What Are the Causes of Fissures?

The majority of people who develop anal fissures will know they have them. Anal fissures are tears in the rectum lining and they can occur on the inside or the outside of the rectum. Anal fissures make it painful to pass bowel movements, they can cause itching and irritation of the anus, and they can also produce blood in the stools. Determining the cause of the fissures helps a person learn what needs to be done to prevent them.

Constipation

• Whenever a person is constipated, straining and pressure in the anal area is commonplace. This can result in anal fissures. To prevent constipation a person should consume more fluids and fiber. Both of these will help to soften stools and make them easier to pass.

Large, Hard Stools

• Trying to pass large, hard stools can tear the lining of the anus. Large, hard stools are often a result of resisting the urge to go to the bathroom when a bowel movement is felt. Excessive traveling can also lead to large, hard stools, because most travelers don't consume enough fluids. People who lead sedentary lifestyles are also at risk for developing large, hard stools.

Childbirth

• Childbirth has been known to cause anal fissures. The fissures develop because of the trauma that is experienced in the anal canal from the straining and pushing the pregnant mother exerts while pushing her infant from the nearby vaginal canal.

Anal Sex

• Individuals who engage in anal sex are at risk for developing anal fissures. This is largely due in part to the anal area not producing lubricants. This results in tearing of the rectal lining.

Medical Conditions

• There are certain medical conditions that can put an individual at risk for developing anal fissures. These primarily include conditions that cause inflammation such as Crohn's disease and inflammatory bowel disease.

Considerations

• Most fissures will heal on their own. If healing doesn't occur you should seek out medical attention because surgery may be required to repair the tear.