Many people have a habit of ignoring health issues of all kinds, but when the health issue feels a little embarrassing, it's even easier to avoid seeking medical help. If you have an anal fissure, you've likely noticed symptoms such as pain and irritation around the anus and perhaps even blood when you wipe after moving your bowels. Generally, this condition won't go away on its own — but the good news is that there are several things that you can do. While some lifestyle changes can help, you should contact a doctor at a clinic like Pilipshen Colon & Rectal Surgical Services to assess the condition of your fissure. Until you do, these activities may be difficult or painful.

Sitting At Work

People suffering from fissures will commonly experience pain while sitting, which means that they may use pillows or other props to support their backside. This behavior can work when you're at home on the couch, but you won't likely want to try it at work — and this can be a problem if you sit for the bulk of the workday. Sitting for multiple hours at a time is apt to be extremely painful, and may even compromise your ability to do your job.

Riding A Bicycle

If you're someone who tries to keep active through a variety of athletic pursuits, riding a bicycle or a stationary bike might be something that you enjoy. However, upon developing a fissure, you'll find that this activity is all but impossible unless you want to endure extreme discomfort. The shape of the bicycle seat will put a serious amount of pressure around the fissure, causing pain soon after sitting down. Skipping your workouts because of your fissure can potentially cause weight gain and even make you feel miserable if you're working out to reduce stress.

Going To The Bathroom

Another issue that you'll experience when you have a fissure is difficulty and discomfort when you attempt to move your bowels. The pain that you have on a daily basis will often intensify when you're on the toilet, which can make you resistant to answering nature's call. This will only complicate the issue — the longer you put off moving your bowels, the higher likelihood that you'll be constipated. When you're constipated, you'll have trouble passing your stools, and this will flare up the fissure and the surrounding area. Even if you're a little embarrassed, it's best to seek medical care for this issue so that it doesn't compromise your ability to perform important activities.