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Attention, chocolate lovers: You may not be able to help yourselves. Swiss and British scientists have linked the widespread love of chocolate to a chemical "signature" that may be programmed into our metabolic systems.
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Anal Discomfort

Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors

The anus is the lowest part of the digestive tract, the opening from which stool is passed out of the body. Anal discomfort includes pain, itching, or burning.

What is going on in the body?

Discomfort in the anal area can take many forms, including pain, itching, or burning. It is rarely life threatening, but it can be quite annoying. There are several possible causes.

What are the causes and risks of the condition?

Causes of anal discomfort include:

anal fissure, which is a small erosion or wearing away of the lining on the inside of the anus

anal fistula, which is an abnormal connection between two areas of the body

cancer or a tumor involving the anus, such as anal cancer

hemorrhoids, which are enlarged veins in the anal area

infections, including sexually transmitted diseases (STD) such as Neisseria gonorrhoeae\ bacteria. The infection is usually acquired through sexual contact. ',CAPTION,'Gonorrhea in Males');" onmouseout="return nd();">gonorrhea, herpes, and Chlamydia trachomatis.\ Sexually transmitted disease refers to any contagious disease transmitted from one person to another during sexual contact. In men, the infection normally involves the urethra. The urethra is the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body. ',CAPTION,'Chlamydia Infection in Males');" onmouseout="return nd();"> chlamydia

inflammatory bowel disease, which is a condition that causes inflammation of the bowel for unknown reasons

irritation of the anal skin or lining, which can be caused by excessive washing or an allergic reaction

pruritis ani, which is a general term for itchiness of the anus that often has no known cause

tenesmus, which is an urgent desire to move the bowels

trauma, which may be caused by anal sex

Other causes are also possible. Sometimes, no cause can be found.

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