What is anal fistula?

Inside the anus are small glands that can get infected and create abscesses (collection of pus). An anal fistula is almost always the result of a previous abscess. A fistula is a small tunnel that forms under the skin and connects a previously infected anal abscess to the skin around the anus.

How do members experience anal fistula?

Top 5 symptoms reported by people with anal fistula*

*Reports may be affected by other conditions and/or medication side effects. We ask about general symptoms (anxious mood, depressed mood, fatigue, pain, and stress) regardless of condition.

Top treatments taken by people for anal fistula*

Who has anal fistula on PatientsLikeMe?

Age

Age Proportion # of patients
<20 2
20s 9
30s 23
40s 58
50s 51
60s 36
70+ 14

Distribution of sex

Sex

Sex Proportion # of patients
Male 113
Female 81