Most anal and rectal problems can be treated successfully when diagnosed early. Many simple alterations in diet and daily habits can help to both treat and prevent many problems of the anus and rectum. A diet with plenty of fiber and water is important. Fiber and fluids help maintain proper bulk and consistency of stool, reducing the chance of constipation and problems linked to constipation. Soft, consistent stool is also much less likely to irritate the lining of the rectum and anus. Loose, lightweight cotton underwear is better for hygiene purposes.  Tight underwear can cause anal itching and irritation.

Regular bowel habits may help alleviate or avoid many problems. When feeling a need to have a bowel movement, patients should not wait any longer than is necessary to find a toilet. A bowel movement should not be forced. It is best to allow plenty of time rather than straining. When cleaning the anal area after bowel movements, absorbent cotton or soft, plain toilet or facial tissue may be used to gently dab and wipe. Women should wipe front to back to avoid transmitting bacteria from the anus to the vagina. The cotton or tissue may be moistened with warm water. Aggressive rubbing or the use of harsh, scented tissue can cause irritation. The anal area should be washed with plain water without soaps. It is best to keep it dry. A small amount of cornstarch or talc may be used to absorb moisture.

Many medications may be used to treat anal and rectal problems. Stool softeners or bulking agents are frequently used to combat constipation, although some causes of constipation (e.g., fecal impaction) do not respond well to these. Medicated suppositories and creams may be used to speed healing and ease discomfort, pain and itching. Anal and rectal problems caused by infections (e.g., certain forms of proctitis, anorectal abscess) may be treated with antibiotics. Anti-inflammatory drugs may be used to treat pain and inflammation.

A sitz bath is commonly used to treat many anal and rectal problems associated with pain, including hemorrhoids and anal fissure. The patient sits in a bath or special container filled with warm water that covers the hips and abdomen. It eases discomfort and increases blood flow.

Anal and rectal problems caused by weakness of the sphincter muscles (e.g., fecal incontinence) may be treated with bowel training and exercise therapies. These help to establish regular bowel movements and improve the strength and tone of the muscles around the anus. The anal muscles are exercised by squeezing and releasing them. Biofeedback may also be used to retrain the anal sphincters and increase rectal sensation.

Fecal impaction may be treated with digital fecal removal. This involves using a gloved finger in the anus to remove hardened stool. This and other causes of constipation may also be treated with enemas to clean the stool from the rectum and colon.

Many anal and rectal problems can be treated with minor procedures in the office of a physician or gastroenterologist. An injection with Clostridium botulinum toxin may be used to reduce sphincter spasms so that anal fissures may heal.  Hemorrhoids may be shrunken using rubber band ligation, in which a tiny rubber band is wrapped around the base of the hemorrhoid to make it shrink. Bleeding caused by hemorrhoids or proctitis, may be stopped using electrocoagulation or laser coagulation. Foreign objects may be grasped and pulled removed. In some cases, a rectal retractor may be used to spread the anal canal wider in order to make it easier to remove a foreign object. If an object cannot be removed by these means, surgery may be necessary.