UPMC Anal Health Care Clinic

Issues down there can sometimes feel embarrassing to talk about. But the sooner you visit the UPMC Anal Health Care Clinic, the sooner you can get relief.

We see conditions of the anus — like hemorrhoids, fissures, warts, and itching — all the time. We also see people who are at risk for certain conditions, like anal dysplasia.

The UPMC Anal Health Care Clinic is led by a colon and rectal surgeon. That means we can do many procedures right here in the office. If your condition needs surgery, we can help, too.

Contact the UPMC Anal Health Care Clinic

UPMC Center for Care of Infectious Diseases
3601 Fifth Ave., Suite 700
Pittsburgh, PA 15213

To plan a visit to the clinic, call 412-647-7228.

The clinic operates all day on Mondays, Wednesday afternoons, and two Friday afternoons a month. We see people ages 18 and up. We can sometimes get you into the clinic the same day, but nearly always within the week.

What Rectal and Anal Conditions Does the UPMC Anal Health Care Clinic Treat?

At the UPMC Anal Health Care Clinic, we diagnose and treat patients with a range of rectal and anal problems, including:

• Anal dysplasia – A precancerous condition that could turn into anal cancer. People with HPV and HIV are most at risk for anal dysplasia. We can prevent cancer by treating it, and we also screen for anal dysplasia here.
• Anal fissures – A fissure is a small tear. It can happen if you strain hard to have a bowel movement.
• Anal itching – Usually, anal itching happens because of an irritant. Sometimes, it’s as simple as a new soap or laundry detergent.
• Anal warts – HPV can cause anal warts, though most people with HPV won’t develop anal warts.
• Hemorrhoids – Enlarged external or internal hemorrhoids can be very painful. They can bleed and make life generally miserable. Some require surgery, but there are other treatments we can try first.
• Perirectal abscess – An abscess is a swollen lump filled with pus caused by an infection. We can drain them here in the office using a local anesthetic.

How Can Other Conditions Cause Anal Health Issues?

We see a wide range of patients, many of whom are otherwise healthy.

But some of the people we see are at higher risk for anal conditions because of infectious diseases, such as HIV and HPV. That's why we work closely with the Pittsburgh Area Center for Treatment of HIV, part of the UPMC Center for Care of Infectious Diseases.

People who have compromised immune systems from health issues like diabetes or autoimmune disorders like lupus are at a higher risk for anal warts. So are people who've had transplants and take immunosuppressant drugs. This is because their body struggles more to fight off the HPV that causes the warts.

How Does the UPMC Anal Health Care Clinic Approach Treatment?

We take the time to understand your health and what factors might contribute to it. When we do a physical exam, we explain what's happening each step of the way.

We also work to demystify the conditions that affect the anus and rectum. We give you the facts and work with you to create the right treatment plan.

We also coordinate with other specialties, including Colon and Rectal Surgery.

Do I Need a Referral to the UPMC Anal Health Care Clinic?

Ob-gyns, primary care providers, and infectious disease specialists often refer patients to us, but you don't need a referral to see us.