I just got back from the doctor this afternoon, and he did a quick exam of my anus and diagnosed anal fissures. He prescribed a nitroglycerin based cream, which I will pick up tomorrow.
The only problem is, I don't think my symptoms match those I've read about for anal fissures. I don't have pain when I have a BM (and although they are soft, they are quite small since this problem started), my rectum doesn't itch or burn, though there is some skin protruding after straining. If anything, I feel a great deal of pressure in my perineum or vagina. It is borderline painful, and certainly uncomfortable. Depending on how I sit/lay down the uncomfortable pressure will feel more centered on my anus or vagina.
Is this pressure just from the spasms?

"...some skin protruding after straining. If anything, I feel a great deal of pressure in my perineum.."
Sounds like mild inflammation.  Just take a painkiller (preferably, a lowest dose of non steroidal anti-inflammatory drug at bedtime), apply the cream and keep the area clean.  Please DO NOT strain.  Take a stool softener (preferably Miralax) for few days. I know your bowels are soft, but Miralax will help you to have a complete bowel without pushing or straining.
I am sure your doc must have explained all this to you already.
Happy healing !

Haha, I wish my doctor had been so talkative! If anything the doctor seemed mildly uncomfortable with the whole thing, but maybe that was just me. Thanks for the feedback. Anything telling me that what I'm going through is normal and not super serious makes me feel way better.