Why It Hurts When You Poo and Common Causes
Pain while pooping can result from constipation, haemorrhoids, or anal tears. More serious causes include IBD or endometriosis. See a doctor if symptoms persist.
Is it painful to poop? What are the possible causes, and when should you seek medical attention?
Is there anything that causes pain before, during, or after you poop? Most of us are too embarrassed to ask but want to know. We all experience painful bowel movements from time to time. In most cases, it resolves on its own.
A doctor should be consulted if the pain continues or worsens before or during poos. If your poo appears bright red or dark, always seek medical attention.
Common Causes of Pain When Pooping and What to Do
| Cause | Typical Signs | Urgency | What to Do |
|---|---|---|---|
| Constipation | Hard stools, straining | Mild | Drink water, eat fibre, move more |
| Haemorrhoids | Pain, bright red blood, itching | Mild–moderate | Increase fibre, use OTC creams |
| Anal fissures | Sharp burning pain, red blood | Moderate | Gentle hygiene, see GP if severe |
| IBD (Crohn’s/colitis) | Diarrhoea, cramps, blood or mucus | Moderate–severe | Specialist treatment needed |
| Proctitis | Rectal pain, mucus, urgency | Moderate | Medical review, antibiotics if infection |
| Endometriosis | Painful poos, period pain | Moderate–severe | Hormonal or surgical treatment |
| Anal cancer | Persistent pain, bleeding, lump | Urgent | See doctor for examination |
Why Pain Happens When You Poo
It is possible to have painful bowel movements before, during or after you poo. You may experience pain in your bowels, lower abdomen, anus or lower back. There are several reasons why you might feel pain when you poo.
Common Causes of Painful Bowel Movements and What Helps
Constipation and Painful Bowel Movements
When you do have poop, constipation can feel painful and uncomfortable. Constipation is most commonly caused by:
• Consuming too little fibre
• Drinking insufficient fluids
• Taking painkillers and other medications
• Lack of physical activity
• A feeling of anxiety, depression, or stress
Constipation Is Likely To Occur If:
• You haven't pooed in the last seven days
• You have a hard, lumpy poo and are straining when you use the bathroom
• It is also possible for you to feel bloated and sick, as well as experience abdominal pain
What To Do: Drink plenty of fluids to keep you regular, eat a fibre-rich diet, and make your poo softer and easier to pass. Don't ignore the urge to exercise; try to increase your physical activity. A pharmacist may recommend a laxative if diet and lifestyle changes are not effective.
Haemorrhoids and Pain During Bowel Movements
Haemorrhoids are swollen veins around the opening of the rectum. Several factors increase the likelihood of piles:
• Being pregnant
• Performing heavy lifting
• Irritable bowel syndrome or severe diarrhoea
• Over-pushing while pooping
Pile symptoms include pain during bowel movements and the following:
• Your anus is inflamed, itchy, or bumpy
• After wiping your bottom, you might see bright red blood or mucus
• Having a feeling that your bowels aren't emptying completely
What to Do: Symptoms of piles can be prevented and treated by drinking plenty of fluids and increasing your fibre intake. There's no need to worry about haemorrhoids, but if you're experiencing pain, ask your pharmacist for over-the-counter pain relief medications.
Speak to a doctor if you're in severe pain or your symptoms don't pass.
Anal Fissures and Sharp Pain When Pooping
Anal tears (anal fissures) are minor cuts or open sores found inside or around your anus. It's common to have anal tears that aren't usually serious, but they can be very painful when you poop or after you poop.
It's usually caused by passing a hard or large poop. Still, it's also possible to get this from pregnant women or children, persistent diarrhoea, anal sex, an abnormally tight anal sphincter muscle, inflammatory bowel diseases or sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
A few hours after pooing, you may feel a burning or stinging sensation from anal tears. If you wipe your bottom or look at your stool, you may also see bright red blood.
What to Do: Consult your doctor if you suspect you have an anal tear. In most cases, tears heal independently; however, some self-help measures can help alleviate the symptoms. Some of these measures are eating enough fibre, drinking enough fluids, and exercising regularly, but they can also help prevent tears from happening in the future.
IBD and Painful Bowel Movements
Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are two conditions characterised by chronic inflammation in the intestinal tract that is classified as IBD. A bowel movement may cause abdominal pain or cramps due to IBD. In addition to causing irritation and pain, excessive diarrhoea can also cause discomfort. In addition to these symptoms, IBD can also cause:
• Sudden urge to poop
• Your poo may contain blood or mucus
• Having a fatigued feeling
What To Do: Consult your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms. Surgery, medication, and symptom management are all options for treating IBD
Proctitis and Pain While Using the Toilet
The rectum is inflamed with proctitis. IBD and STIs, including chlamydia and syphilis, are common causes of proctitis. The side effects can also be caused by radiotherapy.
Cramping and pain can occur during bowel movements if you have proctitis, which is typically located on the left side of the abdomen.There are also the following symptoms:
• Your poo may contain blood or mucus
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Constant urges to go to the bathroom
What to Do: Contact your doctor if you are experiencing any symptoms of proctitis. Proctitis is treated differently depending on its type and cause.
Endometriosis and Pain During Bowel Movements
The condition is caused by the growth of cells similar to those in the uterus lining in other body parts, including your bowel, ovaries, and pelvis.
Symptoms of endometriosis include pain when pooing, as well as:
• Intense periods
• Sexual pain or discomfort
• An energy deficit and fatigue
• The pain of a period is severe
• Pain in the lower back or stomach
• A feeling of sickness
• The symptoms of constipation and diarrhoea
What to Do: A condition like endometriosis can significantly impact one's life. A doctor can prescribe specific treatments to ease symptoms.
Skin Conditions That Cause Anal Pain
Your anus can be affected by skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema. Furthermore, bleeding, itching, and skin splitting may occur during, before, and after a bowel movement.
In addition to appearing non-scaly and red, the anus can become sore, weepy, and itchy due to psoriasis. Symptoms of perianal eczema include redness, swelling, dryness, and pain around the opening of the anus.
What To Do: A doctor can usually diagnose eczema or psoriasis during an examination. Any doubt regarding the diagnosis can be resolved by taking a small skin sample (biopsy).
Anal Cancer Symptoms and When to Seek Help
A rare condition called anal cancer can cause bowel changes and pain in the area around the anus. There is no need to panic; the symptoms are similar to piles or anal tears, so do not panic.
Aside from these symptoms, keep an eye out for the following:
• A rash that itches around the anus.
• Bottom bleeds or discharges.
• A lump or sore inside or around the anus.
• Having to poop more often.
What to Do: If you experience any of these symptoms, please consult your doctor. Other conditions can cause these symptoms, so don't assume you have cancer.
When to See a Doctor About Painful Bowel Movements
Knowing what's normal for your poo is essential. Discussing bowel habits with your doctor may seem awkward, but remember that everyone, popes, and doctors are here to help and support you.
Talk to a doctor if you experience bleeding or pain around your bottom or if your bowel pattern has changed.
Always Speak To A Doctor If:
• There is blood in your poo, including red and black colours
• There is persistent abdominal pain in your abdomen
• Your weight loss is unexplained
• Changes in your regular bowel habits
It is crucial to seek professional medical help if you are experiencing pain in any part of your body.
How Mobi Doctor Can Help with Bowel Pain
One option for finding a healthcare provider is to visit Mobi Doctor, where you can find a team of trained and experienced doctors to help diagnose and treat your symptoms. It is always best to speak with a healthcare professional if you are experiencing pain, as they can provide you with the proper care and guidance to help you feel better.
