When proctology is mentioned, many people feel embarrassed and find it hard to discuss. However, as the "terminal station" of the human digestive system, the health of the anus and rectum is vitally important. Many anorectal conditions are extremely common - as the saying goes, "nine out of ten people have hemorrhoids." Early awareness, prevention, and treatment are key.

I. Frequent Visitors to the Anal Region: These Conditions You May Know About

1. Hemorrhoids - The Most Common "Embarrassing Condition"

What is it? Essentially, hemorrhoids are varicose vein clusters formed by blood stasis and dilation in the anal vascular plexus. You can visualize them as "tiny sponges" in the anal area that become engorged, swollen, or prolapsed.

Classifications and Symptoms:

Internal Hemorrhoids: Located inside the anal canal, primarily characterized by painless rectal bleeding with bright red blood, either dripping or spurting. In severe cases, hemorrhoidal masses may prolapse outside the anus.

External hemorrhoids: Located at the anal margin, with primary symptoms including anal discomfort, moisture, and itching. If thrombosis forms, it may cause severe pain.

Mixed hemorrhoids: Simultaneous presence of both internal and external hemorrhoids, exhibiting symptoms of both conditions.

Causes: Chronic constipation or diarrhea, prolonged sitting or standing, pregnancy, heavy lifting, and extended time spent on toilet.

2. Anal fissure - "knife-cut-like" pain during defecation

What is it? A fissure in the anal canal skin layer forms a small ulcer. Much like chapped lips, but occurring in the anus, causing severe pain.

Symptoms:

Characteristic pain: Intense, knife-like or burning pain during bowel movements that may persist for hours afterward.

Rectal bleeding: Small amounts of blood, typically seen as stains on toilet paper or on the surface of stool.

Itching in the anal region.

Etiology: Mostly caused by dry, hard stool tearing the anal canal skin, and also related to excessive tension of the internal anal sphincter.

3. Perianal Abscess & Anal Fistula - "Twin Troubles"

What is it? These are two stages of the same disease.

Perianal abscess: An infection of the glands surrounding the anus, forming a pocket of "pus." It can be understood as inflammation and suppuration inside the anus.

Anal fistula: An abnormal "tunnel" connecting the inside of the anus to the external skin, formed after an abscess ruptures or is surgically drained.

Abscess: A red, swollen, hot, and painful lump appears around the anus, possibly accompanied by systemic symptoms such as fever and fatigue.

Anal Fistula: After the abscess ruptures, there will be a small opening on the perianal area that repeatedly discharges pus and fluid, becoming chronic and difficult to heal.

Cause: The vast majority stem from infection of the anal glands.

4. Rectal Polyps - Small "Bumps" That Require Vigilance

What is it? "Fleshy bumps" growing on the rectal mucosa. Most are benign, but certain types (such as adenomatous polyps) serve as "precursors" to colorectal cancer.

Symptoms: Usually asymptomatic in early stages; larger polyps may cause bloody stools, mucous stools, changes in bowel habits, or polyp prolapse.

Importance: Colonoscopy is the best method for detecting and removing polyps, effectively preventing colorectal cancer.

2. How to Prevent? Develop Healthy "Anal" Habits

Balanced diet and adequate hydration: Consume more dietary fiber-rich foods (vegetables, fruits, whole grains) and ensure daily water intake of 1.5-2 liters to soften stools and prevent constipation.

Maintain regular bowel movements and be quick: Develop a habit of defecating at fixed times and avoid holding in bowel movements when the urge arises. Keep toilet time under 5 minutes, avoiding prolonged squatting, reading, or using mobile phones.

Keep clean with warm sitz baths: Clean the anus with warm water after bowel movements or use moist toilet paper. If discomfort occurs, take warm sitz baths to promote local blood circulation.

Avoid prolonged sitting and exercise more: Stand up and move around for 5 minutes after every 45-60 minutes of sitting. Perform regular Kegel exercises (rhythmically contracting and relaxing the anus) to strengthen sphincter function.

Quit smoking, limit alcohol, and reduce spicy foods: Spicy and irritating foods as well as alcohol can irritate perianal blood vessels, triggering or aggravating conditions.

3. When should you seek medical attention for symptoms?

If any of the following conditions occur, please put aside "embarrassment" and promptly visit a proctology department:

Any form of bloody stools (especially dark red blood, mixed with mucus, or persistent bloody stools).

Persistent pain or lumps in the anus or abdominal area.

Sudden changes in bowel habits (such as alternating constipation and diarrhea, or tenesmus).

Difficulty in defecation, thinning of stools, or sensation of incomplete evacuation.

Prolapsed mass in the anal area, persistent pus discharge, and chronic itching.

IV. Medical Visit Tips: Overcoming Embarrassment

Relax Your Mind: For doctors, this is just a normal body part and common condition—they see numerous similar cases daily.

Prepare in Advance: Clearly consider and inform your doctor about your primary symptoms (onset time, frequency, triggers, etc.).

Routine Examination: Doctors typically begin with visual inspection and digital rectal examination (DRE). DRE is crucial as it allows direct palpation of masses, hemorrhoids, tenderness, etc., in the lower rectum—an irreplaceable diagnostic method for many conditions (including low rectal cancer).

Conclusion:

Anorectal health is an important component of overall wellbeing. Understanding these common conditions, maintaining good lifestyle habits, and seeking professional help scientifically and openly when problems arise truly represent responsible attitudes toward one's health. Caring for your body begins with caring for your "backside" health.