Have you felt stitches or pricks in the anus? This area is very delicate and some factors can cause it to be easily damaged. For example, common problems such as constipation or diarrhea can cause small wounds or scratches in the rectum or the entrance to the anal area causing pain. Similarly, there are other conditions such as annoying hemorrhoids or diseases such as Crohn’s disease that may be causing the discomfort. Whatever the cause, it is important to be careful with this area and take the necessary care to keep it in good condition. Therefore, at OneHOWTO we answer the question “Why do I get stitches in the anus?” explaining the possible causes and treatments.
Stitches in the anus from anal fissures
One of the most frequent causes of feeling stitches in the anus are small wounds or scratches on the wall of the rectum or in the anus. When this happens, the problem is added that in this area remains of feces tend to remain, so it is easy for the wound to sting or bother frequently and even bleed slightly. In these cases the pain is usually caused by the following factors:
Constipation
One of the most frequent digestive problems that we can suffer. This condition occurs when the intestinal transit does not work smoothly, causing a delay in the stool with the stool. When this happens, it is normal for symptoms such as abdominal pain, stomach pricking, or belly bloating to appear. Constipation causes problems going to the bathroom and can cause small fissures or cracks in the rectum. Exercising, including fiber in your diet, and drinking enough fluids are often good ways to treat this problem.
Prolonged diarrhea
In this case, by increasing the frequency of bowel movements, the anal mucosa can become irritated. As a consequence, severe pain or stitches may appear in the anus both when defecating and afterwards, as well as blood, itching and stinging. It is important to treat chronic diarrhea, as the lesions can get worse to the point of infection.
Sexual practices
Anal sex is a common practice in sexual relationships for many couples. However, this area does not lubricate by itself and therefore the entrance of the penis can easily cause tears in the anus or rectum. For this reason it is important to use lubricants to moisten the area and facilitate penetration. In this article you can check the causes of pain during anal sex and when it is convenient to see a doctor.
Hemorrhoids: stitches in the anus during pregnancy
Women are more likely to suffer from hemorrhoids during pregnancy as a result of the changes that take place in their body: varicose veins, fluid retention, weight gain, the appearance of stretch marks, etc. In the case of hemorrhoids, their appearance is due to the inflammation of the veins in the rectal area, being able to be inside or outside the rectum.
Is it normal to have hemorrhoids during pregnancy?
Yes. The development of the uterus affects the pressure that this exerts on the pelvis and the vein that carries blood from the heart to the lower extremities. This pressure hinders the speed with which the blood flows through this vein and favors the appearance of hemorrhoids.
Among the symptoms of hemorrhoids are the presence of blood on the toilet paper after cleaning the anal area after defecation, mucus in the rectal area and severe pain, especially when we sit down. In this article we teach you how to cure hemorrhoids with home remedies, however, do not hesitate to consult your doctor.
Perineal fistula or proctitis: lesions in the rectum
Pain in the anus can also be caused by injuries to the rectum. As we have explained previously, any wound, scratch or crack in this area can cause great pain due to contact with remains of feces. Thus, other causes of punctures in the anus are the following:
Perineal fistula
It is a more common problem in people between 30 and 50 years of age. It occurs when the anal glands responsible for producing the mucus necessary for lubrication become clogged. This occurs for a excess mucus and encourages the accumulation of germs, which make it easier for an abscess to become infected and accumulate in the anal area with pus. When this happens, the liquid inside must be drained, which is why the most frequent treatment is surgical intervention. Check the symptoms of anal fistula.
Proctitis
Another cause of pulling or throbbing inside the anus is the inflammation of the lining of the rectum. Generally, anal sex or sexually transmitted diseases can be responsible for this condition, however, it can also be a symptom of diseases such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis. Some of its symptoms are itching, stinging or pricking in the anus, constipation, blood when defecating, etc.
Diseases that produce throbbing in the anus
Although they are less frequent, some more serious diseases can cause problems in the digestive tract and, as a consequence, punctures appear or pulling in the anus. These diseases are characterized by inflammation or irritation in the internal part of the intestine, color or rectum and usually appear in outbreaks:
- Ulcerative colitis. It is an irritation of the colon and rectum, but does not affect other parts of the digestive tract. Its most frequent symptoms are bloody diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever, etc.
- Crohn’s disease. Inflammation of the digestive tract that triggers different symptoms, such as ulcers, reduced appetite, weight loss, fatigue, etc.
- Colon cancer. One of the cancers with the highest incidence in the world. It works by affecting the mucosa of the large intestine generating symptoms such as loss of appetite, weight loss, abdominal pain and blood in the stool, among others.
Stitches in the anus during menstruation
Pain and throbbing in the anus during menstruation are rare symptoms. However, some women have stated that, especially when they feel like going to the bathroom, the discomfort appears, and in some cases the pain can radiate up to the thigh.
The most common cause of pain in these cases is swelling of the lower belly area during the menstrual period. This inflammation can also cause discomfort in the anus, mainly due to the dilation of the vein responsible for causing hemorrhoids or piles. It is possible that the hemorrhoid does not form completely, but the inflammation is mild, however, you may feel stitches in the anus and pain in the area.
Treatment of pain and stitches in the anus
In the case of feeling pain in the anus, it is possible that any of the above causes are the cause, however, stop to observe if there are any more symptoms, and go to the doctor. In general, there are a series of recommendations that can be made as a treatment:
- Proper hygiene. There is no doubt that it is essential that the anal area is properly cleaned to prevent any fissure or scratch from becoming infected and to reduce pain, itching and irritation. For this you can use a sponge and warm water to clean the area until the wound heals. In addition, it is recommended that after defecating wet wipes be used instead of dry toilet paper, since this way it is easier to clean in depth.
- Medicines. Some medications such as anti-diarrhea or anti-inflammatory drugs can help stop diarrhea and reduce swelling in the area. In addition, you can consult your doctor to prescribe other types of medications based on the diagnosis.
- Feeding. If the problem is diarrhea, it is essential that you carry out the proper diet. In this post we explain how to eat if you have diarrhea.
- Sitz baths. It is a good way to relax the muscles in the area and reduce inflammation.
- Repose. Especially after going to the bathroom, it is advisable to stretch to relieve the stitches in the anus that can appear after defecating.
This article is merely informative, at oneHOWTO we do not have the power to prescribe any medical treatment or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.