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Conditions

Anal Fissure

A fissure on the tongue, similar to that found on the anus

An anal fissure is a small tear of the skin just inside the opening of the anus, which are very common in people of all ages, but are most common in teenagers and young adults. Frequently no cause is found for an anal fissure, but they can occur on other parts of the body (the image above shows one on the tongue). However, it is commonly linked to constipation, where straining on hard stools (a feeling akin to trying to pass a house brick) can tear the skin of the anus. The resulting fissure can cause a sharp, knife-like pain, especially when opening the bowels. It may also bleed a little and stain the toilet paper with bright red blood. But before you declare the toilet a crime scene, it’s worth remembering that an anal fissure, whilst painful and sometimes upsetting, is very rarely serious and will usually heal on its own in a couple of weeks. But if it doesn’t, then get your GP to have a look – they’ll have seen it all before.

What the Men in White Coats Say

Comments

Please note: Unfortunately Channel 4 cannot respond to individual inquiries. If you have any concerns, you can check out the Channel 4 Health site or NHS Choices, but ultimately it is always best to check with a health professional.

Can this be cause by being over weight? I sometimes bleed when I go to the toilet and it will happen for a couple of days. Last time was a week, but then it goes away again. Can this also cause incredible itching in the anal entry? If I do excersise it becomes very very itchy…this has been going on for about 8 years

I know this is what I have got, my doctor diagnosed it several months ago.
I was given creams, drinks, and was told it would go away and it never has. I hounestly do not know what to do?!?

my doctor also said about surgery to sew the tear up but read about this and from his advice is was not convinced and was told that surgery could leave me open to more problems.

I am a gay male that his sexual preferences and used in connection to anal sex and this causes pain that can cause tear.

I have had it as i say for months and it is really getting me down. HELP !!!

I've had a fissure on and off for ages (like years) now. Kind of fed up of it, just painfull and scary seeing all the blood.

lol so many people have this problem,mine was caused when I was constipated at the age of 3years old.Im now 19 and its causing me more problems so I am going to have a small operation at the end of the month to get it sorted. ''YES ITS LIKE POOING A HOUSE BRICK OUCH''.

I had a fissure diagnosed earlier this year. Yes it is embaressing, but i had a quick day surgery procedure to fix it and its soooo much better now. I had no post operative pain, and only a week off work. Def get it seen to.

Oh My!!! This Is Exactly What I Have Been Looking Forr!!!

I Was Worried Because I Was Told I May Have Colon Cancer :(
Thanks Ever So Much Guys!x

Just read this – I have suffered with anal fissures for longer than I care to remember! I have been prescribed all sorts to rectify continuous constipation – which causes the above to become worse and/or occur again and nothing really worked.

I found my solution in a health store – psyllium husks fibre (Solgar). My doctor had never heard of it, but said I should be ok to use it!!!! It appears to be completely natural, no salt, sugar or starch (suitable for vegans). Literally one teaspoon a day has rectified circa 10 years of problems! I have been using this for 4 years now – why don’t the medical profession know anything about this??? Far better than fybogel but same principle I believe? Soak it in water or juice (but not orange) until it swells (it becomes jellified) and drink; then I find for best results follow with a pint of water! SIMPLE!

After the birth of my daughter, through a difficult birth and emergency c section, I developed what I thought was just piles. It was extremley painful when going to the toilet and throbbed painfully for hours afterwards. I could not sit down and along with painful breastfeeding and pain from the surgery I became very depressed.
After a while I could take no more and asked my parents advice, my father advised me(who suffered himself) to drink prune juice and use anusol ointment. I drank prune juice like water and had severe diahreoa, but after the initial few days my problem got better and no longer needed the prune juice. I continued to use the anusol morning and night and also whenever I had a bowel movement. It took a long time, but after 2 years I no longer needed anything.
Now after having my son just 4 months ago I was prepared. I don't need the prune juice, but regularly use the anusol ointment.
It is still painful at times, but bareable and it does not bother me at any other time.
I did go to my doctor the second time who prescribed me a anul cream. This was useless as all other creams have been. I found the Anusol OINTMENT gave the best protection and relief. Hope that helps.

Me and my boyfriend started having sex a month ago and one day we decided we would try anal. My anus was bleeding very badly after that and it hurt to go to the toilet. It's been a few weeks since we tried it and I can't go to the toilet still because it hurts me so much, currently I haven't been to the toilet in 3 days. Why won't it heal?

I've had a fissure for as long as I can remember. I think my first memory was as a young child asking my mother why I had blood on the toilet paper.
I finally went to the doctor when I was in my late teens and got the diagnosis and some cream, similar to hemarroid cream. Works wonders and its really simple.
Dont suffer in silence!




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