Bottoms up: When pain back there becomes more than a quiet discomfort, it’s time to talk about it — because your health should never be a taboo.
Anal pain (pain in the bottom) is common (source NHS). There are things you can do to ease it, but see a GP if you’re in a lot of pain or it does not get better.
Common causes of anal pain
Anal pain has many different causes.
Your symptoms might give you an idea of what is causing anal pain. Do not self-diagnose; see a GP if you’re worried.
| Common causes of anal pain and related symptoms. | |
| Symptoms | Possible cause |
| Pooing less than normal for you and pain when pooing | Constipation |
| Itchy anus, feeling a lump around the anus, blood on the paper after wiping | Piles (haemorrhoids) |
| Sharp pain when pooing, burning pain after doing a poo and blood on the paper after wiping | Anal fissures |
| Constant throbbing pain, pus and blood on the paper after wiping, high temperature | Anal fistulas and abscesses |
Less often, anal pain can be caused by something else like a sexually transmitted infection (STI) or fungal infection. Rarely, it can be a sign of something serious like anal cancer.
How can you ease or prevent anal pain
- Do:
drink lots of fluid and eat plenty of fibre 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
- do not take ibuprofen if your anus is bleeding
See a GP if:
- anal pain is severe
- the pain does not improve after a few days
- you’ve had blood in your poo or bleeding from your bottom for 3 weeks
Do not feel embarrassed to see a GP. Anal pain is a common problem that they’re used to treating.
23.10.2025.
