5 Tips For Preventing Anal Fissures

An anal fissure is a tiny tear in the anal canal and can lead to pain during bowel movements. This injury can affect almost anyone and may have several causes, including passing a large stool and having repeated diarrhea. Although an anal fissure rarely leads to complications, it is still unpleasant to deal with. Here are five helpful tips for preventing an anal fissure:

Drink Plenty of Water

One of the simplest ways to reduce your risk of anal fissure is to stay hydrated. If you drink at least eight cups of water a day, you can avoid constipation and pass stools easier. Try to limited the amount of alcoholic and caffeinated beverages you drink, as they can dehydrate you.

Do Not Wait to Have a Bowel Movement

When you are busy, you may put off having a bowel movement. However, this is a bad idea. If you resist the urge to go, it can make the stool drier and harder, making it tougher to pass through your system. No matter what you are in the middle of, do not wait to have a bowel movement.

Exercise

Exercise can do a lot of good for your body, including preventing constipation. If you get in a little bit of physical activity every day, you can keep your digestive system moving. Try to engage in exercises you enjoy, like riding your bike or swimming.

Eat More Fiber

If there is not enough fiber in your diet, you are more likely to have an anal fissure. This is because too little fiber can make you constipated. There are many good sources of fiber, including beans, vegetables, oat bran, nuts, whole grain bread, and fruit.

Do Not Strain When Passing A Bowel Movement

If you are having a tough time passing a bowel movement, you might try to push harder. However, this can strain your anal canal and lead to a fissure. If you are unable to go, it is best to take a break and try again a little later.

An anal fissure is a pain, but it can be prevented. If you follow these helpful tips, you may be less likely to experience an anal fissure in the future. However, if you still get anal fissures frequently, you may want to talk to your doctor about taking laxatives. They can increase the amount of stools you have, ultimately reducing your risk of anal fissures. Contact a medical center like Pilipshen Colon & Rectal Surgical Services for more information.