The anal canal is the last part of the digestive tract and problems in this area can be uncomfortable and embarrassing for all women.
Let’s dive deeper into anal canal problems in women which are commonly encountered among the women of our country.
Usually, a female experiences the following complaints in the anal region:
- Bleeding per rectum
- Pain
- Constipation
- Skin tags
- Warts in the perianal region
Not all anal problems are considered piles which is a common misconception among women in this generation.
Who All Are at Risk?
- Elderly people
- Obese people
- Women with thyroid problems
- Women who consume insufficient water
- Women who consume less fibre food, more junk food and have an improper diet plan to reduce weight
Their family members too could face similar anal problems.
What Is an Anal Fissure?
An anal fissure is a small tear in the anal canal.
Commonly, fissures are seen in women due to constipation, straining and passing hard stools.
Patients with anal fissures often experience pain while passing stools and they may also notice a few drops of blood on stools, and skin tags in the perianal region. The pain may continue after passing stools and can last for any time between 2-4 hours throughout the day.
Chronic anal fissures that cannot be treated with medical therapy will need surgical treatment. A minor daycare laser procedure is often effective in treating it.
What Are Haemorrhoids?
Haemorrhoids, also known as piles, is a serious problem faced by people nowadays.
They are of 2 types – internal & external. In internal haemorrhoids, there will be minimal to no pain but bleeding will be more. In external haemorrhoids, there will be swelling in the anal skin and more pain but bleeding will be mild.
It occurs in both males & females, but for women, the problem could have many causes.
As you know, women in their reproductive age lose blood every month during menstruation. For them, knowingly and unknowingly, everyday loss of blood while passing stools will add more blood loss compared to men.
Soon, their haemoglobin level will be very low and they could end up with anaemia. As a result, they will feel more fatigued. And also, they have to do their day-to-day activities. It may lead to other psychological problems like frustration, anger issues with family members and also depression.
So, if you are facing any problems like these, especially ladies, kindly consult a surgeon as soon as possible. Don’t hesitate to talk about anal canal problems; address them early to prevent future complications.
In the case of piles, a laser haemorrhoidoplasty procedure is preferred in comparison to the conventional open surgical haemorrhoidectomy. The laser procedure is bloodless and postoperative pain is significantly lesser. It can be done as a daycare procedure.
What Is a Rectocele?
One worrisome misconception among women is that they confuse rectocele with constipation.
Rectocele is common after multiple vaginal deliveries due to weakening of the pelvic floor. When the rectum bulges into the vagina during defecation it is called a rectocele.
Women will present with complaints of:
- Excessive straining
- Incomplete defecation
- Dull aching pain after defecation
- Stool trapping and soft bulge inside the vagina
- Digital evacuation of faeces (clearing faeces using fingers or pushing the bulge inside the vagina by using one or more fingers)
Women often feel embarrassed to report this condition but they should not feel shy and seek medical treatment for it. If these problems are diagnosed early, then non-surgical management of rectocele is possible. A multimodal approach which includes lifestyle modifications, pelvic floor strengthening exercises and avoiding repeated weight lifting will help overcome the issue. Later stages of rectocele may need corrective surgeries.
So, women should not feel embarrassed and should consult a doctor at the earliest.
Wishing you good health and a happy life.
Dr Santhi
Consultant General Surgeon
Kauvery Hospital, Chennai
