403 408 9998

Phone

Location

Rockview Health Centre - Building 1, Calgary

Book an Appointment

403 408 9998

Phone

Location

Rockyview Health Centre – Building 1, Calgary

Book an Appointment
SYMPTOMS & CONCERNS

Rectal Bleeding

Anal pain may feel sharp, burning, throbbing, aching, or constant. Common anorectal causes include anal fissures, thrombosed external hemorrhoids, perianal abscesses, irritation, and other local conditions.

The type, timing, severity, and whether the pain occurs with bowel movements, swelling, bleeding, or drainage can provide important clues.

At AC Hemorrhoids & Anorectal Centre in Calgary, we provide focused assessment for common causes of anal pain and discuss treatment options when clinically appropriate.

  • No referral required
  • Private & confidential
  • Seen within 0–3 days
  • Focused anorectal assessment
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Call 403 408 9998

⚠️ Severe or Unbearable Anal Pain?

Severe anal pain can sometimes be caused by a thrombosed external hemorrhoid, anal fissure, perianal abscess, or another condition that may need prompt assessment.

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What Kind of Anal Pain Is It?

Different pain patterns may suggest different causes. Sharing details about the type, timing, location, and severity of your pain with your doctor or healthcare provider can help identify what may be causing it.

Common patterns include:

  • Sharp or cutting pain during bowel movements
  • Burning pain that continues afterward
  • Sudden severe pain with a tender lump
  • Constant or throbbing pain
  • Pain with swelling, discharge, or a feeling of pressure

When to seek assessment:

  • Pain is persistent or keeps returning
  • Pain is becoming more severe
  • Pain affects sitting, sleeping, or daily activities
  • The cause is unclear

Is It Hemorrhoids or an Anal Fissure?

Both hemorrhoids and anal fissures can cause anal discomfort, but the pain pattern is often different.

Hemorrhoids may cause:

  • Pressure or discomfort
  • Pain with a thrombosed external hemorrhoid
  • Swelling or a tender lump
  • Bleeding or prolapse

Anal fissures may cause:

  • Sharp or tearing pain during bowel movements
  • Burning pain afterward
  • Bright red bleeding
  • Recurrent pain with hard stool

Could It Be a Perianal Abscess?

A perianal abscess may cause constant or worsening pain, often with swelling or tenderness near the anus.

Common patterns include:

  • Throbbing or constant pain
  • Local swelling or tenderness
  • Drainage or pus may occur
  • Fever or chills

When to seek prompt assessment:

  • Pain is severe or rapidly worsening
  • Swelling is increasing
  • Fever or chills are present
  • You feel generally unwelld
Diagram showing a perianal abscess near the anal opening
Assessment

Assessment at Our Calgary Clinic

We aim to provide accurate, respectful, and private assessment. Your visit may include:

  • Review of your symptoms and medical history
  • Discussion of the type, timing, location, and severity of the pain
  • Review of bowel habits and stool consistency
  • Comprehensive anorectal assessment, which may include perianal inspection, digital rectal examination(DRE), and anoscopy
  • Ultrasound or MRI may be recommended if an abscess, fistula, or other deeper anorectal condition is suspected
  • Referral back to your family physician or to another specialist may be recommended if findings suggest a condition that requires further investigation
Treatment

How Is Anal Pain Treated?

Treatment depends on the clinical findings and the underlying cause of the pain. Management may range from conservative care to minimally invasive or clinic-based procedures.

Treatment options may include:

  • Stool regulation and conservative care
  • Prescription treatment for anal fissure
  • Minor procedures for selected chronic anal fissures
  • Treatment for thrombosed external hemorrhoids
  • Drainage of selected superficial perianal abscesses
  • Other clinic-based minor procedures
  • Referral for more complex conditions

Frequently Asked Questions

What can cause severe anal pain?

Severe anal pain may be caused by an anal fissure, thrombosed external hemorrhoid, perianal abscess, or another anorectal condition. Rapidly worsening or constant severe pain should be assessed.

Yes, but not all hemorrhoids are painful. Internal hemorrhoids often cause bleeding or prolapse, while thrombosed external hemorrhoids can cause sudden and significant pain.

Pain from an anal fissure may improve with measures that reduce spasm and make bowel movements easier. Depending on the clinical findings, treatment may include stool regulation, warm sitz baths, prescribed topical medication, and other fissure treatments.
For persistent or chronic fissures, additional treatment such as Botox® or a selected minor procedure may be considered. These treatments address the underlying fissure, but they do not provide guaranteed instant pain relief.
If the pain is severe, worsening, or associated with swelling, fever, or discharge, another cause such as an abscess should also be considered and assessed promptly.

A perianal abscess may cause constant, throbbing pain with swelling, tenderness, and sometimes fever or drainage.

Seek prompt medical care if the pain is severe or rapidly worsening, especially if it occurs with fever, significant swelling, drainage, heavy bleeding, dizziness, or feeling very unwell.

Not Sure What Is Causing Your Anal Pain?

Different anorectal conditions can cause similar pain patterns. A focused assessment can help identify the likely cause and determine whether treatment, further investigation, or referral may be appropriate

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT
Call 403 408 9998