Health A-Z

Medical Content Created by the Faculty of the
Harvard Medical School

Anal Disorders

Prevention

You may be able to prevent anal fissures by preventing constipation. To do this, soften your stool by gradually adding more fiber to your diet, and by drinking 6 to 8 glasses of water daily. Commercially available fiber supplement powders work well.

Although it is not always possible to prevent other types of anal disorders, you may be able to decrease your risk for these illnesses by:

• Using gentle techniques to clean the anal area

• Keeping the anal area dry by changing underwear frequently and using powder to absorb moisture

• Always using a condom if you practice anal intercourse

• Never inserting any foreign object into the rectum

You may be able to prevent anal fissures by preventing constipation. To do this, soften your stool by gradually adding more fiber to your diet, and by drinking 6 to 8 glasses of water daily. Commercially available fiber supplement powders work well.

Although it is not always possible to prevent other types of anal disorders, you may be able to decrease your risk for these illnesses by:

• Using gentle techniques to clean the anal area

• Keeping the anal area dry by changing underwear frequently and using powder to absorb moisture

• Always using a condom if you practice anal intercourse

• Never inserting any foreign object into the rectum