Common causes — and how they differ.
Anal pain is one of the most common reasons patients book a visit, and the causes vary widely. Identifying the source is the entire game — once that's settled, treatment is usually straightforward.
Anal fissure
Sharp, tearing pain that peaks during a bowel movement and lingers for hours afterward. The most common cause of severe anal pain. See full page →
Thrombosed external hemorrhoid
Sudden onset of intense pain often accompanied by a visible, tender lump. The pain typically peaks within 48 hours and gradually improves. In-office excision provides immediate relief if caught early.
Anorectal abscess or fistula
Throbbing, constant pain often accompanied by fever, swelling, or visible drainage. Requires prompt treatment — usually drainage in office or at a surgical facility.
Levator ani syndrome / proctalgia fugax
Spasm-related pain in the pelvic floor muscles, often described as a deep ache or pressure. Treated with targeted muscle relaxation, physical therapy, and (occasionally) injection.
Pruritus ani with secondary irritation
Chronic itching that has been scratched raw can become genuinely painful. Treatment focuses on the underlying itch. See full page →
How Dr. Maz approaches anal pain.
The first goal of any anal-pain visit is identifying the cause precisely. A focused conversation about the pain — when it started, what it feels like, when it's worst — combined with a brief exam usually answers the question definitively. Patients consistently report that the exam is far less uncomfortable than they feared.
Once the source is identified, treatment is targeted: a fissure protocol, hemorrhoid procedure, abscess drainage, muscle relaxation regimen, or behavioral plan. Generic painkillers without addressing the cause don't work and aren't part of the approach.
"In less than 12 hours, Dr. Ghodsian and his team had arranged for me to undergo the surgery, showcasing their dedication to timely and effective patient care." — Patient, urgent surgical care
When to come in the same day.
Most anal pain isn't an emergency. But same-day evaluation is appropriate if you're experiencing:
- Severe pain that came on suddenly
- Pain with fever, chills, or visible swelling
- Pain with significant bleeding
- Pain accompanied by an inability to urinate or have a bowel movement
For routine anal pain, a same-day appointment in this office is almost always possible.