Do I Have Anal Fissure?

Do you have a sharp pain during bowel movements?

Do you have a pain after bowel movements that can last up to several hours?

Do you have pain-free period between bowel movements?

Do you often delay defecation to avoid pain?

Do you have a bright red blood on the stool or toilet paper after a bowel movement?

Do you have a visible crack in the skin around your anus?

Do you have a small lump or skin tag near the cracked skin around your anus?

Do you often strain during bowel movements due to hard, dry or large stools?

Do you have persistent diarrhea?

Do you have inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis?

Do you practice anal sex?

Based on your answers it is unlikely that you have an anal fissure. An anal fissure is a tear that develops in the lining of your anus. It usually occurs when you strain or pass hard stool during bowel movements. Frequent and loose bowel movements (diarrhea) can also be the cause of anal fissures. Anal fissures are quite common conditions and it is estimated that every tenth person will be affected at some point in their life. They are more common in young people under the age of 30. Anal fissures can be prevented by eating foods high in fiber, drinking plenty of fluids and exercising regularly.

Based on your answers there is a possibility that you have an anal fissure. An anal fissure is a small, oval shaped rip in the lining of your anus. A hard, dry bowel movement or persistent diarrhea is usually the cause of an anal fissure. Sometimes, fissures can be confused with other anal conditions such as hemorrhoids due to similar symptoms. Your doctor will be able to make a diagnosis based on your symptoms and a rectal examination. An anal fissure can often heal without treatment, but your doctor may recommend sitz baths to promote healing, a high-fiber diet and increased fluid intake to prevent hard stools.

Based on your answers there is a high possibility that you have an anal fissure. An anal fissure is a small cut in the lining of your anal canal. It is usually the result of trauma to the lining of your anus due to a large, hard stool or loose, frequent bowel movements. Anal fissures can be acute or chronic. An acute anal fissure heals within a few weeks, and chronic anal fissure usually lasts between 8 to 12 weeks and it could be more difficult to treat. Most anal fissures are treated with dietary changes and medications, but chronic fissures may be treated surgically.