Anal care

The anus is the last few centimetres of your large bowel. It's the opening where the faeces (poo) leaves your body. During a bowel movement, your anal muscles (sphincters) relax to release faeces.

Many things can affect the health of your anus.

Gently wash and dry your anus after pooing and before going to bed. Use wet toilet paper or a wet washcloth. Use plain water only, or an unscented soap.

Wear cotton underwear that isn't tight.

Do not use:

• scented soaps or bubble bath
• perfumes
• talcum powder
• deodorant

Avoid douching (using an enema) to clean faeces from your anus. Douching can damage your rectum.

To help keep your bowel healthy:

• drink 6 to 8 glasses of water each day
• eat high-fibre foods — fruits, vegetables and whole grains
• exercise for 30 minutes most days
• keep a healthy body weight
• stop smoking or vaping

The best way to practice safe anal sex is to use a condom or dam with lots of water-based lubricant. This can lower your chance of getting sexually transmitted infections (STIs) including HIV.

To lower your chance of anus damage, ask sexual partners to remove rings and trim their fingernails.

There are many different conditions that can affect your anus.

Anal fissures are small tears in the lining of your anus. They are often caused by passing hard stool. They can also occur after:

• giving birth vaginally
• anal sex
• diarrhoea

An anal abscess is a collection of pus, caused by an infection. A doctor will treat an abscess by draining the pus. You may also need antibiotics.

There are many causes of an itchy bottom (pruritus ani), including threadworms.

Haemorrhoids (piles) are lumps that occur inside and outside your anal passage. Haemorrhoids often go away without any treatment.

Anal cancer is a rare cancer that affects your anus. Most anal cancers are caused by human papillomavirus (HPV). You can lower your chance of getting anal cancer by getting the HPV vaccine.

A warm bath may help ease your anal pain.

Use an ice pack wrapped in a clean towel, to help with haemorrhoid pain and swelling. Do not use the ice pack for more than 30 minutes at a time.

Speak with your pharmacist if you have anal pain or itching. They can give you advice on pain relief medicines.

There are over-the-counter creams and ointments which can relieve itching around the anus. You can also buy medicines to treat threadworms.

Always follow the instructions on the packet.

See a doctor if you have:

• pain in your bottom
• bleeding from your bottom or blood in your poo
• discharge or poo leaking from your bottom
• any new or unusual lumps near your anus
• an itchy bottom that is not getting better
• difficulty controlling your bowel movements

It can be distressing when there are problems with your anal function.

See a doctor if you are concerned about your anus.

Learn more about pelvic floor training for males (Opens in new tab) and females (Opens in new tab).

For support with faecal incontinence, call Continence Health Australia (Opens in new tab) on 1800 33 00 66.

You can also call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.