Will anal fissures cause bleeding?

Written by Wang Ji Zhong
Internal Medicine
Updated on June 04, 2025
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As the name suggests, an anal fissure is a condition where the anal canal splits open, forming small ulcers. These splits run parallel to the longitudinal axis of the anal canal and are typically spindle-shaped or oval. They often cause severe perianal pain. The classic clinical signs of an anal fissure include pain, bleeding during bowel movements, and constipation. Thus, anal fissures do bleed, characterized by spotting of blood during defecation or blood on tissue after bowel movements. The blood is usually bright red. The amount of bleeding relates to the depth and size of the fissure but generally does not present as heavy or spurting bleeding like with hemorrhoids, and significant bleeding is rare. The bleeding from an anal fissure can also recur periodically. Therefore, it is important to seek timely medical treatment at a hospital to ensure effective therapy and early recovery.

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Do postpartum anal fissures require surgery?

For postpartum women who experience anal fissures, whether or not they can undergo surgical treatment requires a specific examination to determine the severity of the fissure, and then select a targeted treatment. For mild anal fissures, treatment can be administered through medications, which involves applying topical medications, as well as cleaning the affected area in daily life, which can gradually aid in the recovery of the fissure. It is not the case that all anal fissures must be cured through surgery. However, for some severe anal fissures that are also accompanied by serious infections, this situation necessitates dealing with the affected tissues before the anal fissure can be healed.

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How long does it take to recover from an anal fissurectomy?

Anal fissure refers to a small ulcer formed by the skin cracking below the dentate line of the anal canal, with the main symptoms being pain and bleeding. Anal fissure excision surgery is one of the surgical treatments for anal fissures. It mainly involves removing the anal fissure, the sentinel piles, and the hypertrophied anal papillae. It also involves cutting a part of the internal and external sphincter's subcutaneous section. The wound is left open for drainage. A disadvantage is that healing is relatively slow, so it generally takes over a month to fully recover after the surgery.

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What fruits to eat for anal fissures?

With anal fissures, it is important to maintain smooth bowel movements. Consume more fresh fruits and vegetables, such as bananas, kiwis, strawberries, celery, and spinach, as their rough fibers help lubricate the intestines and facilitate bowel movements. Avoid spicy and irritating foods, foods that cause internal heat, especially avoid chili peppers, onions, ginger, and garlic, and do not drink alcohol, as these can exacerbate constipation and worsen symptoms of anal fissures. Additionally, keep the affected area dry and clean to prevent bacterial infection, and wash with warm water. If there is inflammation in the area of the anal fissure, a sitz bath with potassium permanganate can be used.

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What should not be eaten with anal fissure?

Patients with anal fissures should be cautious with their diet, avoiding spicy and irritating foods to prevent exacerbation. They should also consume foods rich in roughage, such as cornmeal, sweet potatoes, celery, leeks, and cabbage, which can facilitate bowel movements and prevent the aggravation of anal fissures due to dry stools. Additionally, alcohol should be avoided as it may dilate blood vessels and lead to increased bleeding. It is essential for patients with anal fissures to maintain smooth bowel movements and avoid sitting or squatting for extended periods.

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Can anal fissures be cured completely?

Anal fissures are a curable condition, so do not worry. Anal fissures are relatively common in clinical practice and are a frequently occurring disease. Fresh anal fissures, which are of short duration and have small fissures, can be treated and cured using methods such as fumigation, oral medications, or rectal insertion. For older, chronic anal fissures, surgical treatment can be administered, including methods like the Milligan-Morgan technique or fissurectomy, all of which can achieve a cure. However, anal fissures are related to lifestyle and dietary habits, so even after healing, it is important to be cautious of various triggering factors to prevent recurrence.