HealthUnlockedHealthUnlocked
AboutLog in

Experiences with

Anal fistula

An anal fistula is a small tunnel that develops between the end of the bowel and the skin near the anus (where poo leaves the body).

They're usually the result of an infection near the anus causing a collection of pus (abscess) in the nearby tissue.

When the pus drains away, it can leave a small channel behind.

Anal fistulas can cause unpleasant symptoms, such as discomfort and skin irritation, and will not usually get better on their own.

Surgery is recommended in most cases.

Symptoms of an anal fistula

Symptoms of an anal fistula can include:

  • skin irritation around the anus
  • a constant, throbbing pain that may be worse when you sit down, move around, poo or cough
  • smelly discharge from near your anus 
  • passing pus or blood when you poo
  • swelling and redness around your anus and a high temperature (fever) if you also have an abscess
  • difficulty controlling bowel movements (bowel incontinence) in some cases

The end of the fistula might be visible as a hole in the skin near your anus, although this may be difficult for you to see yourself.

When to get medical advice

See a GP if you have persistent symptoms of an anal fistula. They'll ask about your symptoms and whether you have any bowel conditions.

They may also ask to examine your anus and gently insert a finger inside it (rectal examination) to check for signs of a fistula.

If the GP thinks you might have a fistula, they can refer you to a specialist called a colorectal surgeon for further tests to confirm the diagnosis and determine the most suitable treatment.

These may include:

  • a further physical and rectal examination
  • a proctoscopy, where a special telescope with a light on the end is used to look inside your anus
  • an ultrasound scan, MRI scan or CT scan

Causes of anal fistulas

Most anal fistulas develop after an anal abscess. You can get one if the abscess does not heal properly after the pus has drained away.

Less common causes of anal fistulas include:

  • Crohn's disease – a long-term condition in which the digestive system becomes inflamed
  • diverticulitis – infection of the small pouches that can stick out of the side of the large intestine (colon)
  • hidradenitis suppurativa – a long-term skin condition that causes abscesses and scarring
  • infection with tuberculosis (TB) or HIV
  • a complication of surgery near the anus

Treatments for an anal fistula

Anal fistulas usually require surgery as they rarely heal if left untreated.

The main options include:

  • a fistulotomy – a procedure that involves cutting open the whole length of the fistula so it heals into a flat scar
  • seton procedures – where a piece of surgical thread called a seton is placed in the fistula and left there for several weeks to help it heal before a further procedure is carried out to treat it

All the procedures have different benefits and risks. You can discuss this with the surgeon.

Many people do not need to stay in hospital overnight after surgery, although some may need to stay in hospital for a few days.

Find out more about treating an anal fistula

HealthUnlocked contains information from NHS Digital, licensed under the current version of the Open Government Licence

  • Posts

  • Communities

1,180 public posts

colon/rectum issue or endo ..Still confused.

I have been having haemorrhoid symptoms and occasional rectal bleeding for 5 years. After a first colonoscopy I was diagnosed with internal haemorrhoid. I had a child.all natural bowel issues after labour. So this is now the fourth month I have rectal bleeding while I am period.( Had very little one
I have been having haemorrhoid symptoms and occasional rectal bleeding for 5 years. After a first colonoscopy I was diagnosed with internal haemorrhoid. I had a child.all natural bowel issues after labour. So this is now the fourth month I have rectal bleeding while I am period.( Had very little one
Hana98
in Endometriosis UK

Laxido for fecal impaction. What to expect?

Hi, I was in hospital yesterday and told I have a fecal impaction and given laxido, told to take 8 sachets in six hours. I am on my glass now and already starting to feel the effects. I had imagined that it would just soften the blockage enough for me to pass as a type 4 stool? I currently have diarrhoea
Hi, I was in hospital yesterday and told I have a fecal impaction and given laxido, told to take 8 sachets in six hours. I am on my glass now and already starting to feel the effects. I had imagined that it would just soften the blockage enough for me to pass as a type 4 stool? I currently have diarrhoea
Chloeanzani123
in IBS Network

Swelling of anus

Hello everyone, I am male 24 . From the last whole month I have been getting blood in my stool. And these are not just patches of blood, thr quantity is a lot. And I started taking medicines consulting genral doctors but it didn't stopped. Now I have changed diet, increased my water intake, lotsbof fibre
Hello everyone, I am male 24 . From the last whole month I have been getting blood in my stool. And these are not just patches of blood, thr quantity is a lot. And I started taking medicines consulting genral doctors but it didn't stopped. Now I have changed diet, increased my water intake, lotsbof fibre
Brad1379
in IBS Network
Want to take advantage of all our features? Just log in!
or

Mucus

Hello - I had mucus around around my poo last week, four days ago there was a bit of red blood in it, the doc said if it didn't clear up ring back, no more blood but still mucus so rang back this morning. Different doc, I asked if it could be piles as I was sore and itchy and felt swollen, she said
Hello - I had mucus around around my poo last week, four days ago there was a bit of red blood in it, the doc said if it didn't clear up ring back, no more blood but still mucus so rang back this morning. Different doc, I asked if it could be piles as I was sore and itchy and felt swollen, she said
greatgran28
in IBS Network

Diagnosed with pelvic floor dysfunction.

Hi all, Just an update. I had a proctogram examination today and it has confirmed pelvic floor dysfunction. I'm a 44 year old man and have been suffering for years with pelvic pain which was made worse after pooping. I'd suffered constipation and developed haemorrhoids from straining to defecate. It
Hi all, Just an update. I had a proctogram examination today and it has confirmed pelvic floor dysfunction. I'm a 44 year old man and have been suffering for years with pelvic pain which was made worse after pooping. I'd suffered constipation and developed haemorrhoids from straining to defecate. It
Lovetocycle76
in Pelvic Pain Support Network

Fybromyalga

Help my doctor won't give me anything for my fybromyalga because I have been abroad, until I see a consultant but that's at least 12 weeks away. He gave me mirtazapine 3 weeks ago supposedly to help me sleep and for my IBS never heard of so much crap. I've was on everything going last year but had tried
Help my doctor won't give me anything for my fybromyalga because I have been abroad, until I see a consultant but that's at least 12 weeks away. He gave me mirtazapine 3 weeks ago supposedly to help me sleep and for my IBS never heard of so much crap. I've was on everything going last year but had tried
izzy15
in Fibromyalgia Action UK

Rectal bleeding/mucus

Hey I'm new here I have had problems for 2 months now with stomach pain and rectal bleeding. The bleeding has been on and off. I have been told its ibs and hemorrhoids but I have had 4 internal examinations done and never a hemroid felt. All my stoole samples have came back fine. Now the last week or
Hey I'm new here I have had problems for 2 months now with stomach pain and rectal bleeding. The bleeding has been on and off. I have been told its ibs and hemorrhoids but I have had 4 internal examinations done and never a hemroid felt. All my stoole samples have came back fine. Now the last week or
Clover1235
in IBS Network

ANA test result?

Hi Im new on here, and not even sure I'm on the right sight. But I just wanted to ask a question in the hope that someone would know and be able to reassure me. My daughter has had a negative ANA test but it says underneath Cytoplasmic staining. Ive obv looked this up on google and am now highly concerned
Hi Im new on here, and not even sure I'm on the right sight. But I just wanted to ask a question in the hope that someone would know and be able to reassure me. My daughter has had a negative ANA test but it says underneath Cytoplasmic staining. Ive obv looked this up on google and am now highly concerned
Loopylou100
in Myositis UK

ANA

Hi, My bloods came back positive for Lupus and the Dr told me it was Lupus. I have all the symptoms and have been ill for about six years. I had my 1st F2F with a Rheumatologist and was told my ANA was negative and because I hadn’t ever miscarriaged she didn’t know if it was. Hi Dd I feel dreadful can
Hi, My bloods came back positive for Lupus and the Dr told me it was Lupus. I have all the symptoms and have been ill for about six years. I had my 1st F2F with a Rheumatologist and was told my ANA was negative and because I hadn’t ever miscarriaged she didn’t know if it was. Hi Dd I feel dreadful can
Molly2012
in LUPUS UK

Lupus?

I’ve have had high platelets for the past 20 years and have been living with primary Addison’s and hypothyroid for the past 27 years. I literally never feel good. I’ve been seeing a hematologist and she decided to run an ANA on me. CRP 9.7 ANA Ab screen POSITIVE ANA Titer <1:40 ANA pattern none detected
I’ve have had high platelets for the past 20 years and have been living with primary Addison’s and hypothyroid for the past 27 years. I literally never feel good. I’ve been seeing a hematologist and she decided to run an ANA on me. CRP 9.7 ANA Ab screen POSITIVE ANA Titer <1:40 ANA pattern none detected
Anniemari
in Lupus Foundation of Florida

Do I have lupus

I’ve have had high platelets for the past 20 years and have been living with primary Addison’s and hypothyroid for the past 27 years. I literally never feel good. I’ve been seeing a hematologist and she decided to run an ANA on me. CRP 9.7 ANA Ab screen POSITIVE ANA Titer <1:40 ANA pattern none detected
I’ve have had high platelets for the past 20 years and have been living with primary Addison’s and hypothyroid for the past 27 years. I literally never feel good. I’ve been seeing a hematologist and she decided to run an ANA on me. CRP 9.7 ANA Ab screen POSITIVE ANA Titer <1:40 ANA pattern none detected
Anniemari
in LUPUS UK

Low C3 and C4

Hello, I haven't been diagnosed with Lupus, but it's one of the things I've wondered about following years of symptoms, many matching the diagnostic criteria for Lupus. My GP was unwilling to refer me so I paid for a one-off private rheumatology appointment. She ran a series of blood tests on the NHS
Hello, I haven't been diagnosed with Lupus, but it's one of the things I've wondered about following years of symptoms, many matching the diagnostic criteria for Lupus. My GP was unwilling to refer me so I paid for a one-off private rheumatology appointment. She ran a series of blood tests on the NHS
BlackInk
in LUPUS UK

updates from last post, warning: long, sorry!

How is everyone doing today? It's quite a sunny day over here in CA and I'm waiting for one of the kids to finish their class for the day. They both got caught up in playing and that resulted in her being late to class. Kind of funny when you hear little miss being forced out of their room for goofing
How is everyone doing today? It's quite a sunny day over here in CA and I'm waiting for one of the kids to finish their class for the day. They both got caught up in playing and that resulted in her being late to class. Kind of funny when you hear little miss being forced out of their room for goofing
JennaShi
in LUPUS UK

Is there an age limit to LUPUS?

i wonder if anyone has been told that you cannot have Lupus past the age of the menopause? last year, i was struggling so much i went to see a so called Lupus expert in London, he was supposed to be the absolute authority and he said it is impossible to have LUPUS SLE after menopause and said i had something
i wonder if anyone has been told that you cannot have Lupus past the age of the menopause? last year, i was struggling so much i went to see a so called Lupus expert in London, he was supposed to be the absolute authority and he said it is impossible to have LUPUS SLE after menopause and said i had something
yellowmarie
in LUPUS UK

Blood tests I had today 😩for what

Good evening all and thank you once again for all the advice I have received for you all reference my PMR . I went to my DR to day to ask if I could have a referral letter to go private to have a dexascan he said it would be of no help at this stage what ever he meant by that 🤔I stated it might be
Good evening all and thank you once again for all the advice I have received for you all reference my PMR . I went to my DR to day to ask if I could have a referral letter to go private to have a dexascan he said it would be of no help at this stage what ever he meant by that 🤔I stated it might be
Maggie1313
in PMRGCAuk

Florencian

My doctors don't think I have lupus. 1st tested years ago negative. 2nd ANA positive, 3rd ANA negative. I have a rash on my chest and all the symptoms of lupus. Will someone help me with figuring this out? Now the latest is my eyelashes are falling out plus hair on other parts of my body. I'm 63.
My doctors don't think I have lupus. 1st tested years ago negative. 2nd ANA positive, 3rd ANA negative. I have a rash on my chest and all the symptoms of lupus. Will someone help me with figuring this out? Now the latest is my eyelashes are falling out plus hair on other parts of my body. I'm 63.
Florencian
in LUPUS UK

Update: Hashimoto s new to taking meds helpless, jitters....

Update by Allie323: Hello, its been 27 days since my other post I'm Hashimotos with 1/2 working thyroid who first tried thyroid meds (Armour 15mg. for 2 weeks 11/19 then stopped ) and ironically just stopped being able to fall asleep a year ago Jan2020. ( felt breathing was shallow, weak like air hunger
Update by Allie323: Hello, its been 27 days since my other post I'm Hashimotos with 1/2 working thyroid who first tried thyroid meds (Armour 15mg. for 2 weeks 11/19 then stopped ) and ironically just stopped being able to fall asleep a year ago Jan2020. ( felt breathing was shallow, weak like air hunger
Allie323
in Thyroid UK

Colestyramine for Mal absortion of Bile

Does anyone have experience of Colestyramine? When not taking it, has resulted in diarrhea. Suggestions would be appreciated.
Does anyone have experience of Colestyramine? When not taking it, has resulted in diarrhea. Suggestions would be appreciated.
Eastbourne11
in IBS Network

Numbness?

Hi there, I’ve posted a few times about strange symptoms snd blood test results. I’m still not medicated or really been diagnosed with anything. Briefly my results so far: positive ANA antibodies, strongly positive Antiphospholipid antibodies (2 out of three 12 weeks apart), confirmed vasculitis following
Hi there, I’ve posted a few times about strange symptoms snd blood test results. I’m still not medicated or really been diagnosed with anything. Briefly my results so far: positive ANA antibodies, strongly positive Antiphospholipid antibodies (2 out of three 12 weeks apart), confirmed vasculitis following
Daisyyellow
in Hughes Syndrome - APS Support

Heart & Sole (Diagnosis)

Recently I switched to a new rheumatologist affiliated with a cardio-rheumatology program (due to arrhythmia, cholesterol and valve issues). He ran a new blood panel on me, with a surprising result: My anti-CCP levels (tested twice before at almost 200) were now negative! Several years ago, I had
Recently I switched to a new rheumatologist affiliated with a cardio-rheumatology program (due to arrhythmia, cholesterol and valve issues). He ran a new blood panel on me, with a surprising result: My anti-CCP levels (tested twice before at almost 200) were now negative! Several years ago, I had
RxMe
in LUPUS UK
  • 1
  • 2
  • ...
  • 59
  • Next page
  • 10
  • 20
  • 30
  • 40
  • 50
Filter results
Posted in
Sort by
HealthUnlocked
© 2021 All rights reserved.
App store
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Average rating: 4.8

Company

About Us

Our Team

Partner with us

Careers

Blog

Product

Health terms A to Z

Communities A to Z

iPhone app

Start a Community

Support

Help Centre

Community Guidelines

Contact us

Cookies settings

App store
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Average rating: 4.8
TermsPrivacySecurityCookies