Anal Fissure

An anal fissure is a small tear or cut in the lining of the anal canal. Although it may sound minor, an anal fissure can cause severe pain and bleeding, especially during or after bowel movements. Many patients delay treatment due to embarrassment or self-medication, which often turns a simple problem into a chronic and painful condition.

Early diagnosis and proper medical care are key to fast and complete recovery.

What Is an Anal Fissure?

An anal fissure is a linear tear in the anal skin, usually caused by trauma during bowel movements. The anal area has a rich nerve supply, which is why even a small fissure can cause intense pain.

Anal fissures can be:

• Acute fissures – recent, shallow tears that heal with early treatment

• Chronic fissures – long-standing fissures with thickened edges, often harder to treat

Common Causes of Anal Fissure

Anal fissures usually develop due to:

• Chronic constipation and hard stools

• Excessive straining during bowel movements

• Repeated diarrhea

• Poor hydration and low-fiber diet

• Childbirth or anal trauma

Ignoring constipation is one of the most common reasons fissures fail to heal.

Symptoms of Anal Fissure

Typical symptoms include:

• Sharp, cutting pain during or after passing stools

• Bright red blood on toilet paper or stool

• Burning or itching sensation around the anus

• Fear of bowel movements due to pain

If these symptoms persist beyond a few days, medical evaluation is necessary.

Why Delaying Treatment Makes It Worse

Many patients try home remedies or ointments without proper diagnosis. Delayed treatment can lead to:

• Chronic fissure formation

• Severe muscle spasm of the anal sphincter

• Non-healing wounds

• Increased pain and bleeding

Chronic fissures often require longer treatment or procedures, which could have been avoided with early care.

When Should You See a Proctologist?

You should consult a proctologist if you experience:

• Severe pain while passing stools

• Recurrent bleeding

• Symptoms lasting more than one week

• Fear or avoidance of bowel movements

Timely consultation ensures accurate diagnosis, faster healing, and prevention of chronic disease.

Key Takeaway

An anal fissure may start as a small tear, but delaying treatment can turn it into a long-term, painful condition. Self-treatment and waiting for symptoms to resolve often make recovery harder.

If you are experiencing symptoms of an anal fissure, early consultation with a qualified proctologist can provide safe, effective, and long-lasting relief.