Is this a (rectal) fistula? Help! - photos included

[zbus]

Hi all,

I am completely new to this forum (and whole thing in general) and am looking for some advice before I investigate further.

So, to sum things up quickly - my boyfriend noticed that I had a small "hole" right above my anus one night, and I have been driving myself crazy trying to figure out what it is. After he pointed it out, I began looking at old pictures of myself and noticed that I have had this thing for quite some time (several months, possibly years).

From all of the research I have done it *seems* like it can only be a fistula. However, I have never had any sort of abscess or anything of the like, not even any noticeable discomfort. I do suffer from constipation on occasion, and DO notice tiny amounts of bright red blood of my toilet paper coming from this hole after bowel movements. However, there is still no significant pain (only slight irritation when the wiping). I do frequently engage in anal sex, and did not know if that could affect anything somehow.

I have attached 2 images of the hole. One resting and one being pulled. Any advice would be GREATLY appreciated.

Thanks,
Zbus

 

[Ttoz]

You really need to see a doctor. I have fistulas and setons and every one of them has hurt and became infected.. I don't think anybody can tell by looking at a picture? Some might say it could be a fistula but most would want to see where the tract leads to. My experience with fistulas have all been infected, painful and some were abscesses. Please see a doctor before it becomes something big!

 

[zbus]

Thank you for your reply and insight. I am in the process of scheduling an appointment with a doctor, but still value all of the opinions from this forum!

 

[zbus]

Any advice from anyone else?

Thanks!

 

[Kat123]

I would say the same zbus, that you'd need to get it checked out by a doctor and have MRI imaging and possibly an examination under anaesthesia to diagnose it.

I definitely knew about my fistula forming- there was a very painful abscess which then burst forming the fistula, though the tract had been there for some time with no external opening, but was also preceded by a painful abscess. I did have around 3 years in between when I didn't have too many symptoms, just a little drainage via anus.


I'd definitely get it checked out, though if it is a fistula and it's not causing you any problems, I might resist pressure to deal with it, depending on what that treatment might look like (that's probably a bit controversial)

Good luck!

 

[zbus]

Thank you for your advice! I definitely have plans to get it checked out. But yeah, other than the occasional few red spots on the toilet paper I have never had any real problems or even noticed it was there. The treatment options do seem a bit scary as well...

Thanks!

 

[zbus]

Bumping for further advice! Thanks!

 

[zbus]

Hi guys - just wanted to give you an update. I found online the "coconut ghee with milk" article and decided to give it a try. Long story short, the hole is GONE! It took me about 2 weeks straight of eating it (1 tablespoon in the morning/night with hot milk and some turmeric on an EMPTY STOMACH).

Just sharing the knowledge with you guys!