Are you facing anal discharge again and again? It goes away for some days, then it comes back after some time. This cycle can continue for weeks or even months. Many people feel shy to talk about this problem. Because of this shame, they keep delaying the visit to a doctor. But this kind of discharge is often not a small issue. It can be a sign of an anal fistula.
At Kaizen Fistula Care, Pune, we meet many patients every week who have been suffering silently for a long time. Some of them tried home remedies. Some of them took medicines without proper diagnosis. But the problem kept coming back. Under the expert care of Dr. Samrat Jankar, a trusted Fistula Specialist in Pune with 17+ years of experience, patients get correct diagnosis and lasting relief from this recurring problem.
In this blog, we will explain in simple words what causes this discharge, what are the warning signs, and how it can be treated properly. Our aim is to help you understand this condition clearly, so you can take the right step at the right time.
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What Is an Anal Fistula?
An anal fistula is a small tunnel. It forms between the inside of the anus and the skin outside, near the anus. In simple words, imagine a small pipe joining two points that should not be connected. This tunnel usually develops after a perianal abscess bursts on its own, or is drained by a doctor.
When the pus comes out, most patients feel relief. They think the problem is over. But this is where the confusion starts. The infected tract inside does not close fully in many cases. It remains open under the skin. This condition, where a tunnel forms after an infection, is called fistula in ano.
Every fistula has two openings. One opening is inside the anal canal. Doctors call this the internal opening of anal fistula. The second opening is on the skin outside the anus. This is called the external opening of anal fistula. Discharge, pus, and sometimes small amounts of blood keep coming out from this outer opening, again and again, because the tunnel connecting both openings stays active.
What Does Anal Fistula Discharge Look Like?
Patients often ask us, “How do I know if my discharge is normal or something serious?” The answer lies in careful observation. Anal fistula discharge looks different for every patient, but there are some common signs that most patients report:
- Yellowish or blood-mixed fluid
- Thick, pus-like discharge, sometimes sticky
- Foul-smelling anal discharge, which can be embarrassing in daily life
- Stains on underwear, even after bathing
- Mild bleeding along with the discharge, especially after passing stool
- A feeling of wetness near the anus throughout the day
If you are noticing this kind of discharge again and again, please do not ignore it. Many patients wait for months, hoping it will go away on its own. But this delay only makes the treatment more complicated later. A proper check-up by a qualified doctor is the safest step.
Why Does Anal Discharge Keep Coming Back?
This is the most common question patients ask us. The simple answer is — the fistula tract stays open from inside, even when the skin outside looks healed. Skin closing does not mean the problem is solved.
There is also an anal gland infection deep inside, near the anal canal. This gland keeps getting infected on and off. As long as this gland is infected, the tract keeps draining. That is why discharge keeps returning, sometimes after weeks, sometimes after months.
Common Symptoms of an Anal Fistula:
Anal fistula symptoms are not difficult to notice, once you know what to check. Many patients ignore early symptoms because they feel mild in the beginning. But over time, these symptoms become more troublesome. Common signs include:
- Recurring anal discharge, again and again, sometimes daily
- Pain around the anus, especially while sitting for long hours
- Perianal swelling near the opening, which can feel tender to touch
- Skin irritation and itching due to constant discharge
- Mild fever during periods of active infection
- A small hole or opening near the anus that keeps oozing fluid
- Discomfort during bowel movements
- General tiredness, in case the infection is long-standing
If you have two or more of these signs together, it is time to see a specialist without further delay. Early consultation makes a big difference in how simple or complex your treatment will be.
Could It Be an Anal Fistula or Something Else?
Anal discharge does not always mean fistula. This is an important point to understand, because many patients get worried unnecessarily, while some others ignore serious symptoms thinking it is minor. Sometimes the discharge can be due to:
- Piles (haemorrhoids) with slight bleeding, especially after constipation
- Anal fissure with minor discharge, usually along with sharp pain
- Simple skin infection near the anus, without any tunnel formation
- Recurrent perianal abscess, where the tract has not fully formed yet, but keeps causing repeated swelling
Only a proper examination can tell you the real cause behind your symptoms. Guessing at home, or self-treating with over-the-counter creams, can waste valuable time. It is always better to visit a trusted Fistula Specialist in Pune for correct diagnosis. A specialist can differentiate between these conditions quickly, using simple examination techniques and, if needed, imaging tests.
What Causes an Anal Fistula?
Understanding the root cause helps in both treatment and prevention. Here are the common anal fistula causes seen in patients across Pune and other cities:
- Untreated or repeated perianal abscess – this is the most common cause
- Crohn’s disease and anal fistula connection – patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are more prone to developing fistulas
- Tuberculosis, in some rare cases, especially in areas where TB is more common
- Past anal surgery or injury, which may leave behind weak tissue
- Long-term constipation and straining during motion, which puts pressure on anal glands
- Poor hygiene combined with repeated minor infections
- Diabetes, which can slow down healing and increase infection risk
Knowing the exact cause helps your doctor choose the right treatment plan for you. For example, a fistula caused by Crohn’s disease needs a different approach compared to a simple fistula from a one-time abscess.
How Is an Anal Fistula Diagnosed?
Diagnosis usually starts with a simple physical check-up. The doctor examines the outer opening and gently checks the tract. For complex cases, an MRI for anal fistula is advised. This scan helps the doctor to understand:
- The full path of the tract
- Any branches, in case of a complex anal fistula
- How close the tract is to the anal sphincter muscle (the muscle that controls bowel movement)
At Kaizen Fistula Care, we use modern imaging tools. This helps in planning safe, minimally invasive surgery with better results.
Can an Anal Fistula Heal on Its Own?
Many patients ask this. The honest answer is — no, it usually does not heal on its own. Sometimes the outer opening closes for a few weeks, and patients feel relieved. But the tunnel inside is still there. Infection builds up again, and discharge comes back. This cycle keeps repeating until proper treatment is done.
Treatment Options for a Recurring Anal Fistula:
The good news is, anal fistula treatment has improved a lot in recent years. Based on your case, the doctor may suggest:
- Fistulotomy — cutting open the tract, used for simple fistulas
- Seton placement — a surgical thread placed to drain infection slowly, used for complex tracts
- Laser Fistula Treatment — modern, minimally invasive method with quicker healing
- LIFT Procedure — closes the tract while protecting the sphincter muscle
- Rectal Advancement Flap Repair — used for complex or high-level fistulas
At Kaizen Fistula Care, Dr. Samrat Jankar personally examines each patient before deciding the treatment. He is well known for developing the PILTEC technique, a method designed specially for complex and repeatedly recurring fistula cases. With over 17 years of experience and more than 5,000 fistula surgeries, he is trusted by patients across Pune for safe, lasting results.
What Happens If an Anal Fistula Is Left Untreated?
Ignoring a fistula, hoping it will resolve on its own, can create bigger problems later. Many patients come to us after years of neglect, and by that time, the condition has become much more complicated. Some common risks of leaving a fistula untreated include:
- Repeated abscess formation and infection, causing recurring pain
- Growing pain and discomfort that affects daily activities and sitting posture
- Damage to the sphincter muscle over time, due to repeated infection and inflammation
- Difficulty controlling bowel movements, which can seriously affect quality of life
- The simple fistula slowly turning into a complex anal fistula with multiple tracts
- Constant discomfort, bad odour, and emotional stress affecting confidence and social life
- In rare, long-standing cases, a small risk of the tract turning cancerous
Treating the fistula early makes the surgery simpler, safer, and the recovery much faster. It also reduces the chances of needing multiple surgeries in the future.
When Should You See a Doctor for Anal Discharge?
It is natural to feel hesitant about discussing this problem, but please remember that doctors treat such cases every single day. There is nothing to feel embarrassed about. Please book a consultation if you notice:
- Discharge that lasts more than a week
- Discharge that comes back again after appearing to heal
- Pain, swelling, or fever along with the discharge
- Blood mixed in the discharge, even in small amounts
- A visible small opening near the anus that keeps draining fluid
- Any change in bowel habits along with these symptoms
Do not wait for the condition to worsen before seeking help. Early visit to a Fistula Specialist in Pune means simpler treatment, shorter recovery time, and much faster relief from discomfort.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Because the fistula tract inside stays open, even though the skin outside may look healed. The internal opening keeps getting infected, causing discharge to return again and again.
Yes. Recurring discharge is one of the most common and reliable signs of an anal fistula, especially when it happens after a previous abscess.
It is mostly yellowish or blood-mixed, with a bad smell. It often stains clothing and can cause skin irritation near the anus.
No, in most cases. While the outer opening may close temporarily, the internal tract usually remains. Surgery is needed for full and lasting healing.
Because the anal gland near the internal opening keeps getting infected, again and again, sending fluid through the tract to the outer opening.
An abscess is a painful, pus-filled swelling that develops suddenly. A fistula is the tunnel that often forms after the abscess is drained or bursts. A doctor’s examination can confirm exactly which condition you have.
It can lead to repeated infections, sphincter muscle damage, difficulty controlling bowel movements, and a more complicated condition over time.
Through a physical check-up and, if needed, an MRI for anal fistula to map the tract clearly. Treatment options include fistulotomy, seton placement, LIFT procedure, or laser fistula surgery, depending on the complexity of the case.
Dr. Samrat Jankar at Kaizen Fistula Care, Pune, is a highly experienced colorectal and GI surgeon with 17+ years of experience. He has performed more than 5,000 fistula surgeries and is the developer of the PILTEC technique, a specialised method known for high success rates in complex and recurrent fistula cases. He was also awarded Best Doctor in Pune (2025) by Outlook Magazine, making him a trusted choice for fistula treatment in Pune.
Conclusion:
Recurring anal discharge is not something to ignore or hide. It is often a clear sign of an anal fistula, and in most cases, it does not go away by itself. Delaying treatment only makes the condition more complex and the surgery more difficult. The good news is that with the right specialist and modern treatment techniques, complete and lasting relief is possible.
At Kaizen Fistula Care, Pune, Dr. Samrat Jankar and his team offer honest, advanced, and personalised care for all types of fistulas, from simple to complex and recurrent cases. With years of experience, thousands of successful surgeries, and a patient-first approach, you are in safe hands. If you are facing recurring anal discharge, please do not delay any further. Book your consultation today for correct diagnosis and lasting treatment.
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