Anal Fissure

What can be done to prevent the condition?

Usually, anal fissures can be prevented by maintaining regularly formed bowel movements. High fiber diets and stool softeners, such as docusate, are often beneficial.

What are the long-term effects of the condition?

Untreated anal fissures can lead to anal fistulas, which are abnormal connections between the anus and another organ, usually a different part of the bowel. They can also cause anal stenosis, or an abnormal narrowing of the anal canal.

What are the risks to others?

Most of the time, anal fissures are not contagious. Rare exceptions occur if the condition is caused by an infection.