To diagnose an anal fissure, your GP will ask you about your symptoms and the type of pain that you have been experiencing. They may also ask you about your toilet habits.
Physical examination
In order to confirm a diagnosis of an anal fissure, your GP will usually need to carry out a physical examination. They will need to examine your anus by gently parting your buttocks. In most cases, your GP will be able to see the fissure.
However, if your GP cannot see any signs of a fissure, they may press gently on the edge of your anus. If you have an anal fissure, you will usually experience some pain when gentle pressure is applied.
Very rarely, your GP may need to perform a rectal examination (where they insert a lubricated, gloved finger into your anus to feel for abnormalities) in order to diagnose an anal fissure.
If your GP thinks that something more serious may be causing your fissure, they may refer you to a specialist for a more thorough investigation. The type of specialist you will be referred to will depend on the suspected cause of your fissure.
