HI,
My name is Joshua and I believe I have a fissure. Some guiding information that may be helpful, I am a 26 year old gay man and I engage in anal sex. About 2 weeks ago was the last time I have been with a partner and a few days later I began to have painful bowl movements. At first I thought it was a hemorrhoid and purchased some ointment which helped with the pain. When it didn't seem that I was healing I began a closer visual inspection and realized I have what looks like a tear in my sphincter. After doing some research online I feel that I may have a chronic anal fissure with a visible tag. Once I realized that it was not a hemorrhoid I stopped using the ointment. The pain during bowl movements has subsided but there is still some very mild discomfort.
I have not yet seen a doctor about the condition. I am new to my area and have not found a primary care physician yet. Realizing this may be an embarrassing topic of discussion on the first visit to a doctor I am wondering if anyone can tell if this is something a general physician can take care of or do I need to see a specialist? Is there anyone in the Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN area who can recommend a good doctor?
Also, how concerned should I be? The pain has since gone away but the more I read online the more terrified I get.
I am also wondering if there are any other gay men that could provide me with some guidance. How has a fissure impacted your sex life? Does this happen to gay men often?
Any help that anyone could provide would be greatly appreciated. This has me really freaked out and I am not sure what my next moves should be.
Thanks you all so much.
Best,
Joshua

Hi Accidentprone - Wecome! I'm so sorry you have to be here, but I'm glad you found this site. There are lots of folks who can offer great advice and support.
I definitely think you should see a doctor asap. You say that the pain has gone down and that's great. That might indicate healing. In fact the majority of acute fissures heal on their own with stool softeners and warm baths. But if the fissure lasts more than a few weeks, it can become chronic, and then, I'm sorry to say, they hurt like a $%$%# and are extremely difficult to heal without surgery.
Definitely go to a doctor and if the fissure is chronic, get a referral to a specialist asap. Don't let them give you hemorrhoid meds - they can definitely make the problem a lot worse. You should get special creams for fissures, like nitro (.2%), or diltiazem or nifedipine. Those creams reduce the spasms and stimulate blood flow to promote healing (warm baths are also good for blood flow and healing).
The sooner you get proper treatment, the better off you'll be. Don't worry about going to a doctor - they've seen thousands of butts and butt problems. Just make sure that they definitely rule out a fissure and don't just ASSUME that you have a hemorrhoid!
I'm actually not sure how common this is among gay men, but I'm pretty sure it's not unheard of. Anal sex can cause fissures if it's a bit too rough. When an anal fissure is really bad, sex just hurts - for men even ejaculating can be excruciating. Anal sex would be out of the question. Fissures mess up everyone's sex life, gay or straight. I imagine, though, they can impact a gay man's sex life quite a bit more. And that's a very good reason to go to a doctor, my friend!
I hope you get better very soon :D

Hey Josh,
I would do my best to get into see a doctor and get referred to a specialist (Colorectal surgeon). Your fissure is still acute and you have a good chance to heal.
The key is getting the bm's right so that you don't re-tear. There are some really good tips on here, but what works varies from person to person. A good stool softener is a must.
I avoided sharp foods like chips, nuts, popcorn, red meat and dairy can cause harder bm's which can result in re-tears.
Don't be terrified! Many people heal there fissure's without making much effort when they are accute. If you get on top of this now, you have a really good chance!

Hi Joshua. Welcome, though sorry you've had to find your way here, but you're welcome!!
I second what both HTH and Dawn have said. Don't feel nervous about going to a doc, just do it soon and don't let it get out of control - it being the nasty AF!! they have seen all sorts of butts and I'm sure yours will be no exception.
Let us know how it goes. We are here for you!