Anal Abscess or Fistula

An anal abscess is an infected sac filled with pus near your anus. It’s usually caused by an acute infection in the anal glands.

In some cases, an anal abscess develops into a fistula. An anal fistula is a small channel that connects the infected anal gland to an opening on the skin. Fistulas can also be caused by other medical conditions.

Symptoms of an anal abscess include:

• rectal discharge or bleeding
• pain and swelling around your anus
• constipation

Treating an abscess involves draining the pus, which can usually be done quickly by your healthcare provider in their office.

Symptoms of a fistula include:

• anal pain, often severe
• pain during bowel movements
• bleeding
• foul-smelling discharge from an opening in the skin near the anus
• fever

See your doctor if you experience symptoms of a fistula, as these require surgical treatment.

IBD

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is the term for a group of conditions that result in chronic inflammation of your gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The main types of IBD are ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease.

Crohn’s disease can affect any part of your GI tract, from your mouth to your anus, but most often affects the small intestine. Ulcerative colitis affects your large intestine and rectum.

The symptoms of IBD can vary depending on the severity of the inflammation and its location.

Common symptoms include:

• abdominal pain and cramping
• diarrhea, often with pus or mucus
• blood in your stool
• reduced appetite and weight loss
• fever
• fatigue

IBD can lead to complications when not properly managed. Symptoms of IBD can be managed with a combination of diet and lifestyle changes. Medical treatment for IBD includes medication and, occasionally, surgery to remove damaged parts of the GI tract.

Rectal Prolapse

Rectal prolapse occurs when your rectum falls from its original position, causing it to partially or completely slip through your anus. It’s most common in women over 50 with a history of chronic constipation, but can also occur in younger people.

You may first notice the feeling of a bulge or see a mass of reddish-colored tissue coming from the anus. Symptoms may come and go at first, but worsen over time. Fecal incontinence is another symptom.

A prolapsed rectum usually requires surgical treatment.

Anal cancer

Anal cancer can cause rectal discharge, but it’s generally the least likely cause. According to the American Cancer Society, the lifetime risk of developing anal cancer is only 1 in 500. Anal cancer causes symptoms similar to those caused by more common conditions, such as hemorrhoids and IBS.

These symptoms include:

• a change in bowel habits
• thin stools
• pain or pressure in the anus
• a lump near the anus
• rectal bleeding or discharge
• itching

The risk of anal cancer is very low, though certain things can increase your risk. These include your age, smoking, and exposure to human papillomavirus (HPV).

Seek Medical Help

It’s best to follow up with your healthcare provider if you notice any kind of rectal or anal discharge, especially if you’ve never experienced it before. Based on your symptoms and medical history, they may perform a range of tests to narrow down a diagnosis.

These tests may include:

• physical exam
• digital rectal exam
• blood tests
• stool culture
• STI testing
• anoscopy
• sigmoidoscopy
• proctoscopy
• colonoscopy
• CT scan or MRI

Conclusion

Rectal discharge typically indicates an underlying issue with your GI tract or an infection. To prevent potential complications, it's advisable to consult your healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis.

If discussing your symptoms feels uncomfortable, you can request a referral to a specialist experienced in rectal and anal health issues.