What are anal fissures?

Around 2% of the population have anal fissures and many people who think they have piles actually have anal fissures.

The main symptoms are bright red bleeding and pain after going to the lavatory. Only 20% of anal fissures are caused by constipation and doctors now believe they may be caused by a poor blood supply to the back of the anus.

Anal fissures can be treated with a high-fibre diet and regular bathing. If the fissures don't heal then you may need a small operation. This is done under general anaesthetic and is usually successful, but one person out of every twenty may have slight difficulty controlling wind afterwards.