Anal pain can occur before, during, or after a bowel movement. It can range from a mild ache that can get worse over time to pain that is bad enough to restrict daily activities. Anal pain has many causes, most of which are common and treatable. However, if anal pain does not go away within 24 to 48 hours, it is important to see your physician.

Anal pain is pain that occurs in or around the anus and rectum the last section of the large intestine that ends in the anus. Pain and bleeding from the rectum often accompany anal pain. People may feel embarrassed to ask their doctor about anal pain, but it is a common symptom of many different medical conditions and is usually easily treated. Many different conditions can cause anal pain.

Pain in the opening to the rectum anus can be caused by diarrhea or constipation or by scratching a rectal itch. A common cause of anal pain is a tear in the lining of the lower rectum anal fissure. This type of anal pain usually goes away when the problem clears up. Injury during anal sex or from an object being placed in the rectum also can cause pain. A rare cause of anal pain is spasms of the muscles in the rectum.