An anal fissure is a tear in the lining of the lower rectum. It can cause a stinging or burning pain during bowel movements, and may itch and bleed slightly. It can also be a painless wound that bleeds but doesn't cause other symptoms. It is a common condition that affects people of all ages.

Anal fissures can be caused by injury. If you have repeated diarrhea or try to pass a hard stool when you are constipated, you may cause trauma to the anal canal. Women may develop anal fissures during childbirth. Anal intercourse or the insertion of a foreign body may also lead to anal fissures. Crohn's disease can also contribute to the formation of anal fissures.

There are medical treatments for anal fissures, and surgery may be necessary for chronic anal fissures that don't respond to medicine. If you have any bleeding with bowel movements, you should contact Nacogdoches Gastroenterology.