What Causes Feeling Of Something Protruding From Anus?

Posted on Fri, 20 Feb 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Fri, 20 Feb 2015 Answered on

Wed, 18 Mar 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : I am a male, Age: 27 yrs. I feel like something is protuding from my anus. It isn't there when i pass my bowels. It usually starts 1-2 hrs after that and remains till the day end. It is gone in the morning when i wake up after a sleep. Usually it disappears by night.

There is slight pain like that of piles but only in some positions while standing or bending. The pain is bearable and is not present always.

Also, this isn't continuous. It occurs for 2-3 days, then disappears for 1-2 weeks and then comes back. This has been going on for 2 years. There have been times when i haven't had any symptoms till even a month.

Request your suggestion on what this could be and if there are any OTC solutions to alleviate the symptoms.

Answered by Dr. Prof. Kunal Saha (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Sitz bath and stool softeners are needed.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for asking on HealthcareMagic.

I have carefully gone through your problem. You seem to have either sentinel piles or rectal prolapse. In any case, you should visit a surgeon and get it evaluated. Constipation usually plays a major role in development of such a condition and keeping constipation at bay can significantly reduce the problem. I would suggest use of over the counter stool softeners like polyethylene glycol although I prefer the prescription medicine lactulose. In case you wish to go for the latter, you would need to get it prescribed. Plenty of green leafy vegetables will help in increasing roughage and should help.

Sitz bath should be helpful. Please take water as hot as your skin can take, sit with your anal opening dipped in it. Do this twice a day for around 20 mins or so. It should give you relief.

Hope that helps.

If you found my answer to be helpful, please close the thread with a positive review and a 5 star rating.

Regards
Dr. Kunal Saha

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Prof. Kunal Saha (8 hours later)

Thank you. Since sitz baths may not be possible always due to my job, could you suggest any cream or spray which I may use alternatively to relieve symptoms.

Also, I understand that a stool softener/sitz bath will only solve the problem temporarily. Can you tell me the different medical procedures which I can undergo to solve this problem permanently (Looking at the symptoms, I feel my problem is still at early stages)

The reason I am not taking this too seriously is that the discomfort/pain caused due to this is minor/bearable and disappears often. But I would like to know if there are any procedures for the long term.

Thank you again.

Answered by Dr. Prof. Kunal Saha (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
You should take it seriously and take interventions.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for writing back.

You could still perhaps go for Sitz bath after you return home from work. It helps in reducing the inflammation and by reducing the chances of progression.

Applying Creams like Annovate or Sucral M would have a more temporary effect than that of the measures that I mentioned.

As I mentioned, the primary non-surgical modality to control the problem on permanent basis is to keep constipation at bay. I have already suggested interventions for the same. No medicines will otherwise make it go away. The actual permanent solution is surgical although there are chances of recurrence if you do not go for the non-surgical measures.

You should take this seriously.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Pradeep Vitta

Follow up: Dr. Prof. Kunal Saha (2 days later)

Thank you once again. I will take up the measures you have given. I will take this seriously.

Lastly can you please advice in the following:

I used to go to the gym and lift weights. Can I continue the same or will it effect my condition. Does standing or sitting too much increase the severity of this condition ? Also can you kindly comment on the type of food I need to avoid, like oily,spicy,etc. Does it have any effect ? and the type of clothing, will that have any effect ?

Thanks

Answered by Dr. Prof. Kunal Saha (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Omit red meat from your diet. Avoid constipation

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for writing back.

I would suggest temporarily halting lifting weights, if that is feasible. The weight lifting increases intra-abdominal pressure and thereby increases of the possibility of rectal prolapse, if that is occurring. First visit a doctor and get it evaluated. If the doctor thinks it to be something else, discuss with him if weight lifting can be allowed.

Take simple diet low in spices and oil. Avoid red meat. Take plenty of green leafy vegetables. Avoid any food item that could cause constipation. Use isabgol husk at dinner so that your stool remains soft. Oily foods and animal proteins could cause constipation and increase the problem.

About the clothing. Loosely fitting clothes should be fine.

Hope that helps.

Regards
Dr. Kunal Saha

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T