This is difficult for me to mention to complete strangers mainly because I have never experienced anything like this, so please keep this in mind.

This morning when I was taking a shower, I happened to come across a pea-sized lump somewhat inside the rim of my rectal opening (anus). I was shocked when I found it thinking that I may have some sort of cancerous tumor or STD (in spite of not having been with a partner and not being gay).

The day before, I lifted weight twice as well as had stool that was somewhat hard to expel. I am wondering if this may have been either the culprit or the catalyst in it all, but whatever the case, it is really scaring me.

The place has no noticeable pain but it is somewhat tender. It is not on the inside as I noted about it being right on the edge (but inside the skin) of the rim. I have heard more so that this may require surgery while in other circles, I have heard that it may go away on it's own. I am almost afraid, now, to use the restroom for fear of making anything worse. I can see it with a mirror, and hope and pray that it is in fact some sort of aggravated gland due to the prior day's activities of lifting, etc, but knowing my luck and the way this day has turned out, I would highly doubt that.

If any of you could give me some insight into this, I would really appreciate it.