Anal fissures usually cause the following two symptoms:
Pain
An anal fissure causes a severe and sharp pain when you pass faeces (stools). Some people have described the pain as feeling like trying to pass broken glass. Once this sharp pain has passed, it is usually replaced by a deep burning pain, which may be felt for several hours after you have been to the toilet.
Bleeding
Sometimes an anal fissure can also cause bleeding when you pass stools. Most people notice a small amount of bright red blood, either in their stools or on the toilet paper.
When to seek medical advice
It is recommended that you visit your GP if you suspect that you have an anal fissure.
Most cases of anal fissure will get better without treatment, but your GP may need to give you detailed information about addressing possible risk factors or underlying conditions that may have contributed to it, such as not eating enough fibre.
Your GP will also be able to tell you if your symptoms are caused by another condition, such as haemorrhoids (swollen blood vessels in the anus and rectum).
