By Pregnancy and childbirth place significant stress on the body. For many women, this period can bring lasting changes, including fissures and skin tags around the anus. While both can be uncomfortable, they are also common and treatable with the right medical care. Anal fissure treatment, anal skin tags removal, and advice from a colorectal surgeon in Melbourne are often the most effective ways to manage these concerns.
Why Pregnancy Increases the Risk
During pregnancy, hormonal shifts and physical changes can make bowel movements more difficult. Constipation affects many women due to increased progesterone levels, reduced activity, and the pressure of the growing uterus. Straining can cause tiny tears in the lining of the anus, known as fissures. These tears are painful, may bleed, and can lead to long-term discomfort if not treated.
Haemorrhoids are also common during pregnancy and labour. When they heal, they sometimes leave behind small folds of skin, referred to as anal skin tags. These are harmless but can cause irritation, itching, and difficulty with hygiene.
Childbirth and Perineal Strain
The process of childbirth itself increases the likelihood of anal problems. Vaginal delivery puts pressure on the pelvic floor, rectum, and anus. Prolonged pushing, assisted deliveries, or large babies can stretch tissues significantly, raising the risk of fissures and haemorrhoids. Even women without complications often experience swelling and irritation in the perineal area after giving birth.
If the tissues do not heal smoothly, excess skin may remain around the anus. These anal skin tags are not dangerous but can cause distress for new mothers adjusting to life after childbirth.
Living with Fissures and Skin Tags
Anal fissures usually cause sharp pain during bowel movements. Some women also notice blood on the toilet paper. This can feel frightening, especially in the weeks after childbirth when the body is still recovering. Anal skin tags, by contrast, are often painless but may create ongoing hygiene challenges. Some women feel self-conscious or uncomfortable wearing certain clothes because of them.
Left untreated, fissures can become chronic and harder to manage. Anal skin tags may increase the risk of irritation and, in rare cases, may conceal an underlying fissure or haemorrhoid.
What Treatments Are Available?
The good news is that these conditions are highly treatable. Anal fissure treatment often begins with simple measures such as increasing dietary fibre, drinking more fluids, and using topical ointments. Sitz baths, where the affected area is soaked in warm water, can also reduce pain and support healing. If conservative methods are not effective, a colorectal surgeon in Melbourne may suggest more advanced options, such as Botox injections or surgical repair.
Anal skin tags removal depends on whether they cause problems. If they create discomfort, hygiene issues, or cosmetic concerns, a colorectal surgeon in Melbourne can remove them with a minor procedure under local anaesthetic. This is usually quick, safe, and requires minimal recovery time.
Preventing Fissures and Skin Tags After Pregnancy
While not all cases can be prevented, certain steps help reduce the risk. These include:
- Eating a diet rich in fibre to prevent constipation
- Drinking plenty of water throughout the day
- Staying active with gentle exercise after childbirth
- Avoiding straining during bowel movements
- Seeking medical advice early if pain or bleeding occurs
Prompt treatment can stop small problems from becoming long-term concerns.
When to See a Specialist
Many new mothers put their own health last, focusing entirely on their baby. However, pain, bleeding, or discomfort after pregnancy should never be ignored. If home remedies do not help, or if skin tags cause ongoing issues, seeing a colorectal surgeon in Melbourne is the best step forward.
Specialists have the training and experience to assess the problem accurately. They can explain treatment options clearly, answer questions, and ensure the right care is provided in a safe, supportive environment.
Anal Fissure and Skin Tags Removal by a Colorectal Surgeon in Melbourne
Pregnancy and childbirth can increase the risk of fissures and skin tags due to constipation, haemorrhoids, and the strain of delivery. While these issues are common, they do not need to be endured in silence. With timely anal fissure treatment, safe and effective anal skin tags removal, and guidance from a colorectal surgeon in Melbourne, women can recover comfortably and focus on enjoying life after birth with confidence in their health.