive been to the loo. im too embarrassed to go to my doctor. what is this called and how do i get rid of it? thanks
Important Notice
The information provided on this website (including any NHS Choices medical information) is for use as information or for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical care by a qualified doctor or other qualified healthcare professional. We do not warrant that any information included within this site will meet your health or medical requirements. This Embarrassing Bodies site does not provide any medical or diagnostic services so you should always check with a health professional if you have any concerns about your health.
If you want to embed our videos in your site, read our embedding T&Cs here

