What is an anal fissure? An anal fissure is a Reference tear in
the lining of the lower rectum (anal canal) Opens New Window
Reference Opens New Window that causes pain during bowel
movements. Anal fissures don't lead to more serious problems.
Most anal fissures heal with home treatment after a few days or
weeks. These are called short-term (acute) anal fissures. If you
have an anal fissure that hasn't healed after 8 to 12 weeks, it
is considered a long-term (chronic) fissure. A chronic fissure
may need medical treatment. Anal fissures are a common problem.
They affect people of all ages, especially young and otherwise
healthy people. What causes an anal fissure? Anal fissures are
caused by injury or trauma to the anal canal. Injury can happen
when: - You pass a large stool. - You are constipated and try to
pass a hard stool. - You have repeated diarrhea. - You give
birth. (Childbirth can cause trauma to the anal canal.) Fissures
can also be caused by a rectal exam, anal intercourse, or a
foreign object. In s