About this symptom
Pain near the anus may be sharp during bowel movements, burning afterwards or continuously throbbing. Its pattern can help guide examination but cannot, by itself, identify the cause.
What you should know
It matters whether pain begins during defecation, sitting or physical activity, how long it lasts and whether there is a lump, fever, blood or discharge. Different anorectal conditions can feel similar, so one treatment cannot address every cause.
Symptoms and reasons for assessment
A fissure often causes sharp pain during bowel movements that continues afterwards. A tender lump can occur with a thrombosed external haemorrhoid. Increasing throbbing pain, swelling and fever may suggest an infection or abscess.
Other possible explanations
Possible causes include an anal fissure, haemorrhoids, a perianal abscess, anal fistula or skin inflammation. Not all anal pain is caused by haemorrhoids, and some conditions are not visible without examination.
How the condition is assessed
The clinician asks about bowel habits, symptom onset and previous episodes. Examination generally begins gently with external inspection. Severe pain can change which tests are appropriate and in what order they are done.
Treatment and follow-up options
Depending on the cause, care may involve dietary changes, softer stool, prescribed local treatments or monitoring. An abscess usually requires urgent specialist assessment and treatment. Do not puncture a swelling, apply heat to a suspected infection or mask persistent severe pain with analgesics.
When urgent care is needed
Severe pain with fever, chills, rapidly spreading swelling, pus or marked weakness requires urgent medical assessment. For substantial uncontrolled bleeding, collapse or a life-threatening condition, call 103.
Related health information
Signs and symptoms
Diagnosis and tests
Care and treatment approaches
When to seek urgent care
Frequently asked questions
Can an anal fissure cause intense pain?
Yes. Sharp pain during and after passing stool is typical, but an examination is needed to confirm the cause.
Why is pain accompanied by fever more concerning?
This combination can indicate a deep infection or abscess that should not wait for routine care.
Can I puncture a painful lump myself?
No. Doing so may cause injury or spread infection; professional assessment is needed.
Information sources
Medical source links used when preparing this article.
Important information
A medical consultation is needed for diagnosis and treatment recommendations.
Self-treatment can be harmful to your health.
