What are the treatments for the condition?

Treatment is directed at the cause. Excessive washing of the anus with soap is discouraged and often makes the pain worse. Most STDs can be treated with antibiotics. Inflammatory bowel disease is often treated with medicines such as prednisone to reduce inflammation. Medicine or hemorrhoid surgery may be used for hemorrhoids. People with anal cancer may need surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy.

What are the side effects of the treatments?

Side effects depend on the treatments. For example, antibiotics and sulfasalazine may cause allergic reactions or stomach upset. Surgery can cause bleeding, infection, or allergic reactions to anesthesia.

What happens after treatment for the condition?

Outcomes after treatment are related to the cause. A person with diarrhea from an infection often feels better once the infection clears up. A person with inflammatory bowel disease often has repeated flare-ups of the disease. A person with anal cancer may die if treatment fails.

How is the condition monitored?

Any new or worsening symptoms should be reported to the healthcare provider.