Symptoms
Not sure what condition you might be dealing with? Start with what you are experiencing. Each symptom page shows which conditions are commonly associated and links to relevant guides.
Bleeding
Bleeding during or after a bowel movement is common and usually not dangerous, but it should always be taken seriously. Several colorectal conditions can cause it.
5 related conditionsPain during bowel movements
Pain during a bowel movement is one of the most common colorectal symptoms. It can range from a dull ache to sharp, cutting pain depending on the cause.
6 related conditionsPain after bowel movements
Pain that continues or intensifies after a bowel movement is a hallmark of several conditions, particularly anal fissures where muscle spasm can prolong discomfort for hours.
4 related conditionsItching
Persistent itching around the anus can be frustrating and difficult to resolve. It often worsens at night and can be made worse by scratching, creating a cycle that is hard to break.
3 related conditionsSwelling or lump
A lump, swelling, or tender area near the anus can be alarming. Several conditions can cause this, and the characteristics of the lump often help distinguish between them.
6 related conditionsDischarge
Discharge or drainage from the anal area can be a sign of several conditions. The type, colour, and smell of the discharge can vary depending on the cause.
6 related conditionsPressure or fullness
A feeling of pressure, fullness, or heaviness in the rectal area is reported across several conditions. It can be constant or come and go.
4 related conditionsProtrusion
Tissue protruding from the anus can be frightening when first noticed. It is most commonly associated with hemorrhoids or rectal prolapse, and the distinction matters for treatment.
2 related conditionsSpasm or cramping
Rectal or anal spasms can range from brief, intense episodes to a lingering ache. They are associated with several conditions and can sometimes occur without an obvious structural cause.
4 related conditionsConstipation
Constipation is both a symptom and a common trigger for other colorectal conditions. Straining during bowel movements can cause or worsen fissures, hemorrhoids, and prolapse.
2 related conditionsPain while sitting
Pain that worsens when sitting is common after procedures and with certain conditions. It can significantly affect daily life and work.
4 related conditionsIncomplete evacuation
The feeling that a bowel movement is not complete, even after finishing, is reported across several conditions. It can lead to repeated trips to the toilet and unnecessary straining.
3 related conditionsDiarrhea
Frequent loose stools can irritate the anal area and trigger or worsen other colorectal conditions. Managing diarrhea is often an important part of managing related symptoms.
1 related conditionUrgency
A sudden, strong need to have a bowel movement — sometimes with little warning — can be disruptive and anxiety-inducing. It is commonly associated with IBS-related colorectal symptoms.
1 related conditionNight pain
Rectal pain that wakes you at night or occurs primarily during sleep is a distinctive pattern. It is most closely associated with proctalgia fugax.
1 related condition