Bleeding After Natural Childbirth: A Hemorrhoid Problem or an Anal Fissure?
It is common to experience bleeding after natural childbirth, but seeing bright red blood during a bowel movement can be worrying: Is it just temporary hemorrhoids caused by the pressure, or is it an anal fissure resulting from tearing during delivery? Accurately understanding the cause will help you find the most appropriate treatment. In this article, we explain the difference in detail, linking each condition to a fully detailed article on Hemocure for accurate and helpful information.
1. Postpartum Hemorrhoids: A Common Temporary Cause
What makes childbirth cause hemorrhoids?
During natural childbirth, the severe and continuous pressure on the veins in the anal area causes them to expand or swell—which is known as hemorrhoids. In most cases, hemorrhoids are temporary and gradually subside after delivery.
Distinguishing Features:
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Bright red blood after a bowel movement or on toilet paper.
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Itching or discomfort around the anus.
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Sometimes a small external protrusion, especially with prolonged sitting.
To view details and compare types:
2. Anal Fissure: Pain and Burning After Childbirth
What is an Anal Fissure?
It is a small cut or tear in the anal lining, often caused by passing hard stool or due to the great strain during labor.
Key Signs:
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Burning or stabbing pain during and after a bowel movement.
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Bright red bleeding with toilet paper or stool.
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May be accompanied by a muscle spasm after defecation.
A fissure can be painful and may persist for a week or more if not properly cared for.
Read the detailed article on Anal Fissure here:
3. The Difference Between Hemorrhoids and a Fissure Postpartum
| Symptom | Anal Fissure | Hemorrhoids |
| Type of Pain | Strong burning pain during and after bowel movement | Discomfort and itching, which may be accompanied by pressure but is less intense |
| Bleeding | Bright red blood, usually localized at the fissure | Bright blood with bowel movement, often without severe pain |
| Presence of Protrusion | None (just a tear/cut) | May have internal or external protrusion |
| Healing Time | May continue for weeks without proper treatment | Usually subsides gradually within weeks after delivery |
To help distinguish between a fissure and hemorrhoids:
4. Quick Treatment and At-Home Improvement Postpartum
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Warm Sitz baths: Soothing for the skin and relaxing for the muscles.
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Numbing or soothing ointments for burning and itching (consult your doctor).
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Increase fiber and water intake to soften stool and ease bowel movements.
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Avoid prolonged sitting or standing for long periods.
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Use a support cushion when sitting to reduce pressure on the anus.
To access advanced anal fissure treatment methods:
5. When Do You Need to See a Doctor?
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If bleeding persists for longer than two weeks.
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If the pain increases in severity or unusual discharge (pus) appears.
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If additional symptoms appear, such as a fever, noticeable swelling, or sudden changes in bowel habits.
Conclusion
After natural childbirth, bleeding after a bowel movement is often simple hemorrhoids that can improve with correct home care. However, if the bleeding is accompanied by severe, continuous burning pain, the greater likelihood is an anal fissure. The difference between the two conditions is clear through the symptoms and the duration of pain, and the treatment differs for each case.
The Hemocure links above provide you with genuine medical materials to help you understand the condition and the appropriate treatment.
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