Anal fissure

A very common cause of anal pain — and one that many people struggle with alone before seeking help. Everything here is private, anonymous, and built to help you make sense of what you are experiencing.

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The pages most people need first. Everything else is further down.

Anal fissures: patterns and care

Learn what an anal fissure is, what people commonly experience, what tends to help, and when to seek medical care.

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How long does a fissure take to heal

Realistic timelines for anal fissure healing — what affects the speed, when to expect improvement, and when to escalate treatment.

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Acute vs chronic anal fissure

The differences between an acute and a chronic anal fissure — how they develop, how they look and feel differently.

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Topical treatments for fissures

What people report about GTN, diltiazem, and other topical treatments for anal fissures — how they work, common side effects, and practical tips.

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Botox for fissure: what people report

What botox treatment for chronic anal fissure involves, what people report about the procedure and recovery, effectiveness patterns.

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Recovery after LIS surgery

What to expect during recovery from lateral internal sphincterotomy (LIS) for chronic anal fissure — pain patterns, bowel movement recovery.

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Why fissures keep coming back

Why anal fissures recur after healing, the common patterns that lead to relapse, and what people can do to reduce the chances of recurrence.

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Signs your fissure has healed

How to tell if your fissure is actually healing — what people describe about the process, what "healed" feels like, and when residual symptoms are normal.

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Anxiety about bowel movements

How anxiety about bowel movements develops with a fissure and what people find helps — the psychological side of living with chronic pain.

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Bleeding after LIS surgery: what is normal

What people describe about bleeding after lateral internal sphincterotomy — the typical amounts, how long it lasts, and when to contact your surgical team.

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At a glance

An anal fissure is a small tear in the lining of the anus. It is one of the most common causes of sharp pain during or after a bowel movement. Fissures can be acute (recent, often healing within weeks) or chronic (lasting beyond 6 to 8 weeks and sometimes needing further treatment). Our basics guide covers patterns, self-care, and when to seek care in more detail.

Common symptoms people report

Sharp or burning pain during a bowel movement
Pain that continues for minutes to hours after a bowel movement
Small amounts of bright red blood on toilet paper
Muscle spasm in the anal area
Fear or avoidance of bowel movements
A visible small tear or cut

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Bleeding Pain during bowel movements Pain after bowel movements Spasm or cramping Constipation

Guides

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Healing and self-care

Alcohol and anal fissures — How alcohol affects anal fissure healing, what people report about drinking during recovery, and practical tips if you choose to drink.
Aloe vera for anal fissure — What people report about using aloe vera for anal fissure relief, what the evidence says, and how it fits alongside standard treatments.
Anal dilatation for chronic fissure — What people report about anal dilatation as an approach for chronic fissures — the theory, the practice, and where it sits alongside other treatment options.
Anal fissure and frequent urination — Why some people need to pee more, struggle to empty the bladder or feel stinging with a fissure, what else it could be, and when it needs checking.
Anxiety, stress, and fissures: the cycle — How anxiety and anal fissures feed each other — the pain-spasm-fear loop, BM anxiety, fear of eating, and what people report helps break the cycle.
Best cushion for a fissure — A comparison of cushion types for sitting with an anal fissure — donut, memory foam, coccyx, and inflatable options, plus what people actually find works.
Best diet for healing a fissure — What to eat and drink to support anal fissure healing — fibre guidance, hydration, foods to favour, foods people commonly avoid.
Bidet for anal fissure — Whether a bidet or peri bottle helps with anal fissure healing and comfort — what people report, practical tips, and how it fits into a care routine.
Blistex for anal fissure relief — Why some people use Blistex lip balm for anal fissure symptoms, what they report about it, and what to consider before trying it yourself.
Can a fissure heal on its own — Whether anal fissures can heal without treatment, what determines the outcome, and when self-care is enough versus when you need more.
Can diarrhoea cause a fissure — How diarrhoea can cause or worsen an anal fissure — the mechanism, why it is overlooked, and what to do if frequent loose stools are part of your fissure.
Can stress cause an anal fissure — How stress relates to anal fissures — the connection between tension, the pelvic floor, and fissure development or persistence.
Chronic fissure: when it does not heal — Understanding chronic anal fissures — why some fissures do not heal, what the sentinel pile is, treatment escalation paths.
Coconut oil for anal fissure: what people try — An honest look at what people report trying with coconut oil for anal fissures — common uses, what people describe, realistic expectations.
Coconut oil for fissure relief — What people report about using coconut oil for anal fissure symptoms — how they use it, what they describe experiencing, and what the limitations are.
Coffee and caffeine with an anal fissure — Do you have to give up coffee with a fissure? How people describe its effect on stools, decaf and tea, reintroducing it, and what the evidence says.
Cycling with an anal fissure — How people manage cycling with an anal fissure — saddle choices, timing, and whether cycling helps or hinders healing.
Diet and stool tips for fissures — What to eat, what to avoid, and how to keep stools soft when you have an anal fissure — practical patterns from thousands of experiences.
Epsom salt bath for anal fissure — Should you add Epsom salt to your sitz bath for an anal fissure? What people report about plain water vs Epsom salt, how to use it, and what to avoid.
Exercising with an anal fissure — Which exercises people find helpful during fissure healing, which to modify or avoid, and how to return to activity after recovery.
Fibre for anal fissure healing — How much fibre people with anal fissures need, the different types available, and practical guidance on building a sustainable fibre intake.
Finding support with a fissure — For people who are frightened and feeling alone with an anal fissure — what help is available, how to find it, and why reaching out matters.
Fissure after forceps delivery — Why anal fissures are common after forceps and instrumental delivery, how to manage them while caring for a newborn, treatment while breastfeeding.
Fissure botox during pregnancy — What people ask about botox for a fissure during pregnancy or postpartum — safety considerations, alternatives, and what to discuss with your team.
Fissure during pregnancy and postpartum — Why anal fissures occur during pregnancy and after delivery, what safe self-care looks like, when to tell your provider.
Fissure healed but still in pain — Why pain can persist after an anal fissure has healed — muscle memory, scar tissue, pelvic floor dysfunction, nerve sensitisation, and what people find helps.
Fissure healing and relapse patterns — Why fissures often follow a heal-relapse-heal cycle, what triggers relapses, why chronic fissures behave differently from acute ones.
Fissure healing: what the community reports — Patterns from thousands of community discussions about what helped people heal anal fissures. Treatment approaches, timelines, and what people wish they had known.
Fissure-friendly snacks and quick foods — Easy high-fibre snacks and quick, low-effort foods that people find gentle during fissure healing — plus simple no-cook ideas and what to go easy on.
Foods to avoid with a fissure — Which foods people with anal fissures commonly find make symptoms worse, and how to build a diet that supports healing without extreme restriction.
Gold Bond for anal fissure relief — Can Gold Bond powder or cream help with anal fissure symptoms? What the product is, how people use it, and the important limitations to understand.
How to prevent a fissure from coming back — Why fissures retear after healing, the common mistakes that lead to relapse, long-term habits that protect against recurrence.
How to relax the anal sphincter — Natural techniques for relaxing the internal anal sphincter — breathing, warm baths, positioning, and other approaches people describe for reducing sphincter.
How to relax the internal anal sphincter — Why the internal sphincter tightens, what people describe doing to ease it, and when self-care techniques need medical support — a practical overview.
How to wipe with an anal fissure — Practical approaches to cleaning after a bowel movement when you have an anal fissure — gentler alternatives, what to avoid, and what people find works best.
Laxatives FAQ for fissure care — Common questions about laxatives for anal fissure management — types, timing, how long to take them, and how to find the right balance.
Levator ani or proctalgia fugax? — How to tell the difference between levator ani syndrome and proctalgia fugax — the symptoms, the duration, the triggers, and why it matters for treatment.
Manuka honey for anal fissure — An honest look at manuka honey for anal fissures — the genuine wound-healing science, the limits for fissures specifically, UMF and MGO ratings.
Metamucil for anal fissure care — How Metamucil (psyllium husk fibre) is used in anal fissure management — what people describe about starting it, adjusting to it, and whether it helps.
Neosporin for anal fissure: is it helpful? — Whether Neosporin is helpful for anal fissures, why it is not a standard treatment, when it might be reasonable.
Pre-surgery support and community — The role of community support before fissure surgery — how connecting with others who have been through it helps manage pre-surgery anxiety and set.
Psyllium husk for anal fissure — A practical guide to using psyllium husk for anal fissure management — how it works, how to start, and what people commonly report about its effects.
Self-dilatation for fissure — What anal self-dilatation involves, why it is sometimes recommended for chronic fissures, and what people describe about the process and outcomes.
Self-examining for an anal fissure — What people describe when checking for an anal fissure at home — what you might see, what you cannot see, and why a clinician examination is still important.
Sitz bath for fissure: how to do it — A practical guide to sitz baths for anal fissures — how to set one up, how long to soak, when to do it, and what people find works best.
Soft but large stools with a fissure — Why stools can be soft yet still wide enough to stretch a fissure, what people with similar symptoms try, and when to raise it with a clinician.
Soluble vs insoluble fibre for fissures — Why the type of fibre matters for anal fissure healing. How soluble and insoluble fibre differ, which to prioritise, and how to balance them.
Sphincter relaxation techniques — Non-surgical approaches to relaxing the internal anal sphincter — sitz baths, breathing, warm compresses, and what people report about reducing spasm.
Stool softeners for anal fissure — A practical guide to stool softeners for anal fissure management — types, how they work, when to use them, and what people commonly report.
Supplements for a fissure: what people take — Vitamin E, B6, zinc, vitamin C, L-arginine, omega-3, probiotics and collagen: what people try for a fissure, what the evidence shows, and the cautions.
Swimming with an anal fissure — Is swimming safe with an anal fissure? What people report about chlorine, salt water, the benefits of low-impact exercise, and practical considerations.
Tailbone pain with anal fissure — Why people with anal fissures sometimes experience tailbone or coccyx pain — the connection between pelvic floor tension, fissure pain.
The fissure healing cycle — Why fissures heal and come back, what the relapse cycle feels like, and how people break the pattern — based on hundreds of experiences.
Toilet posture and fissure healing — How toilet posture affects the anal canal during bowel movements — squatting vs sitting, squatting stools, anorectal angle changes.
Topical treatment not healing: next steps — When GTN or diltiazem cream is not healing your anal fissure, here are the common next steps people consider
Vaseline for anal fissure — Does Vaseline (petroleum jelly) help with an anal fissure? What people use it for, how it works as a barrier, and its limits as a treatment.
Water intake and fissure healing — Why hydration matters for anal fissure healing, how much water people find helpful, and practical tips for building a sustainable water intake habit.
Weightlifting and fissure flares — How weightlifting can aggravate anal fissures, what people describe happening during heavy lifts, and practical approaches to staying active while managing a.
Weightlifting with an anal fissure — How to approach weightlifting with an anal fissure — which exercises to modify, how straining affects the fissure, and practical strategies for the gym.
When healing feels impossible — For people who are exhausted, frustrated, and feel like giving up on fissure treatment — what that moment feels like, and where to go from here.
When to stop treatment after fissure heals — Guidance on when and how to stop topical treatments, stool softeners, and other measures after an anal fissure has healed
Witch hazel for fissure relief — Can witch hazel help with an anal fissure? What people use it for, how it works, potential irritation risks, and what the evidence supports.
Working and sitting with an anal fissure — Practical guidance for managing fissure pain at work — sitting strategies, cushion options, medication timing, driving, time off for surgery.
Wound discharge after fissure — What discharge or weeping from an anal fissure means, when it is a normal part of healing, when it signals a problem, and how to manage it practically.
Yoga poses for fissure relief — Which yoga poses people find helpful during fissure recovery, which to avoid, and how gentle movement can support the healing process.

Surgery and recovery

Accepting fissure surgery — The emotional journey of deciding to have surgery for a chronic fissure — what people describe about reaching that point and making peace with the decision.
Advancement flap surgery — What advancement flap surgery is, when it is recommended, and what people describe about the procedure and recovery.
Anal dilatation for fissure: what to know — What anal dilatation (Lord's procedure) involves as a treatment for chronic anal fissure, why it has fallen out of favour, when it is still used.
Botox and fissurectomy together — Why some surgeons combine botox with fissurectomy for chronic anal fissure, how the combined approach works, and what people describe about recovery.
Botox didn't work: what now — What to do when botox does not heal your fissure — understanding why, the options that remain, and how to navigate the next conversation with your surgeon.
Botox incontinence risk: the research — What the research and patient accounts say about incontinence risk from botox injection for anal fissure
Botox injections for fissure: the day — A practical guide to the day of botox injections for anal fissure — what the injections feel like, how long it takes, anaesthesia options.
Botox vs LIS surgery for fissure — A balanced comparison of botox injection and LIS surgery for chronic anal fissure — success rates, risks, recovery, and how to decide.
Deciding on fissure surgery — When you are nervous about fissure surgery but exhausted from the pain — how people navigate the decision, what tips the balance.
Early days after LIS surgery — What the first few days after lateral internal sphincterotomy (LIS) surgery are actually like — pain patterns, first bowel movements.
Exam under anaesthesia explained — What an examination under anaesthesia (EUA) involves for anal and rectal conditions — why it is done, what happens, and what to expect before and after.
Fissurectomy vs LIS: how to decide — A clinical comparison of fissurectomy and lateral internal sphincterotomy (LIS) for chronic anal fissure
Fissurectomy with sphincterotomy — What the combined fissurectomy and sphincterotomy procedure involves, why surgeons perform both together.
Fissurectomy: the procedure explained — A practical guide to what happens on fissurectomy day — preparation, anaesthesia, what the surgeon does, how long it takes, and what to expect before.
Fissurectomy: what to know — What fissurectomy involves, how it differs from LIS, recovery patterns, and what people report about the combined procedure with botox.
High sphincter pressure and LIS — What high resting anal sphincter pressure means for fissure treatment, why it often leads to LIS surgery.
How long does fissure botox last — How long the effects of botox injection for anal fissure typically last, what happens as it wears off, and what the timeline means for healing.
How long to use topical treatment — How long people typically use GTN or diltiazem for an anal fissure, what to expect at different stages.
Incontinence risk after LIS surgery — What the research says and what people describe about incontinence risk after lateral internal sphincterotomy
Kenalog steroid injection for anal fissure — An uncommon procedure for chronic fissures that combines a triamcinolone (Kenalog) injection with treating the fissure itself. What it involves, what people report, and how thin the evidence is.
Leakage after anal surgery: is it normal? — What people experience with soiling and leakage after anal surgery — what is normal in the early weeks, the difference between temporary and lasting changes.
LIS surgery preparation and day of — What to expect when preparing for lateral internal sphincterotomy (LIS) surgery — the days before, the day itself, and the immediate aftermath.
LIS surgery: what happens — A step-by-step explanation of what happens during lateral internal sphincterotomy — the preparation, the procedure itself.
Preparing for fissure surgery — A practical guide to the weeks before fissure surgery — what to prepare, what to buy, what to ask, and how to set yourself up for the smoothest possible.
Preparing for fissure surgery — What to do the day before anal fissure surgery — practical preparation, what to expect, and how people manage the anxiety of the night before.
Preparing for LIS as a man — What men describe about preparing for and recovering from LIS surgery — the specific concerns, the practical preparation, and what the experience is like.
Recovery after fissure surgery — A practical guide to the early weeks after anal fissure surgery — what to expect, how to manage pain, when things are normal.
Self-dilation after fissure surgery — Why some surgeons suggest dilators after LIS, fissurectomy, Botox or flap surgery, what people report, the worries they raise and when they stop.
Thinking about fissure surgery — A framework for weighing surgical options for a chronic fissure — the questions to ask, the factors to consider.
Three months after LIS surgery — What life looks like three to four months after lateral internal sphincterotomy — the ongoing recovery, lingering concerns.
Zingers: sudden pain after anal surgery — What zingers are, why they happen after anal surgery, how long they last, and what helps manage the sudden sharp pain spikes during recovery.

Creams and medication

Anoheal in the UK: what to know — Anoheal is a branded diltiazem 2% ointment used for anal fissures in the UK. Getting it on the NHS or privately, why GPs may not know it, and the reactions people report.
Applying Rectogesic: practical tips — Practical guidance for applying Rectogesic (GTN ointment) for anal fissure — how to manage the application process, reduce discomfort.
Botox for anal fissure explained — How botox (botulinum toxin) injection works for chronic anal fissures — the procedure, recovery, success rates, and what to expect.
Botox for fissure side effects — A comprehensive look at botox side effects for anal fissure treatment — what people report about pain, bruising, temporary incontinence, incomplete response.
Botox for fissure: success rates — What the evidence says about botox success rates for anal fissure — published figures, what influences outcomes.
Botox vs topical treatment for fissure — Comparing botox and topical treatments for anal fissure — how they work, what people describe about each, and how the decision is usually made.
Botox wearing off: signs and next steps — What people describe when botox for an anal fissure starts to wear off — the timeline, the signs, and the options available.
Choosing between fissure treatments — A practical guide to the treatment options for anal fissures — from conservative care through to surgery
Comparing fissure medications — What people describe about trying different medications for anal fissure — GTN, diltiazem, nifedipine, and how the experience of each compares in practice.
Compounded medications for fissure — What compounded medications are, why they are used for anal fissures, how they differ from standard prescriptions, and what to expect.
Cost of botox for anal fissure — What people can expect regarding the cost of botox injection for an anal fissure — NHS vs private, what is included, and financial considerations.
Diltiazem cream for fissure — What to expect when using diltiazem cream for an anal fissure — how it works, the typical experience, common side effects.
Diltiazem rash: what to do — What to do if you develop a rash from diltiazem cream for an anal fissure — what people describe, when to stop, and how to manage the reaction.
Diltiazem side effects and how to manage them — What people report about diltiazem cream side effects for anal fissures — skin reactions, other effects, and practical tips for managing them.
GTN cream side effects and headaches — What people report about GTN cream side effects for anal fissures — why headaches happen, how to manage them.
GTN ointment for anal fissure — How GTN (glyceryl trinitrate) ointment works for anal fissures — application, common side effects like headaches, what to expect.
How to apply rectal ointment properly — A practical, step-by-step guide to applying rectal ointment — how deep, how much, finger vs applicator, timing around bowel movements.
How to apply topical treatments for fissures — Practical guidance on applying diltiazem cream, GTN ointment, and nifedipine for anal fissures — where to apply, how much to use, managing headaches.
Lidocaine for fissure pain relief — How lidocaine is used for anal fissure pain — available forms, how to apply it, what it does and does not do, and practical considerations.
Nifedipine and lidocaine compound cream — Why some clinicians prescribe a compounded nifedipine and lidocaine cream for fissures, sometimes with diclofenac, and what people report about numbing, healing and side effects.
Nifedipine cream for anal fissure — How nifedipine cream works for anal fissures, what people describe about using it, how it compares to GTN and diltiazem, and common side effects.
Nifedipine vs diltiazem for anal fissure — Two creams from the same drug family. How people describe the differences, availability in the UK and US, side effects compared, and switching between them.
Rectogesic for anal fissure — A practical guide to Rectogesic (a brand name for GTN ointment) for anal fissures — what it is, how to use it, common side effects, and what people report.
Second botox injection for fissure — What to expect from a second botox injection for an anal fissure — when it is offered, whether it works as well as the first, and what the evidence suggests.
Switching between GTN and diltiazem — Why people switch between GTN and diltiazem for anal fissures, what to expect during the transition, whether you need a washout period.
Using nifedipine cream: questions people ask — Where nifedipine cream goes, timing around bowel movements, burning on application, how long people use it, and what healed but still sore can mean.
When fissure treatment feels futile — What to do when you feel like giving up on fissure treatment — the frustration, the options that remain, and why persistence often leads somewhere better.
When topical treatment stops working — What to do when a topical treatment that was helping your fissure stops being effective — common reasons, adjustments, and next steps.

Chronic and recurring fissures

Fissure pain when coughing or sneezing — Why a cough, sneeze or laugh can send a jolt through a fissure or a healing wound, what people do to brace, and when that pain needs checking.
Sleeping positions for fissure pain — How sleeping position affects anal fissure comfort, what positions people find most helpful, and strategies for getting through the night.
Understanding fissure pain levels — How much do anal fissures actually hurt? A look at the range of pain people describe — from mild stinging to severe spasm — and what influences the intensity.

Everything else

A hard stool you can feel coming — What people with a fissure describe doing when they can feel a hard stool on its way, why the first part is often hardest, and how they try to prevent it.
Anal fissure and your period — Why many women find a fissure flares before or during a period, what people try with pads, tampons and sitz baths, and how cycles fit around Botox or surgery.
Anal fissure in children — What parents should know about anal fissures in children — why they happen, what to watch for, how to help your child, and when to see a doctor.
Anal fissure in elderly adults — How anal fissures present and are managed in older adults — the specific challenges, treatment considerations, and why age matters for healing.
Anterior anal fissure in women — What an anterior anal fissure means, why it is more common in women, how it differs from posterior fissures.
Atypical anal fissure explained — What makes a fissure 'atypical,' why location and appearance matter, and what further investigation might be needed when a fissure does not follow the usual.
Colonoscopy prep with an anal fissure — Dreading bowel prep with a fissure? What people describe about the burning, how they protected the skin, what to tell the unit and how things were afterwards.
Enemas with an anal fissure — Is an enema safe with a fissure? What people report about pharmacy and water enemas, the pre-surgery enema question, and why clinicians are cautious.
Fissure between the buttocks — When a fissure or wound appears between the buttock cheeks rather than at the anal opening — what this could mean and what people describe about this.
Fissure causes beyond constipation — The causes of anal fissures beyond constipation — diarrhoea, childbirth, medical conditions, and other factors that people may not initially consider.
Fissure vs rectal cancer concerns — Understanding the differences between anal fissure symptoms and signs that might warrant investigation for more serious conditions
How doctors diagnose a fissure — What happens during a fissure diagnosis — the examination process, what doctors look for, and what to expect at your appointment.
Is my fissure wound infected? — How to tell if an anal fissure has become infected — what infection looks like, what is normal healing, and when to seek medical attention.
Just diagnosed with a fissure — What to expect in your first days after being diagnosed with an anal fissure — common treatment paths, practical first steps, and what questions to ask.
Lateral fissure: why location matters — What a lateral anal fissure means, why fissures outside the midline are investigated differently, and what conditions may be associated with this pattern.
Miralax for anal fissure — How Miralax (polyethylene glycol) works for stool softening with an anal fissure, what people report, and how it compares to other stool management options.
Multiple anal fissures at the same time — What it means to have more than one anal fissure simultaneously — possible causes, how management differs, and when to seek investigation.
Painless fissure bleeding explained — Can an anal fissure bleed without pain? What painless rectal bleeding might mean, when a fissure is the cause, and when other causes should be considered.
Posterior fissure: why this location — Why most anal fissures occur at the posterior midline, what this means for diagnosis and treatment, and when a different location warrants further.
Sentinel piles with anal fissure — What sentinel piles are, why they form alongside anal fissures, whether they go away on their own, and when removal might be considered.
Stomach flu with an anal fissure — What people describe when a stomach bug, food poisoning or flu hits during a fissure or just before surgery, how they protect the skin, and when to get help.
Swollen buttock near the anus — What a swollen, painful lump near the anus could mean — including perianal abscess, thrombosed haemorrhoid, and other causes — and when to seek urgent care.
Toilet posture and fissures — How toilet posture affects fissure symptoms — why squatting helps, how to use a footstool, and practical tips to reduce straining during bowel movements.
Turmeric for fissure healing — What people report about using turmeric for anal fissure healing — the claims, the evidence, and the practical reality of this commonly discussed supplement.
Unusual tearing near the anus — What can cause tearing near the anus, when it is likely a fissure, what other conditions to consider, and when to see a doctor.
What does an anal fissure look like — What people describe about the visible signs of an anal fissure — the appearance of acute vs chronic fissures, sentinel piles.
What happens at a fissure appointment — A step-by-step walkthrough of what to expect at an anal fissure appointment — from the waiting room to leaving with a plan.

What people have been through

These are composite narratives drawn from multiple anonymized experiences. They represent common patterns, not any single person's story.

Early days

Acute fissure: sharp pain after BMs — A composite experience of the first weeks living with acute fissure symptoms — what people commonly report, what they try, and when they seek care.
Bright red blood when wiping — The experience of noticing bright red blood on toilet paper — the panic, the googling, the common causes.
Burning sensation after bowel movement — What people describe about the burning sensation that follows a bowel movement — the patterns, the duration, and what helps.
Fissure bleeding: how much is normal — What people describe about bleeding from an anal fissure — the typical patterns, what amounts are considered normal.
Throbbing pain after passing stool — What throbbing anal pain after a bowel movement feels like, what commonly causes it, and how people manage the post-bowel-movement pain cycle.

After a procedure

Advancement flap recovery — What recovery from advancement flap surgery looks like — the wound, the healing, and how people manage the weeks after the procedure.
After botox for anal fissure — What people commonly experience in the days and weeks after botox injection for an anal fissure — the waiting, the changes, and the adjustment period.
Anoplasty for anal fissure — What the experience of anoplasty for a chronic anal fissure is really like — why it is recommended, what the procedure involves, and what recovery looks like.
Botox for fissure: the first few weeks — A detailed look at what the first few weeks after botox for an anal fissure are really like — the day-by-day reality, the waiting.
Botox for fissure: trying again — What people experience when the first round of botox does not fully resolve their fissure — the decision between a second injection and surgery.
Botox for fissure: week by week — A week-by-week account of what botox recovery for an anal fissure actually looks like — from the first uncertain days through the months of healing.
Botox with hemorrhoid treatment — What recovery looks like when botox for a fissure is combined with hemorrhoid treatment — the overlapping symptoms, the dual healing timeline.
Coming home after LIS surgery: the first days — What people commonly describe about the first days at home after lateral internal sphincterotomy — the relief, the uncertainty, the first bowel movement.
Continence changes after LIS surgery — A composite account of what continence changes look like after lateral internal sphincterotomy — from the fear beforehand to the reality of recovery.
Day surgery for anal fissure — What day surgery for an anal fissure is like — arrival, the procedure, going home, and what the first few days of recovery look like.
Double fissurectomy and botox: what to expect — What people describe about having fissurectomy on two fissures with botox injection — the procedure, the recovery, and managing two wounds at once.
Driving after LIS surgery — When people typically return to driving after LIS surgery, what makes it comfortable or uncomfortable, and how to know when you are ready.
Exercise after LIS surgery — When people typically return to exercise after lateral internal sphincterotomy, what activities they try first.
Fear of fissure surgery — Managing the anxiety before fissure surgery — what people describe about the fear, how they worked through it, and what helped them move forward.
First bowel movement after LIS — What the first bowel movement after lateral internal sphincterotomy is really like — the anxiety, the preparation, and what people actually experience.
Fissure botox recovery timeline — What the first days and weeks after botox for a fissure look like, based on patterns from many recovery accounts.
Fissure botox side effects — What people report when botox for a fissure causes unexpected problems — temporary incontinence, worsened pain, and other side effects.
Fissure botox with fissurectomy — What people report about combined procedures — botox with fissurectomy and skin tag removal — including recovery and outcomes.
Fissurectomy and botox: a recovery diary — What people commonly describe about day-to-day recovery after combined fissurectomy and botox — the daily progression, setbacks, and milestones.
Fissurectomy recovery — What the first days and weeks after fissurectomy feel like — the wound, the healing, and how people manage the recovery.
Fissurectomy recovery tips — Practical tips and strategies from people who have recovered from fissurectomy — what helped, what to avoid, and how to manage the weeks of healing.
Fissurectomy vs LIS surgery — How people weigh fissurectomy against lateral internal sphincterotomy — the factors, the trade-offs, and what recovery looks like for each.
Fissurectomy with skin tag removal — What people describe about having a fissurectomy and skin tag removal done together — the procedure, recovery.
Fissurectomy wound healing timeline — What fissurectomy wound healing actually looks like week by week — how the wound changes, what is normal, and when people start to see progress.
Flying after LIS surgery — When people typically feel ready to fly after LIS surgery, what to plan for, and practical tips for making air travel comfortable during recovery.
From GTN to LIS: a treatment journey — What it is like to go through weeks of GTN treatment for an anal fissure and ultimately decide on LIS surgery
LIS incontinence risk: the evidence — What the evidence says about incontinence risk after LIS surgery — the real numbers, what people experience.
LIS surgery and gas control — What people describe about gas control after lateral internal sphincterotomy — the changes, the timeline, and whether it resolves.
LIS surgery diary: week by week — A detailed diary-style account of LIS surgery recovery — the daily reality, the milestones, and the gradual return to normal life over weeks and months.
LIS surgery recovery week by week — A week-by-week look at what people experience during recovery from lateral internal sphincterotomy — the physical changes, the milestones.
LIS surgery success rates and outcomes — What the evidence says about LIS surgery success rates, what 'success' actually means in practice, and how real-world outcomes compare to clinical.
LIS surgery wound care — How to care for the wound after lateral internal sphincterotomy — cleaning, sitz baths, what discharge is normal, and when to contact your surgeon.
LIS surgery: decision and recovery — A composite account of what people experience when deciding on lateral internal sphincterotomy and the recovery journey that follows.
LIS surgery: the full journey — The full emotional arc of lateral internal sphincterotomy — from failed conservative treatment through the decision, the NHS wait, the day itself.
Pain after fissurectomy: what's normal — What normal pain after fissurectomy looks like — the timeline, the types of pain, and when to be concerned versus reassured.
Pain after LIS surgery: how long it lasts — What different types of pain people experience after lateral internal sphincterotomy, how intense each one is at different stages, and when the pain resolves.
Post-surgery recurrence anxiety — What the fear of fissure recurrence after surgery is really like — the hypervigilance, the false alarms, and how people describe learning to move forward.
Private LIS surgery in the UK — What people describe about getting LIS surgery privately in the UK — the process, the costs, the reasons for choosing private.
Questions for your fissure surgeon — The questions people wish they had asked before fissure surgery — covering the procedure, risks, recovery, and what to expect afterwards.
Returning to work after LIS — What people describe about going back to work after LIS surgery — the timing, the challenges, and the practical strategies that made the transition.
Scar tissue after LIS surgery — What people experience with scar tissue after lateral internal sphincterotomy — the hard lump, how it changes over time, and when it becomes a concern.
Second LIS surgery: when needed — What people experience when a second LIS surgery becomes necessary — how the decision is made, how recovery compares, and what to expect.
Sex after LIS surgery — When people typically feel ready to resume sexual activity after LIS surgery, what to consider, and how to approach the conversation with a partner.
Swelling after LIS surgery — What swelling after LIS surgery looks like, how long it lasts, and how people manage it — the day-by-day reality of this common post-operative concern.
Waiting for fissure surgery — How to manage an anal fissure while waiting for surgery — practical strategies, emotional coping, and what people describe about the waiting period.
Waiting for LIS surgery — What the waiting period before lateral internal sphincterotomy feels like, and how the first weeks of recovery compare to the anticipation
When one surgery isn't enough — A composite account of what people experience when they face a second or third procedure for a chronic anal fissure

Living with it long term

Anal spasm after bowel movement — What people describe about the intense spasm and pain after bowel movements with an anal fissure — why it happens, how long it lasts, and what helps.
Body image and anal conditions — How anal conditions affect the way people feel about their bodies — the shame, the adjustment, and the path toward acceptance that people commonly describe.
Botox for fissure during pregnancy — What people describe about considering or having botox for an anal fissure during pregnancy — the questions, the decisions, and the alternatives.
Breastfeeding and fissure treatment — What people describe about managing an anal fissure while breastfeeding — which treatments are commonly used, which need discussion, and practical strategies.
Chronic fissure that won't heal — What to consider when a chronic anal fissure is not responding to treatment — the common reasons, the next steps, and how to make decisions about escalation.
Chronic fissure treatment journey — A composite account of the path people describe from an acute fissure that does not heal into the world of chronic fissure treatment options.
Coping with fissure pain mentally — How people manage the mental and emotional toll of chronic fissure pain — the anxiety, the dread, and the strategies that help protect mental health.
Depression and chronic anal fissure — The emotional reality of living with a chronic anal fissure — how persistent pain affects mental health and what helps people cope.
Eight years of fissure, finally healed — A composite of people whose long-term fissure healed through the long plateau of 'almost healed': the triggers that reset it, the routine changes, and living with the fear of relapse.
Fear of bowel movements with a fissure — How people describe the fear and dread of bowel movements when living with an anal fissure — the avoidance cycle and what helps break it.
Feeling isolated with a fissure — The emotional isolation of living with an anal fissure — why it happens, how people cope, and the relief of finding others who understand.
Fissure after childbirth — A composite experience of developing an anal fissure after giving birth — the shock, the struggle of caring for a newborn while in pain.
Fissure and relationships — How people navigate telling partners about their anal fissure, the impact on intimacy and sex life, the isolation of a condition you cannot easily explain.
Fissure anxiety and mental health — How living with an anal fissure affects mental health — the bowel movement dread, fear of eating, pre-surgery terror.
Fissure botox vs LIS surgery — The decision journey between botox and LIS for a chronic fissure — people who tried botox first, what happened, and why some moved to surgery.
Fissure during pregnancy: safe options — What people describe about managing an anal fissure during pregnancy — which treatments are considered safe, which to avoid.
Fissure healed then came back — Why anal fissures recur after healing, what triggers relapse, and how people describe navigating the frustration of a fissure that returns.
Fissure itching during healing — Why anal fissure itching happens as the fissure heals, what people describe about the timing and intensity.
Fissure pain after healing — Why some people experience lingering pain after an anal fissure has healed — possible causes, what is normal, and when to seek reassessment.
Fissure pain at night — What night-time anal fissure pain is like, why it can feel worse at night, and the strategies people use to get through the difficult hours.
Fissure treatment while pregnant — What people describe about managing an anal fissure during pregnancy — which treatments are commonly considered safe and what changes.
Healed after ten years of a fissure — A composite of people who finally healed after close to a decade of fissures, sometimes with a fistula or skin tag along the way: what changed, and what they would tell their earlier self.
Healing timeline: acute vs chronic — What the healing timeline looks like for acute versus chronic anal fissures — how the experiences differ and what each path typically involves.
How long until a fissure heals — What people describe about fissure healing timelines — acute vs chronic, the factors that affect duration.
Kenalog injection for a chronic fissure — A composite experience of choosing the uncommon Kenalog steroid procedure for a chronic fissure after creams failed: the procedure day, the first week, and mixed results.
Living with a chronic fissure — Daily coping strategies for living with a chronic anal fissure — practical routines, emotional management, and what helps people get through.
Living with a chronic fissure — What months and years of living with a chronic anal fissure actually look like — the cycles of healing and relapse, the treatments tried.
Living with a fissure for years — What it is like to deal with a fissure for months or years — the emotional toll, the treatment fatigue, and how people eventually find a path forward.
Maintaining healing after fissure — What people describe about the long-term habits that help prevent fissure recurrence — the routines that stick and the lessons learned.
Mindfulness for fissure pain — How people use mindfulness and breathing techniques to manage fissure pain — what works, what does not, and the realistic role of mind-body approaches.
Muscle spasm and fissure connection — How sphincter muscle spasm drives the anal fissure cycle — what people experience, how it feels, and the strategies that help break the pattern.
Navigating chronic fissure treatment — What the long road of chronic fissure treatment looks like — the creams, the setbacks, the emotional toll, and the decision points that shape the journey.
Pain after BM that lasts for hours — What people describe about post-bowel-movement pain that lasts for hours with an anal fissure — the pattern, what causes it, and what helps.
Pain after fissure heals — What people experience when a fissure has healed but pain continues — understanding why, what helps, and when to seek further evaluation.
Pre-surgery anxiety for LIS — What the waiting period before LIS surgery is really like — the fear, the preparation, and the patterns people describe between scheduling and the operating.
Recurrent fissure: breaking the cycle — What people experience when a fissure keeps coming back — the patterns, the frustration, and the strategies that finally help break the cycle.
Running with an anal fissure — What people experience when running with an anal fissure — when it helps, when it hurts, and how runners adapt their training during recovery.
Scar tissue after a fissure heals — What scar tissue feels like after a fissure — the lump, the tightness, the confusion about whether it is normal, and when to seek further assessment.
Self-dilation for a chronic fissure — A composite of people who tried dilators for a chronic fissure that would not heal with ointments: the fear, the first weeks, mixed results and the move to surgery.
Sentinel pile after fissure heals — What people experience when a sentinel pile remains after their fissure has healed — the discovery, the decisions.
Seven years with a fissure — What long-term fissure management looks like over years — the cycles, the decisions, and the strategies people develop when a fissure becomes a chronic.
Signs your fissure is healing — A composite experience of what fissure healing actually feels like day to day — the ups and downs, the signs of progress.
Sitting with an anal fissure — How people manage sitting with an anal fissure — the cushions, the positions, the workplace strategies, and the mental toll of constant discomfort.
Spasms continuing after fissure healed — When the fissure is gone but the spasms are not — what people experience when pain and tightness persist after healing, and what they try next.
The fissure healing cycle — Why fissure healing is not a straight line — the setbacks, the good days followed by bad days, and what people learn about the non-linear nature of recovery.
Topical treatment daily life — A composite experience of what daily life looks like when using prescribed topical treatments for an anal fissure
Walking with an anal fissure — What people describe about walking and movement with an anal fissure — does it help or make things worse, and how do people adapt their activity levels?
What a healed fissure looks like — What people describe about how a healed anal fissure looks and feels — the signs of healing, what changes, and what may remain permanently.
What long-healed people tell newcomers — The advice people who healed from anal fissures pass on to those just starting out: what most of them agree on, where they contradict each other, and what is sensible versus folklore.
When fissure botox does not work — What people experience when botox for a fissure fails — repeat injections, next steps, and how people move forward after botox does not heal their fissure.
When your fissure comes back — What people experience when a fissure returns after healing — the emotional setback, understanding why, and finding a path forward.

Specific triggers

Fissure care with a newborn — What it is like to manage an anal fissure while caring for a newborn — the sleep deprivation, the impossible self-care routines.
Fissure from pushing during labour — What it is like to develop an anal fissure during labour — how people describe the experience, when they realise what has happened.
Managing a fissure at work — A composite experience of what it is like to work through an anal fissure — sitting pain, bathroom strategy, medication at work, the question of disclosure.
Postpartum anal pain: seeing a doctor — When postpartum anal pain warrants a doctor's visit — the signs that distinguish normal recovery from something that needs specific attention.
Postpartum constipation and fissures — How people navigate postpartum constipation and the risk of developing an anal fissure — prevention strategies, what helps, and when to seek care.
The constipation-fissure spiral — A composite experience of the common cycle where constipation triggers a fissure, and fissure pain worsens constipation — and how people work to break it.

Getting a diagnosis

Blood on toilet paper but no pain — What people describe about finding blood on toilet paper without any pain — the common causes, what it typically means, and when to get it checked.
Can you feel a fissure with your finger — What people describe when trying to feel for an anal fissure — what is possible, what is not, and why touching the area is usually best left to a clinician.
Sharp pain during bowel movement — What people describe about experiencing sharp pain during bowel movements — the common patterns, what it might indicate, and the steps people take.

Common questions

How common are anal fissures?

Anal fissures are one of the most common conditions seen by colorectal specialists. They affect people of all ages but are particularly common in young adults and in people who experience constipation or diarrhea.

What is the difference between an acute and a chronic fissure?

An acute fissure is a recent tear that often heals with conservative care within several weeks. A chronic fissure is one that has not healed after roughly 6 to 8 weeks and may develop features like a skin tag or visible muscle fibers. Chronic fissures sometimes need medical treatment beyond self-care.

Can fissures come back after healing?

Yes, recurrence is fairly common, particularly if the factors that contributed to the original fissure — like constipation or straining — are still present. Many people find that maintaining a long-term fiber and hydration routine helps reduce the chance of recurrence.

What treatments exist beyond self-care?

When conservative measures are not enough, doctors may prescribe topical treatments to relax the anal muscle and improve blood flow to the area. For chronic fissures that do not respond, procedures such as botulinum toxin (commonly known as Botox) injection or lateral internal sphincterotomy (LIS) surgery may be discussed. We have guides covering both.

Is it normal to dread going to the bathroom?

Many people with fissures describe exactly this. The anticipation of pain can lead to avoiding or delaying bowel movements, which unfortunately tends to make stools harder and the fissure worse. This cycle is very common and worth discussing with a doctor if it is affecting your daily life.

Related conditions

Hemorrhoids (piles)

Swollen blood vessels in or around the anus and rectum. One of the most common colorectal conditions.

Learn more →

IBS-related colorectal symptoms

Colorectal symptoms that overlap with or are driven by irritable bowel syndrome.

Learn more →

Post-procedure recovery

Recovery experiences after common colorectal procedures including surgery, banding, and drainage.

Learn more →

Sentinel pile / skin tag

A small tag of skin near the anus, often forming near a chronic fissure or after hemorrhoids.

Learn more →

When to seek care Heavy bleeding or feeling faint? Get emergency help now. Emergency: 911

Not sure how urgent it is? Get help today.

Emergency
Heavy bleeding, black tarry stools, feeling faint, severe pain or trouble breathing.

Call 911 or go to the ER.
Today
Fever, pain getting worse, a hot swollen lump, or trouble passing urine.

Call your doctor or go to urgent care.
Soon
Bleeding or bowel changes nobody has checked, or anything lasting 3 weeks.

Book a doctor’s appointment.

Feeling overwhelmed? Call or text 988, any time.

See all the signs

For this topic, get medical advice if you notice:

Severe pain that is getting worse rather than better
Heavier or persistent bleeding that does not settle
Fever alongside anal pain or swelling
Symptoms lasting beyond 6 to 8 weeks without improvement
Significant swelling or a lump near the fissure
Pain that is preventing you from eating, sleeping, or going about daily activities

Recording how you feel is not the same as being checked. These are the signs that need a doctor’s attention.

Call 911 or go to the emergency room now if you have:

bleeding that will not stop, a lot of blood (the toilet water turns red, or you pass large clots), or any bleeding with feeling faint or dizzy
fainting, a racing heart or trouble breathing
confusion or slurred speech, extreme shivering, no urine in a day, or blotchy skin
sudden severe belly pain, or a swollen, hard belly with vomiting or not passing stool or gas
you cannot pass urine at all, or your bladder feels full and painful and you can’t empty it
redness, swelling or severe pain spreading quickly around your anus, genitals or groin, especially with a fever or feeling very ill
a fever with a painful swelling near your anus if you have diabetes or a weakened immune system (for example, from chemotherapy or transplant medicines)
black, tarry stools

Call your doctor or go to urgent care today (or the ER if you can’t be seen today) if you have:

a temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, chills, vomiting, or feeling generally unwell
pain that is getting worse over days, or severe pain that stops you sitting or sleeping
a hot, swollen or very tender lump near your anus or at the top of the crease between your buttocks, or foul-smelling discharge
trouble urinating
bleeding that is getting heavier or more frequent, or blood mixed into your stool
feeling much more tired than usual, looking pale, or getting out of breath more easily than you used to
not passing stool for several days, or new belly pain

Make an appointment with your doctor if:

you have never had these symptoms checked by a doctor or nurse — whatever your age
you have had rectal bleeding for more than 3 weeks
your bowel movements have been looser, thinner or more frequent than usual for 3 weeks or more, or you have lost weight without trying
symptoms have not settled after a week or so, or keep coming back
you notice a new lump near your anus, between your buttocks or in your belly, or an itch or discharge that does not clear
you have new leakage or trouble controlling your bowels
you are 45 or over, or have a family history of bowel cancer or inflammatory bowel disease, and any of these symptoms are new for you

If you are unsure, it is always reasonable to ask. If things feel overwhelming, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) or chat at 988lifeline.org, any time. If you don’t feel safe, call 911.

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