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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.

If you are worried that your child may have an anal fissure, then read our guide especially for parents on the Embarrassing Bodies: Kids website.

What the Men in White Coats Say

Comments and Questions

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I think I have anal fissure, it doesn't bother me, its only a little painful when I'm going to the toilet and only slightly stains the toilet paper but the other day when I went to the toilet it was more painful and the toilet water had been stained with blood, like what would happen if I was on my period, but I'm not. I'm worried that it might have been a clump of blood in my poo or could it have been a rough tear when I went to poo? I am a 19 year old female





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Get it checked by your GP

Im 16 and i have recently started the levest pill i started it on the 1st day of my period so does this mean im fully protected? also ive been on my period for nearly a week (2 days and i will be on a week) and i am not getting any of the clues i normally get that i am getting to the end of my period is it normal to be on for a week when you first start the type of pill i am on?





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Hey, if you're on Microgynon 30 like I am (the one in the green packet) then you should be fully protected after a week of taking the pill (as far as I am aware and what was advised to me when I started taking it at your age) continue the pill throughout your period until you have taken them all and then have he regular break. After this it should be much easier to know when you will be due a period as the days are usually numbered on the packets. Not sure if this helps but good luck anyway! And remember its always good to use condoms as well as the pill to avoid STIs ;)

well i am 15 years old and i think i was born with an anal fissure.when i do get it there is a really sharp pain witch lasts for 4-6 hours and it really hurts. i only get this when im constipated. and also i also need help as cause im a male i have a really big bum that sticks out and i find it very embrassing so i always cover it up with my jumper and coat :( please help me please





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PSYILLUM husk powder, i have half-one teaspoon a day in am, and drink at least 2 litres water with it. Will help for soft stools.....





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Had an anal fissure. It hung around for ages. Agonising pain, blood in the stool. All that. I hoped it would heal. I wished it would heal. Finally I went to a doctor and then was sent to a specialist. A couple of fingers up the bum later. Given cream. Used cream. It healed. The moral of the story? Go to your doctor. Oh and if your doctor doesn't seem to be doing enough use these magic words. "I want a second opinion."





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I had a total hip replacement in June this year, everything went well. I felt that the operated leg was longer than the other when I came off crutches,this was confirmed by my physiotherapist as 1.8cm longer. I am experiencing back pain, pain when bending or kneeling. I have been back to the surgeon and my GP who both tend to be dismissive about the length discrepancy. Has this happened to anyone, what shall i do????help





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I had this problem a few years ago, there was loads of bright red blood, and now I actually have a piece of what I believe to be some of my Insides, sticking out. It doesn't hurt or anything, but it's just really weird to have the 'extra bit'. Just wondering if that's normal or if I should call SWAT to come take care of it....





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Sounds more like piles or possibly an anal tag. Best to go to GP to get it checked

Hi every now and then for bout the last 3years I notice blood on the toilet paper and I looked in the mirror and it looks like I've ripped just above my anal after a few days it heals but it keeps splitting it dosnt hurt or itch or anything like a lot of the other people have said can anyone tell me if it sounds like anal fissure thank you xx





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I have had a anal fissure for about 2 years, I had a skin flap surgery and I have only pain once or twice a week. I got married a bit ago and am considering having a baby, but I want to give birth naturally, has anyone given birth with an anal fissure? I dont want the severe pain to return, and I dont really want a C-section.





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Most common then not, everytime I go to the toilet for a poo, afterwards my bum bleeds, and this has been happening for many years now but it seems to be getting worse. I want to go to the doctors about it but I'm quite embarrassed. Hope I'm not the only one who feels this way, and because it's been happening for a long time now, I don't believe it's going to just heal itself over night any more. Should I go, or should I wait a little longer? "/





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Go to your GP and asked to be referred to see a consultant. They will check the severity of it and give creams to ease pain and also to loosen the mussel. If this doesn't work then Botox may be used, a day stay in hospital for that. Worse case scenario an anal flap advancement, in which they take a skin graft and cover the fissure. I have been through all this and had surgery 3 weeks ago. Although I still have discomfort when going to the toilet, I am no longer bleeding and I hope that once the wound has healed completely, I will be pain free for the first time in 3 years. Good luck!

Thankyou :)

Honestly, go to the doctor - I felt embarrassed too but really it's fine. They've seen loads of bottoms before, in all sorts of states. They'd much rather you go than suffer in silence!





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It looks like no one else has asked this question, so please fill in the rest of your details below.





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Content supplied by NHS Choices

An anal fissure is a tear or ulcer in the lining of the anal canal, just inside the opening of your anus. They can be very painful, particularly when you are passing stools and for a while afterwards. Anal fissures can also cause minor bleeding, which you may notice in your stools or on your toilet paper. Read More »

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