Symptoms of Anal Polyps

Many people experience poor gastrointestinal health in daily life. When seeking medical treatment at a hospital, doctors may perform a digital rectal examination (DRE). However, following the DRE, patients often still require a colonoscopy. Some patients mistakenly believe that doctors are deliberately creating unnecessary difficulties—after all, they’ve already undergone a digital rectal exam, so why is a colonoscopy still needed? Then, what are the symptoms of anal polyps?

Symptoms of Anal Polyps

Symptoms of anal polyps include prolapse, rectal bleeding, abdominal pain, infection, abnormal stool shape, and changes in bowel habits. Typically, these symptoms are caused by anal polyps. It is advisable to seek timely treatment according to the physician’s recommendations, which supports overall health. A common symptom is blood in the stool; the amount is usually small, but excessive straining during defecation may increase bleeding. The hallmark feature of this bleeding is that blood appears mixed with stool rather than dripping separately.

Anal polyps may protrude outward, causing patients to feel as though a fleshy mass is lodged inside the anus—a highly uncomfortable sensation. During bowel movements, the polyp may even protrude externally and require time to retract spontaneously. As the polyp irritates the intestinal lining, patients may develop abdominal pain, diarrhea, or bloody stools. Prompt medical intervention is essential at this stage; otherwise, the condition may worsen. Severe prolapse can lead to bleeding. Moreover, if the polyp is not treated properly at an accredited medical facility, secondary infection is likely. Such infections further aggravate the condition and complicate treatment.

We recommend that patients remain vigilant, undergo timely examinations, and follow their physician’s prescribed treatment plan. We hope this information proves helpful.