Anal Abscess Causes & Risks

Causes

Abscesses result when bacteria infect a mucus-secreting gland in the anus or rectum, causing blockage and damage to surrounding intramuscular tissue. The reason why the infection occurs is unknown because, normally, this area is free from infection.

Risk Factors

A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition.

The following factors increase your chance of developing an anal abscess. If you have any of these risk factors, discuss them with your doctor:

• Sex: male
• Colitis or other inflammatory bowel disease (eg, Crohn's disease )