Health Hub
Your go-to spot for no-nonsense anal health information and resources - when you need them most.
Backside pain or discomfort?
They say only cowards shoot you in the back, and anal discomfort is no different. Below you can find a list of the most common disorders and their symptoms, to help you identify the issue you are experiencing.
Haemorrhoids/Piles
What are haemorrhoids?
Haemorrhoids are swollen veins in or on the anus, which manifest in small, irritated bumps on the anus.
How do haemorrhoids happen?
- Straining during bowel movements
- Chronic constipation or diarrhoea
- Pregnancy and childbirth
- Heavy lifting
- Prolonged sitting
- Obesity
Symptoms of haemorrhoids
- Painful lumps on the anus
- Blood in your stool / on the toilet paper
- Anal itching/burning
- Pain when going to the toilet
- Pain when wiping
Anal Fissures
What are fissures?
Anal fissures are small tears in the lining of the anus that can cause sharp pain and bleeding during bowel movements.
How do fissures happen?
- Passing large or hard stools
- Chronic constipation or diarrhoea
- Straining during bowel movements
- Inflammatory conditions like Crohn's disease
Symptoms of fissures
- Sharp pain when going to the toilet
- Blood on the toilet paper
- A visible crack on the skin of the anus
- Deep burning pain that can last several hours
- A small lump on the torn skin
Anal Itching / Pruritus Ani
What is anal itching?
Anal itching, or pruritus ani, is a persistent itch around the anus often caused by irritation, infection, or skin conditions.
How does anal itching occur?
- Poor hygiene or excessive cleaning
- Skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis
- Fungal or bacterial infections
- Food irritants or allergies
- Worm infestations, especially in children
Symptoms of anal itching
- Itchiness
- Anal irritation
- Anal burning & soreness
- Thick or leathery skin on the anus
Faecal Incontinence
What is faecal incontinence?
Faecal incontinence is the inability to control bowel movements, leading to unintentional leakage of stool. It can range from occasional leakage to a complete loss of bowel control.
How does faecal incontinence happen?
- Weakness or damage to the anal sphincter muscles
- Nerve damage from childbirth, surgery, or injury
- Chronic diarrhoea or constipation
- Rectal prolapse or other structural issues
- Neurological conditions like multiple sclerosis or stroke
Symptoms of faecal incontinence
- Unintended leakage of stool or gas
- Urgency to have a bowel movement
- Soiling or staining of underwear
- Discomfort or embarrassment during social situations
- Frequent skin irritation or rashes around the anus
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
What is IBS?
IBS is a chronic condition affecting the large intestine, causing abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in bowel habits without visible damage to the digestive system.
How does IBS happen?
- Abnormal gut contractions
- Stress or mental health conditions
- Sensitivity to certain foods
- Changes in gut microbiome
Symptoms of IBS
- Abdominal pain or cramping
- Bloating or gas
- Diarrhoea, constipation, or alternating both
- Mucus in stool
- A sense of incomplete bowel movement
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
What is IBD?
IBD encompasses chronic inflammatory conditions like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis that affect the digestive tract.
How does IBD happen?
- Immune system malfunction
- Genetic predisposition
- Environmental factors like diet and stress
- Imbalance of gut bacteria
Symptoms of IBD
- Persistent diarrhoea
- Abdominal pain and cramping
- Blood or mucus in stool
- Weight loss and fatigue
- Urgency to have a bowel movement
Bowel Cancer
What is bowel cancer?
Bowel cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, is the abnormal growth of cells in the colon or rectum, which can form tumors.
How does bowel cancer happen?
- Genetic predisposition or family history
- Long-term inflammatory bowel disease
- Diet high in red or processed meats
- Smoking and alcohol consumption
- Obesity and physical inactivity
Symptoms of bowel cancer
- Blood in stool or rectal bleeding
- Persistent changes in bowel habits (diarrhoea or constipation)
- Abdominal pain or discomfort
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fatigue and weakness
- Sense of incomplete bowel movements
Meet the wype experts
Dr James Kinross
Consultant Colorectal Surgeon
Senior Lecturer at Imperial College London and Chief Medical Officer at Wype
Dr James Kinross is a Consultant Colorectal Surgeon at OneWelbeck Digestive Health & Senior Lecturer at Imperial College London. Specialising in minimally invasive surgery for colorectal cancer and inflammatory bowel disease. James joined Wype as Chief Medical Officer in 2023, where he advises on product formulations and leads innovation in new product development.
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Lucy Allen
Consultant Pelvic Floor Specialist &
Physiotherapist
Lucy Allen is a highly experienced pelvic health physiotherapist based in London, with a focus on digestive health issues. Lucy spearheads Wype's holistic care initiatives, offering expert guidance on pelvic and bottom health conditions. Her extensive and active experience is instrumental in our mission to provide reliable information to the Wype community, raise awareness, and address critical digestive and bottom health challenges.
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