Anyone here tried squatting during bowel movements as opposed to sitting on the toilet? Has anyone actually aggravated or even developed an anal fissure due to squatting? I have read many articles about how squatting is a more natural position for bms and that it actually allows the rectum to be in a more relaxed state during bms and does not require as much straining, but I have been trying this for about a week, and although my bms have been better with squatting, I have noticed increased pain at my fissure site. Just curious if anyone has any experience with this.

Hi there..
Squatting is the only way I poop, I've been using this method for well over a year now, it's the most natural and easiest way to go, I posted an article here:
http://anal-fissure.org/t2427-advantages-of-squatting-to-poop
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If you're getting increased pain at the fissure site then maybe you're bearing down just a bit too hard, I was getting pains for a while then I let things happen naturally by steady breathing, try not to push at all!

Steve, how do you squat? I have tried squatting on the toilet seat, but it was very awkward and didn't work well. I know there are "platforms" that you can purchase online that allows one to squat using a regular toilet, but the ones I have come across are very expensive.

Sometimes I use the toilet which is quite uncomfortable until you get used to it, my more preferred place is perching on the edge of the bathtub (using it like a platform) and pooping in the bath, sounds gross I know but it's the place where I've got used to and it's easy to clean out after b/c it's ceramic.

i used this when i was trying to heal my fissure last year. still have it. found it very useful.
http://www.naturesplatform.com/all_products.html