GTN works by expanding blood vessels in and around the anus, increasing the blood supply to the fissure and helping it heal faster. It can also help reduce the pressure in the anal canal, which should ease the pain.

In some people, symptoms from anal fissures last 6 weeks or more (chronic anal fissures). How to ease symptoms of anal fissure Most anal fissures get better without treatment, but a GP will want to rule out other conditions with similar symptoms, such as piles ( haemorrhoids). Adults with an anal fissure will usually be prescribed bulk-forming laxative tablets or granules. These work by helping your poo retain fluid, making it softer and less likely to dry out.If you do use an anal douche, the safest way is with an enema bulb filled with water, Dr. Thomas explains. “You can use a drugstore enema that you’ve emptied and rinsed out first,” he says. Fill the bulb with lukewarm water and lubricate the tip, Dr. Thomas says. Then sit on the toilet, insert the tip until it’s just inside your anus, and gently squeeze until you feel water inside your rectum. Dr. Thomas recommends holding the water inside you for 15 to 30 seconds before releasing it into the toilet. The water that comes out will probably be brown at first. Repeat the process a few times until the water runs clear. Planned Parenthood notes that after using an enema, you should wait one to two hours before anal sex to allow your butt time to recover from any irritation and to ensure that you’ve completely emptied the water. If your symptoms do not improve within a week or 2, the GP may prescribe a medicine called glyceryl trinitrate (GTN), an ointment applied to the anal canal, usually twice a day. Using anal lube can also make it less likely that your condom will break. The tearing of delicate skin can allow a sexually transmitted infection to get into your bloodstream. That’s why the following advice is key: “Always use a condom,” says Dr. Gonzalez. “They're the best way to protect yourself against sexually transmitted infections.” While hemorrhoids are often painless, some can bleed or make it hard to clean stool. Unless they’re very large, hemorrhoids are usually more an inconvenience than severe problem.

All of the experts we spoke to discouraged the use of flavored or scented personal lubricants for anal, vaginal, and oral sex. What’s more, avoid glycerin in your lubes, as it contains sugar, and that can alter vaginal pH, SELF previously reported. Water-based lube is also the best lube for sensitive skin. According to Engle and Dr. Queen, you should also avoid petroleum-based lubricants, and anything with parabens or preservatives. Oh, and please don’t put Vaseline down there. If you use a lube with numbing agents that gives you “tingly” or desensitizing sensations for vaginal sex, Dr. Queen says to skip it for anal play. “Anal sex can be painful when it’s not done right, but you want to listen to those messages and respond accordingly,” she says. “Slow down, add lube, take a break, ask your partner to be more gentle, etc. You don’t want to ignore your body’s signals. If you’re numb, you won’t receive those signals clearly, which can put you at risk.” bleeding when you poo – most people notice a small amount of bright red blood either in their poo or on the toilet paper Remember, as they contain silicone, they are not safe to use with silicone sex toys. Best hybrid anal lubes

What kinds of lube are safe for anal sex?

Most cases occur in people who have constipation, when a particularly hard or large poo tears the lining of the anal canal. If you have prolonged burning pain after having a poo, the GP may recommend taking common painkillers, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, which you can buy from a pharmacy or supermarket. A GP may recommend starting treatment at a low dose and gradually increasing it every few days until you're able to pass soft poo every 1 or 2 days. Painkillers We aren’t necessarily condoning anal douching, but if you’re going to do it, there are some guidelines you can follow to do it safely: Materials you’ll need The GP may refer you for specialist assessment if they think something serious may be causing your fissure.