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Anal fissure

Anal fissure symptoms

The most common symptoms of anal fissures are:

  • a sharp pain when you poo, often followed by a deep burning pain that may last several hours
  • bleeding when you poo – most people notice a small amount of bright red blood either in their poo or on the toilet paper

What causes anal fissures?

Anal fissures are most commonly caused by damage to the lining of the anus or anal canal, the last part of the large intestine.

Most cases occur in people who have constipation, when a particularly hard or large poo tears the lining of the anal canal.

Other possible causes of anal fissures include:

  • persistent diarrhoea
  • inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis
  • pregnancy and childbirth
  • occasionally, a sexually transmitted infection (STI), such as syphilis or herpes, which can infect and damage the anal canal
  • having unusually tight anal sphincter muscles, which can increase the tension in your anal canal, making it more susceptible to tearing

In many cases, no clear cause can be identified.

Treatment for anal fissure from a GP

A GP can prescribe medicine to help relieve your symptoms and speed up the healing process.

This can include laxatives to help you poo more easily and painkilling ointment that you put directly on your anus.

Surgery may be recommended in persistent cases of anal fissure where self-help measures and medicine have not helped.

Surgery is often very effective at treating anal fissures, but it does carry a small risk of complications, such as temporary or permanent loss of bowel control (bowel incontinence).

Anal fissures usually heal within a few weeks without the need for treatment.

But they can easily come back if they're caused by constipation that remains untreated.

In some people, symptoms from anal fissures last 6 weeks or more (chronic anal fissures).

How to ease symptoms of anal fissure

Adopting some simple self-help measures can make going to the toilet easier.

This will allow existing fissures to heal, as well as reduce your chances of developing new fissures in the future.

Self-help measures for avoiding constipation include:

  • plenty of fibre in your diet, such as fruit and vegetables and wholemeal bread, pasta and rice – adults should aim to eat at least 30g of fibre a day
  • staying well hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids
  • not ignoring the urge to poo – this can cause your poo to dry out and become harder to pass
  • exercising regularly – you should aim to do at least 150 minutes of physical activity every week

You can help soothe the pain by taking simple painkillers, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, or by soaking your bottom in a warm bath several times a day, particularly after a bowel movement.

Symptoms of an anal fissure include a sharp pain and bleeding when you poo.

An anal fissure usually heals on its own. Treatment includes avoiding constipation, and medicines to reduce pain and speed up healing.

Anal fissures are usually caused by constipation. Other causes include long-lasting diarrhoea, inflammatory bowel disease, pregnancy and childbirth.

Related links

Anal fissure

Treatment

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Rectogesic

I’ve been suffering from anal fissure, mainly due due to ulcerative colitis. Instead of the indicated 8 weeks I used the medication for at least 5 or 6 months on and off as it was the only thing helping.
I’ve been suffering from anal fissure, mainly due due to ulcerative colitis. Instead of the indicated 8 weeks I used the medication for at least 5 or 6 months on and off as it was the only thing helping.
Ekspain profile image
Ekspain
in IBS Network

Why the Pain in anus after anal fissure surgery?

I had a surgery for anal chronic fissure 10 days back but still I'm getting pain in anus while bowel movement.. so can I know the reason for it?
I had a surgery for anal chronic fissure 10 days back but still I'm getting pain in anus while bowel movement.. so can I know the reason for it?
Nady579 profile image
Nady579
in Men's Health Forum (Penis Health)

Anal fissure in pregnancy

Hi all, I’ve got a chronic anal fissure and it’s so painful. The doctor has prescribed me rectogesic ointment but I’m so anxious to take it as I’m 5 weeks pregnancy, and very precious IVF pregnancy. Has anyone else been in this situation or have any wise words.
Hi all, I’ve got a chronic anal fissure and it’s so painful. The doctor has prescribed me rectogesic ointment but I’m so anxious to take it as I’m 5 weeks pregnancy, and very precious IVF pregnancy. Has anyone else been in this situation or have any wise words.
Seabreeze234 profile image
Seabreeze234
in NCT
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Anal fissure in pregnancy

Hi all, I’ve got a chronic anal fissure and it’s so painful. The doctor has prescribed me rectogesic ointment but I’m so anxious to take it as I’m 5 weeks pregnancy, and very precious IVF pregnancy. Has anyone else been in this situation or have any wise words.
Hi all, I’ve got a chronic anal fissure and it’s so painful. The doctor has prescribed me rectogesic ointment but I’m so anxious to take it as I’m 5 weeks pregnancy, and very precious IVF pregnancy. Has anyone else been in this situation or have any wise words.
Seabreeze234 profile image
Seabreeze234
in IBS Network

Open Heart Surgery Coming Up: Questions and Advise

Or from a anal fissure? Or from scratching from following on the floor on asphalt type of floor? Other than that any tips for home recovery are welcome. Walking, breathing, taking care of the stern, v pillow, chest pillow. What am I missing? Thank you everyone! Blessings. Daniele
Or from a anal fissure? Or from scratching from following on the floor on asphalt type of floor? Other than that any tips for home recovery are welcome. Walking, breathing, taking care of the stern, v pillow, chest pillow. What am I missing? Thank you everyone! Blessings. Daniele
danny10 profile image
danny10
in British Heart Foundation

Blood in stool

Doctor said anal fissure but it’s not going away. This was about 4 months ago when I went do doc.
Doctor said anal fissure but it’s not going away. This was about 4 months ago when I went do doc.
Bh94 profile image
Bh94
in Colon Cancer Connected

Fit test alternatives

I have a rectocele and a cystocele, and have had issues with prolapsing hemorrhoids and a recurrent anal fissure (this did cause a few bright red spots visible on tp a year ago but the fissure was visible to the naked eye and evaluated by my gyn).
I have a rectocele and a cystocele, and have had issues with prolapsing hemorrhoids and a recurrent anal fissure (this did cause a few bright red spots visible on tp a year ago but the fissure was visible to the naked eye and evaluated by my gyn).
Tallyi profile image
Tallyi
in Colon Cancer Connected

Seeing yellow mucus and stomach pain every morning , passing one or two time poop everyday

Before this i always suffered feom constipation and have chronic anal fissure. Can this be due to ibd ? Is this the symtoms of ibd Currently taking metrogyl and cepodoxime since last three days
Before this i always suffered feom constipation and have chronic anal fissure. Can this be due to ibd ? Is this the symtoms of ibd Currently taking metrogyl and cepodoxime since last three days
Shahbshs profile image
Shahbshs
in Crohn's and Colitis Support

Piles / anal fissure / surgery / botox

After 20 or so years of on and off agony caused by an anal fissure and piles that flair up due to constipation - I'm finally having a surgical procedure to see if it can help. Creams and suppositories over the years have never helped.
After 20 or so years of on and off agony caused by an anal fissure and piles that flair up due to constipation - I'm finally having a surgical procedure to see if it can help. Creams and suppositories over the years have never helped.
BirdByBird profile image
BirdByBird
in Anxiety Support

Piles / Anal Fissure / Banding / Botox / Surgery

After 20 or so years of on and off agony caused by an anal fissure and piles that flair up due to constipation - I'm finally having a surgical procedure to see if it can help. Creams and suppositories over the years have never helped.
After 20 or so years of on and off agony caused by an anal fissure and piles that flair up due to constipation - I'm finally having a surgical procedure to see if it can help. Creams and suppositories over the years have never helped.
BirdByBird profile image
BirdByBird
in Women's Health

Colon problems , so anxious

to green to brown to loose , diarrhea , constipation once with a little blood on stool , gas and acid reflux and a little nausea, I’m 23 not married no children , no history of colon cancer that I’m aware of , a little over weight, and been to the doctors few times all said i have IBS and a little anal
to green to brown to loose , diarrhea , constipation once with a little blood on stool , gas and acid reflux and a little nausea, I’m 23 not married no children , no history of colon cancer that I’m aware of , a little over weight, and been to the doctors few times all said i have IBS and a little anal
Hopes07 profile image
Hopes07
in Colon Cancer Connected

Pain and Burning while pooping.

Next day i go to my doctor he said that it is anal fissure. He prescribed me ointment and ointment works very well. I used to pooping 4 to 6 times a day. Now, After 3 month i got same condition but now ointment work as same as last time. I am worried it is fissure or any other thing
Next day i go to my doctor he said that it is anal fissure. He prescribed me ointment and ointment works very well. I used to pooping 4 to 6 times a day. Now, After 3 month i got same condition but now ointment work as same as last time. I am worried it is fissure or any other thing
Dpkashyap3 profile image
Dpkashyap3
in Colon Cancer Connected

Hiv testing explaination

Hello so I recently had possible hiv exposure got tested rna pcr at 11 days and was negative thankfully got tested again at 59 days negative rna and now after starting prep I’m getting tested at my 3 month mark but I had questions regarding these test I understand these rna test can detect the earliest
Hello so I recently had possible hiv exposure got tested rna pcr at 11 days and was negative thankfully got tested again at 59 days negative rna and now after starting prep I’m getting tested at my 3 month mark but I had questions regarding these test I understand these rna test can detect the earliest
jeditroopz profile image
jeditroopz
in BASHH

No MRI results/still have bowel symptoms

Hi Everyone, I had an MRI to rule out deep endo on my bowels as I have bowel symptoms similar to IBS along with my endo symptoms. The gynae consultant said they would get in touch if they saw anything that required a multi-disciplinary team and I never heard anything about my results? I've come to
Hi Everyone, I had an MRI to rule out deep endo on my bowels as I have bowel symptoms similar to IBS along with my endo symptoms. The gynae consultant said they would get in touch if they saw anything that required a multi-disciplinary team and I never heard anything about my results? I've come to
sagexia profile image
sagexia
in Endometriosis UK

Delusions/Hallucinarions

I became very sick 5 years ago with all the symptoms of PA but was undiagnosed. I got to the point where I started having delusions of parasitosis and hallucinations. Has anyone else experienced delusions or halluconations? I'm afraid my brain may have been permanently damaged?
I became very sick 5 years ago with all the symptoms of PA but was undiagnosed. I got to the point where I started having delusions of parasitosis and hallucinations. Has anyone else experienced delusions or halluconations? I'm afraid my brain may have been permanently damaged?
sunshinebee profile image
sunshinebee
in Pernicious Anaemia Society

Rectal prolapse and pudendal nerve pain

I am new to this, I have a suspected mucosal prolapse (similar to rectal prolapse) in my bottom. The symptoms are horrible - a feeling of pressure inside my bottom and pudendal nerve pain all around my bottom. I am waiting for an ‘examination under anaesthetic’ for a confirmed diagnosis but in the meantime
I am new to this, I have a suspected mucosal prolapse (similar to rectal prolapse) in my bottom. The symptoms are horrible - a feeling of pressure inside my bottom and pudendal nerve pain all around my bottom. I am waiting for an ‘examination under anaesthetic’ for a confirmed diagnosis but in the meantime
Beautifultrees profile image
Beautifultrees
in Pelvic Pain Support Network

Fit Test

I had a Sigmoidoscopy performed late last summer after developing an anal fissure which has healed well and the camera examination revealed nothing sinister so was discharged by the hospital.
I had a Sigmoidoscopy performed late last summer after developing an anal fissure which has healed well and the camera examination revealed nothing sinister so was discharged by the hospital.
Hammerboy profile image
Hammerboy
in IBS Network

Lip biopsy

I would pose this question on the Sjogren’s forums but have not had much luck getting replies there and know many of you will have had this procedure done as part of your AI journeys, so hope you don’t mind if I pose it here. That’s a Louis Theroux documentary we need to see: AI journeys. My ENT doc
I would pose this question on the Sjogren’s forums but have not had much luck getting replies there and know many of you will have had this procedure done as part of your AI journeys, so hope you don’t mind if I pose it here. That’s a Louis Theroux documentary we need to see: AI journeys. My ENT doc
Geogeor profile image
Geogeor
in Thyroid UK

Feel lost

Hi all just looking for some advice if possible please. Has anyone had lupus diagnosed without a positive ana ? I have all the symptoms aside from swelling but the rheumatologist has now diagnosed fibromyalgia due to no positive ana. My liver enzymes have been raised since 2014 and I've been having symptoms
Hi all just looking for some advice if possible please. Has anyone had lupus diagnosed without a positive ana ? I have all the symptoms aside from swelling but the rheumatologist has now diagnosed fibromyalgia due to no positive ana. My liver enzymes have been raised since 2014 and I've been having symptoms
Haylz2109 profile image
Haylz2109
in LUPUS UK

Negative ANA Test

My ANA was negative but asking biopsy was positive for interface dermatitis ???? the skin doctor said possibly cutaneous lupus. Is it possible to have it on skin only and not in the blood?
My ANA was negative but asking biopsy was positive for interface dermatitis ???? the skin doctor said possibly cutaneous lupus. Is it possible to have it on skin only and not in the blood?
nicole3828 profile image
nicole3828
in LUPUS UK
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