Winton Eliott
It’s normal to feel some pain when you poop. Your diet, activities during the day, and emotional state can all affect how much it hurts to go number two, but the pain is usually only temporary.
However, certain issues that make defecation a pain in the rear end are more severe and might necessitate seeing your doctor.
Pain during defecation is not a normal condition and is usually caused by another underlying health issue. However, most of these problems can be easily treated.
If you’re experiencing trouble using the toilet, it can be helpful to understand the underlying causes. This way, you and your doctor can figure out the best course of treatment together.
Read also: Do You Lose Weight When You Poop
Why does it hurt when you poop?
There are several reasons why you feel hurt when poop, including:
Constipation
Constipation occurs when stool becomes hard and difficult to pass. This is often caused by a lack of fiber in the diet or not drinking enough water.
If constipation is severe or persistent, it can lead to more serious problems such as hemorrhoids, anal fissures, or fecal impaction.
Treatment for constipation typically focuses on increasing fiber intake and fluid intake. In some cases, laxatives or stool softeners may be necessary.
If constipation is due to an underlying medical condition, treating the condition will usually resolve constipation.
Rectal prolapse
Rectal prolapse occurs when the rectum (the last part of the large intestine before the anus) becomes weakened and slips out of place, causing a painful protrusion from the anus.
In severe cases, it can even lead to leakage of stool from the rectum.
Rectal prolapse is often caused by chronic constipation or straining during bowel movements and can also occur after childbirth.
Treatment may involve lifestyle changes to improve bowel movements, as well as surgery to repair the rectum.
Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the anal area that can cause pain, itching, and bleeding during a bowel movement. In most cases, hemorrhoids can be treated with lifestyle changes and over-the-counter medications.
In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the hemorrhoids.
Anal fissures
Anal fissures are small tears in the lining of the anus that can cause pain during bowel movements. These can often heal on their own with increased fiber intake and keeping the area clean.
In some cases, medication or surgery may be necessary to treat anal fissures.
Inflammatory bowel disease
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, is a chronic condition that causes inflammation in the digestive tract.
This can lead to abdominal pain and discomfort during bowel movements. Treatment for IBD often includes medications to reduce inflammation and manage symptoms.
Colon cancer
Persistent pain during bowel movements can be a symptom of colon cancer, though more often it is accompanied by other symptoms such as blood in the stool or changes in bowel habits.
It’s important to see your doctor if you have persistent pain during bowel movements, as early detection and treatment can improve outcomes for colon cancer.
In some cases, emotional stress or anxiety can also contribute to pain during bowel movements. Talking with a therapist and finding ways to reduce stress may help alleviate this type of pain.
Overall, it’s important to remember that it is not normal to experience significant pain during bowel movements.
If you are having trouble using the bathroom, make sure to talk with your doctor to figure out the underlying cause and find the best course of treatment.
Read also: Why Do I Poop So Much
When to see the doctor?
If you are experiencing persistent pain or discomfort during bowel movements, it’s important to see your doctor for further evaluation and treatment.
Other reasons to see a doctor include bleeding during or after a bowel movement, changes in bowel habits that last more than a few days, and any unexpected weight loss.
These can be signs of a more serious underlying condition that requires medical attention.
It’s also important to keep in mind that if you have a chronic condition such as inflammatory bowel disease or colon cancer, it’s important to maintain regular follow-up appointments with your doctor and report any new symptoms or changes in symptoms.
This can help ensure the best management of your condition.
Read also: What Happens To Your Body When You Eat Too Much
The takeaway
Pain during bowel movements is not normal and can be a sign of an underlying medical condition. If you are experiencing persistent discomfort or other concerning symptoms, make sure to see your doctor for evaluation and treatment.
Maintaining regular follow-up appointments with your doctor, if applicable, can also help ensure the best management of any chronic conditions.
Some potential causes of pain during bowel movements include inflammatory bowel disease, anal fissures, hemorrhoids, and constipation.
Treatment will vary depending on the underlying cause but may include diet changes, medications, surgery, or other interventions.
Seeking medical attention is important in order to determine the cause of your symptoms and find the most effective treatment.
