What are anal fissures?
The terminal part of the large intestine is called the anal canal. The anal canal basically consists of two different muscles - the internal and external sphincter muscles. Anal fissures are basically tears or splits in the anal canal.
What are the causes?
Anal fissures have been known to be caused by a variety of situations, including childbirth, constipation, anal sex, and diarrhea. Generally, anything that places undue stress on the anal sphincter muscle is a suspected cause.
Why do they hurt so much?
The pain can be intense and overwhelming - in many cases the most pain that anyone will ever experience. This is because the anal canal is one of the most sensitive areas of the human body, with a multitude of nerve endings. The tear in the anal canal does not get a chance to heal because of the opening and closing of the anal canal during bowel evacuation (passing stools).
Are there different kinds of fissures?
Generally, anal fissures are classified as either acute or chronic. Fissures that last less than a month or so are called acute anal fissures and may be treated with conservative treatments resulting in a complete cure. If a fissure is not cured within about a month and a half, it is generally called chronic, and requires aggressive treatments or even surgery.
What are the treatments?
Unfortunately, it does not appear that there are any instant cures or miracle cures. Conservative treatments include drinking lots of water and consuming adequate fiber to ensure stools are soft. This may work for acute anal fissures. Chronic fissures are often treated with prescription medication to relax the anal sphincter muscles, and often surgery is performed where a cut is made in the sphincter muscle to decrease the internal pressure and muscle spasms.
What if I have a fissure but don't want surgery?
Many people live with a chronic anal fissure but don't have surgery performed because they do not want the risk of fecal incontinence. It may be possible for anal fissures to be managed and even cured by careful and long-term commitment to some conservative techniques. The website at fissurefree.com has dedicated resources that focus on non-invasive treatments to help. It is maintained by Uric Seefurs, who has lived through the excruciating pain of anal fissures for over 10 years. During that time, he has researched and experimented with many non-invasive techniques. Uric wants to give sufferers real and valuable information to deal with this condition, and is not interested in selling unproven or ineffective products.
Should I see a doctor?
Of course, you should always seek the advice of a medical professional. However, you should also be prepared yourself. Doctors may misdiagnose you and say you have hemorrhoids without performing any sort of examination, as Uric found in his case. Arm yourself with knowledge so that you know how to help yourself, and convey this information to the doctors so that they don't simply try to rush you out the door on your next visit. Take action as soon as possible, because the longer you have an anal fissure, the longer it will likely take to get it under control.
