Anal Fissure Prevention

Acute (sudden and short-term) anal fissures are often caused by enlarged or hard stool, straining during a bowel movement, constipation, and diarrhea. Reduce your chance of getting an anal fissure by following these tips:

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Hydrate

Large, firm stools can increase the pressure of your anal canal and result in an anal fissure. If you notice your bowel movements increasing in size, get hydrated.

Ways to get hydrated:

  • Upgrade your water bottle

  • Use a straw

  • Set a reminder to drink

  • Add a flavor to your water

Alcohol and high-sugar drinks should be avoided because they are dehydrating and cause constipation.

Coffee and other caffeinated drinks are no longer believed to be dehydrating as long as you stick to moderate intake. 

Fiber

Fiber supplements like psyllium husk powder or a diet with high-fiber foods can soften your bowel movements. When stool is easier to pass, it will be less likely to tear your anal canal.

High-fiber foods:

  • Raspberries

  • Beans

  • Apples

  • Green peas

  • Whole wheat pasta

  • Oatmeal

Click here for more high-fiber food ideas from Mayo Clinic.

Stool Softener

Large and firm bowel movements can cause tearing of your anus. To help reduce the size and firmness of your bowel movements, use stool softeners like Colace. Use as directed or overuse can result in diarrhea. Stool softeners may take 24 to 48 hours to work. While you wait for results, continue to use the bathroom as usual and increase your water and fiber intake.

Go When You Feel the Urge

Abstaining from using the bathroom can make things worse because the longer the stool stays in your intestines, the more dehydrated and harder it gets. Hard stool can stretch and traumatize your anal canal resulting in an anal fissure. As soon as you feel the urge to defecate, go to the bathroom.

Do Not Strain

When using the bathroom, do not force your stool out as this can cause an anal fissure. If you find yourself pushing, take a deep breath and practice relaxing your rectum and anus to let the bowel movement pass with minimal pressure. Using a footstool like a Squatty Potty or a foldable stool so that your knees are above your hips is also highly recommended. This position relaxes your pelvic floor muscles and keeps you from straining.

Exercise/Be Active

Exercising can tone the muscles that help ease bowel movements and help your digestive system function better, decreasing the likelihood of hard, irritating stool.

Need some activity and exercise ideas? Here are some of our favorites:

Physical Therapy

Did you know that you can use breathing techniques and pelvic floor exercises to improve your rectal health? People with tight pelvic floor muscles have to strain to empty their bowels. This pushing and straining results in hemorrhoids and anal fissures.

Belly breathing and pelvic floor toning can reduce your need to strain. Learn how to do these exercises.

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