When Anal or Bowel Symptoms Need Urgent Help
Know when bleeding, severe anal pain, fever, swelling or discharge needs NHS 111, an urgent GP appointment or emergency care.
Which bowel and anal symptoms need urgent care?
Bowel and anal symptoms can be worrying, painful and embarrassing. The right place to seek help depends on the symptoms and how severe they are. You do not need to work this out alone.
| Where to seek help | Symptoms and warning signs |
| Call 999 or go to A&E | Bleeding that will not stop; enough blood to turn the toilet water red; large blood clots; severe tummy pain; collapse, confusion, breathing problems or very pale or blotchy skin. |
| Contact NHS 111 or ask for an urgent GP appointment | Severe anal pain with a fever or shivering; black or dark-red poo; bloody diarrhoea; rapidly increasing pain or swelling; pus from the anal area; worsening tummy pain or repeated vomiting. |
| Ask your GP about an urgent suspected cancer referral | Ongoing or unexplained bleeding; a lasting change in bowel habit; unexplained weight loss; unusual tiredness or anaemia; a lump in the tummy or rectum; or an unexplained lump or sore around the anus. |
| Book an elective assessment at Feylix Clinic | Piles, anal fissures, skin tags, itching, discomfort, minor prolapse, pain when opening your bowels, or other long-lasting anal symptoms without emergency or cancer warning signs. |
What is a two-week-wait referral?
An urgent suspected cancer referral is often called a “two-week-wait” referral. It does not mean that you have cancer. Most people referred this way do not receive a cancer diagnosis.
Your GP will review your symptoms, age, medical history and examination findings. They may arrange blood tests or a stool test called a FIT. A positive FIT result, a suspicious lump or continuing unexplained symptoms may lead to an urgent referral. Do not delay speaking to your GP because you feel embarrassed.
When can Feylix Clinic help?
Feylix Clinic provides planned, specialist care for non-emergency anal conditions. “Elective” simply means that treatment can be arranged safely in advance. It does not mean that your symptoms are minor or unimportant.
Piles, fissures and similar problems can cause severe pain, bleeding, itching, disturbed sleep and anxiety. They may affect work, exercise, relationships and confidence. You deserve to be listened to and treated with care.
Symptoms can overlap, so this guide cannot diagnose you. If symptoms suddenly worsen, bleeding becomes heavy or you feel very unwell, use NHS urgent or emergency services rather than waiting for a clinic appointment.
Use NHS 111 or ask for an urgent GP appointment
- Fever, shivering or feeling very unwell with anal pain or swelling
- Pus or foul-smelling discharge with worsening pain
- Painless bleeding from the bottom
- A sudden major change in bowel control
- Symptoms that are getting worse quickly
Routine Private Assessment
Feylix can assess ongoing bleeding, pain, itching, lumps, discharge, leakage, urgency or difficulty emptying when you are otherwise well. The clinic is not an emergency service.
