Why Does It Hurt When I Poo? The Eight Most Common Causes Of Bowel Pain

 

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 goes away by itself. 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.

 

What Causes Me To Poo In Pain?

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.

 

1. Constipation Is Affecting You

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

 

Here Is What You Need 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 suggest a laxative if diet and lifestyle changes don't help.

 

2. You Have Piles

In haemorrhoids are swollen veins around the bottom's opening or 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

 

Here is what you need to do:

 

Symptoms of piles can be prevented and treated by drinking plenty of fluids and eating more fibre. There's no need to worry about piles, but if you're experiencing pain, ask your pharmacist for over-the-counter medications.

 

Speak to a doctor if you're in severe pain or your symptoms don't pass.

 

3. There Is A Tear In Your Anal

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, but some self-help measures can help ease 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.

 

4. You Have An Inflammatory Bowel Disease

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

 

Do The Following:

 

Consult your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms. Surgery, medication, and symptom management are all options for treating IBD.

 

5. You Have Proctitis

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 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.

6. You Have Endometriosis

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
  
  

Do The Following:

A condition like endometriosis can significantly impact one's life. A doctor can prescribe specific treatments to ease symptoms.

7. You Have A Skin Condition

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.

 

Do The Following:

 

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).

 

8. You Have Anal Cancer

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:

You should speak to your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms. Other conditions can cause these symptoms, so don't assume you have cancer.

Is It Time To See A Doctor About A Painful Poo?

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.

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.