Pain during bowel movements is never a fun experience. There are many causes for various pain, but, if you're experiencing sharp burning or stinging sensations during your time in the restroom, it's likely you may have an anal fissure. Other symptoms may include itching during bowel movements or even slight bleeding. Depending on the severity of the fissure, symptoms can last anywhere from a few days to many weeks. Fissures that have not subsided in 8-12 weeks are considered a chronic condition and may need medical attention.

The term Anal Fissure refers to a tear in the lower rectum. This can be caused by an injury to the anal canal. Damage like this may happen if you try to pass hard stool while constipated, have repeated diarrhea, pass large stool, or even as a result from giving birth. Many specialists also think that extra tension on the sphincter muscles that control the anus can also cause a fissure. The inner sphincter may be to blame, in particularly, because it's not under our control. Blood flow may be restricted to the anus as a result from the inner sphincter being under too much pressure all the time. This can lead to a fissure and prevent you from healing.

For acute (short-term) anal fissures, there are many home remedies you can utilize to promote healing and prevent another one from happening. These fissure are normally caused by diarrhea or constipation, and can be remedied with simple diet changes that will put less strain on the lower rectum. Remedies like these include staying hydrated, eating a fiber rich diet, fiber supplementing and taking laxatives. Other precautions to take that may help, include keeping straining on the toilet to a minimum and cleaning and drying your anal area after you're finished with the restroom. For instant relief from symptoms, try avoiding irritants like bubble baths and irritant soaps. Soaking in a tub of pure warm water for about 15 minutes will help clean the problem area and relax those muscles that may be restricting blood flow to the fissure. This additional blood flow will help the healing process and decrease pain. If pain is too much to bare, you can always ask you doctor about stronger pain relief options and medications.

Short term fissures are very common and the remedies listed above should help cure most issues. Unfortunately, chronic fissures that last longer than 6 weeks may be more serious and need medical attention. In some cases, surgery may be required to repair a badly torn anal canal. The most important thing is to stay on top of the symptoms and listen to your body. It's easier to change your diet and treat the symptoms right away, than enduring pain that will only lead to a worsened condition down the road. Some may be hesitant to look for help with their condition due to embarrassment. Again, anal fissures are nothing to be embarrassed about. They are very common and happen to people from all walks of life.