Merck Manual

Please confirm that you are not located inside the Russian Federation

Yes No

Leave this Site?

The link you have selected will take you to a third-party website. We do not control or have responsibility for the content of any third-party site.

Continue Cancel
honeypot link
Merck Manual
Consumer Version
The trusted provider of medical information since 1899
Health Topics & Chapters
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
Q
R
S
T
U
V
W
X
Y
Z
Home /
Quick Facts: Digestive Disorders /
Anal and Rectal Disorders /
... /
Anal Fissure /
IN THIS TOPIC

What is an anal fissure?

What causes an anal fissure?

What are the symptoms of an anal fissure?

How can doctors tell if I have an anal fissure?

How do doctors treat an anal fissure?

What are anal spasms?

OTHER TOPICS IN THIS CHAPTER

Anal and Rectal Disorders
Anal Fissure
Hemorrhoids

ADDITIONAL CONTENT

Test your knowledge

Polyglandular Deficiency Syndromes
Polyglandular deficiency syndromes are hereditary disorders in which several endocrine glands (ie, glands that secrete hormones) malfunction together. Which of the following is the most appropriate treatment for these types of disorders? 
Download the Manuals App iOS ANDROID
Download the Manuals App iOS ANDROID
Download the Manuals App iOS ANDROID

More Content

Quick Facts

Anal Fissure

By

The Manual's Editorial Staff

Last full review/revision Dec 2019| Content last modified Dec 2019
Click here for the Professional Version
Get the full details

What is an anal fissure?

Your anus is the opening in your buttocks where stool (poop) comes out. A fissure is a small tear or hole. An anal fissure is a tear in the lining of your anus.

What causes an anal fissure?

Causes of an anal fissure include:

  • Passing hard or big stools

  • Repeated loose stools

  • Putting an object in your anus, such as a sex toy

  • Inflammation in the rest of the large intestine (colitis)

  • Sometimes, anal sex

What are the symptoms of an anal fissure?

Symptoms usually happen during or right after passing stool and can include:

  • Pain in your anus

  • Bleeding (a small amount)

  • Sometimes, itching

The pain can last from several minutes to several hours and happens again when you pass more stool.

Anal fissures that cause symptoms for less than 6 weeks are called acute. Those that cause symptoms for longer are called chronic.

How can doctors tell if I have an anal fissure?

Doctors can usually tell you have a fissure just by looking at your anus.

Sometimes, they will need to do an exam of the rectum with a gloved finger or an anoscope (a short tube doctors use to look in the anus). If there's bleeding, doctors look at the lower bowel with a longer scope to see if there's another cause for the bleeding.

How do doctors treat an anal fissure?

To make it easier to have a bowel movement (pass stool), you can:

  • Take medicine to soften your stool

  • Eat more fiber such as fruits and vegetables or take a fiber supplement

  • Sometimes, use laxatives for constipation (trouble passing stool)

  • Use an ointment or suppository to lubricate your anus

To help lessen the pain, you may need to:

  • Use an ointment with a numbing medicine

  • Sit in the tub with just enough warm water to cover your anus (sitz bath) for 10 or 15 minutes a few times a day

What are anal spasms?

Anal fissures can cause the muscle in your anus to cramp up (spasm). Anal spasms hurt. They also can limit blood flow to the anus. The lack of blood flow keeps the anal fissure from healing. To stop the spasms and help the fissure heal, doctors may:

  • Give you a cream to put in your anus to relax the muscles

  • Give you a shot of medicine in your anus to relax the muscles

  • Do surgery to stretch or clip the muscle in your anus if the fissure doesn't heal with other treatments

NOTE: This is the Consumer Version. DOCTORS: Click here for the Professional Version
Click here for the Professional Version
© 2020 Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ, USA)
Traveler's Diarrhea
Hemorrhoids

OTHER TOPICS IN THIS CHAPTER

Anal and Rectal Disorders
Anal Fissure
Hemorrhoids
Others also read
Anal Fissure Anal Fissure
Overview of the Anus and Rectum Overview of the Anus and Rectum
Levator Syndrome Levator Syndrome
Download the Manuals App iOS ANDROID
Download the Manuals App iOS ANDROID
Download the Manuals App iOS ANDROID

Test your knowledge

Polyglandular Deficiency Syndromes
Polyglandular deficiency syndromes are hereditary disorders in which several endocrine glands (ie, glands that secrete hormones) malfunction together. Which of the following is the most appropriate treatment for these types of disorders? 
Download the Manuals App iOS ANDROID
Download the Manuals App iOS ANDROID
Download the Manuals App iOS ANDROID

Also of Interest

Download the Manuals App iOS ANDROID
Download the Manuals App iOS ANDROID
Download the Manuals App iOS ANDROID

Merck and the Merck Manuals

Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ, USA is a global healthcare leader working to help the world be well. From developing new therapies that treat and prevent disease to helping people in need, we are committed to improving health and well-being around the world. The Merck Manual was first published in 1899 as a service to the community. The legacy of this great resource continues as the Merck Manual in the US and Canada and the MSD Manual outside of North America. Learn more about our commitment to Global Medical Knowledge.

This icon serves as a link to download the eSSENTIAL Accessibility assistive technology app for individuals with physical disabilities. It is featured as part of our commitment to diversity and inclusion.
View Privacy Shield Verification Status
View APEC CBPR Privacy Certification Status

This website is certified by Health On the Net Foundation. Click to verify. This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information:
verify here.

© 2021 Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ, USA
TOP