Anal fissures are small tears or cracks in the lining of the anus, the final part of the digestive tract where stool exits the body. These tears often cause pain and bleeding during bowel movements and can make passing stool feel sharp or burning. Anal fissures are common and can affect people of all ages, though they tend to occur more often in young adults and middle-aged individuals. While usually not serious, they can cause significant discomfort and distress if not properly managed.

The most common cause of anal fissures is trauma to the anal canal, often due to passing hard or large stools during constipation. Frequent diarrhoea, childbirth, and prolonged straining can also contribute. In some cases, repeated irritation from wiping or certain medical conditions affecting blood flow can make the area more prone to tearing. Once a fissure develops, the pain it causes can make people reluctant to have bowel movements, leading to a cycle of constipation and further irritation.

Symptoms of an anal fissure typically include sharp pain during and after bowel movements, bright red blood on toilet paper or in the stool, and sometimes itching or a visible tear around the anus. The pain can last from minutes to hours, depending on the severity of the fissure. Some people may also develop a small lump near the tear, called a sentinel pile, which can appear as the body’s response to chronic irritation.