Digestive issues? Or not?

[bbgirl22]

So for the past 3-4 months now I have been getting small tears around my anus. Its usually just 1, but I feel like they have been getting worse as of recent. I have seen multiple doctors, and have gotten blood work done for stds multiple times and everything has come out negative. The doctors have told me it might be related to diet and just to eat more greens since I have signs of a hemorrhoid. The cut usually appears a week before my period starts and takes a few days to go away. I'm really stressed about this, since I don't really understand what is causing this and how to stop it. Please help.

[Dr. Kokil Mathur]

Hi!

I can understand your apprehensions. The commonest reasons for recurring cuts around anus could be dry skin. Since, it coincides with your cycle (you see a regular pattern), consult your gynecologist and get a complete hormone profile (estrogen, progesterone, FSH, LH, prolactin and thyroid hormones). Also, ask your doctor whether you could be having ovarian cysts (need an ultrasound for diagnosis).

Sjogren’s syndrome (you will also have dry mouth, dry skin, dry eyes) and a skin condition called lichen planus are the other causes.

Severe constipation around that time of your cycle can also cause excessive stretching of the anus opening and this may cause tears. Also, Crohn’s and irritable bowel disease should be thought of if you issues such as bloating, gas, diarrhea on and off or constipation on and off.

Another possibility is a very tight anal sphincter. This can be treated with serial dilatation of the anal spincter. It is also possible that you have an anal fissure that heals and recurs. This will respond to surgery.

Other non infective causes can be dermatitis, eczema or due to allergy to lotions, creams or frictional injury from wipes used after using the toilet.

There can be infective causes as well. STDs have been ruled out in your case. Fungal infection should be looked into.

Please consult your doctor regarding all these possibilities. Treating the cause will take care of the problem. Hope you get well soon! Good Luck and take care!

[bbgirl22]

Thank you so much for answering my question. I've been really scared about whats going on. I read some things on web md and they said aids, and MS and things like this could have been causing this and it really worried me.It definitely has been at the same time of my period. The doctor I'm seeing right now has prescribed fungus cream but it hasn't really made a difference so I kind of have been thinking that my problem is hormone related since it always occurs around my period. I have a gastro appointment on Friday of next week so hopefully they will be able to finally let me know whats going on. I have had bloating and gas issues as well, and sometimes I get constipation but it isn't regular. Thank you so much, you have eased a lot of my concerns. I hope to get this solved soon.