Does it hurt when you poop?
It’s not uncommon. Lifestyle, diet, emotional imbalance, and certain medications can impact your bowel movements. But some conditions that make your pooping painful are more serious and may require immediate medical attention.
Pain and burning sensation in the anus is the most common symptom of lesions in the anorectal area. Anal pain or pain in the bottom can occur before, during and after the bowel movements. SMILES here explains about painful bowel movements & why they happens?
6 Reasons for pain & burning sensation in the Anus
There are many common problems affecting the colon and rectum which can lead to pain in the anus. Dr. Parameshwara, one of the best colo proctologists describes various reasons for the burning sensation in the anus and rectum.
1. Anal Fissure
A small tear or crack in the tissue of the anus is known as anal fissure or fissure in ano. Fissures can be the primary reason for burning sensation or pain in the anus. Most of the time, there can also be bleeding, especially while passing stools.
Symptoms of an anal fissure include:
- ● Cuts or cracks in the anal area.
- ● Skin outgrowth around the tear.
- ● Sharp pain and burning sensation near the anus, especially when you poop.
- ● The feeling of itchiness around the anus.
- ● Blood in the stool or on the toilet paper after wiping the anal area.
2. Piles / Hemorrhoids
Swelling or inflammation of the veins in the anal canal that cause pain and discomfort is known as hemorrhoids. Internal hemorrhoids are difficult to notice, whereas external hemorrhoids are easily noticeable and most troublesome.
Symptoms of Piles / Hemorrhoids include:
- ● Pain during bowel movements
- ● Severe anal itching, pain, and discomfort
- ● Lumps near the anus that are often itchy and can even hurt
- ● Blood in the stool and
- ● Discharge of pus from the anus
3. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a digestive disorder that causes pain, constipation, bloating or diarrhoea. The exact cause of IBS is not clear but it can be due to the muscle wall of the bowel becoming sensitive and contracts unevenly. In some people, stress and certain foods can trigger the symptoms of IBS.
4. Constipation
Constipation is a condition that occurs when you have bowel movements less than three times a week. When you do so, the stool moves very slowly through the bowels making it hard and dry. Chronic constipation can lead to serious conditions such as piles and anal fissure.
Symptoms of constipation include:
- ● Hard and dry stools that come out in small chunks
- ● Pain and discomfort in the anus when you poop
- ● Frequent urge to poop
- ● Bloating or cramping in the abdomen
- ● Feeling of blockage in your rectum
5. Diarrhea
Diarrhea is a loose and watery bowel that may occur frequently. Diarrhea doesn’t always cause a burning sensation in the anus, but wiping a lot and passing a lot of stool can make the skin irritated. This can make your anus feel itching and have a burning sensation.
Symptoms of Diarrhea include:
- ● Nausea
- ● Bloating and abdominal cramps
- ● Blood in the stool
- ● Mucus in the stool
- ● Fever
6. Anal or Rectal Cancer
Rectal cancer is a disease in which cancer cells form in the tissues of the anus and rectum. Anal cancer or rectal cancer doesn’t always cause pain and discomfort while passing stools, but sometimes, it can be a reason.
Symptoms of anal or rectal cancer include:
- ● Rectal bleeding
- ● Constipation or diarrhea that does not go away.
- ● A change in size or shape of the stool
- ● Bloating or the feeling of full
- ● Change in appetite
Painful and burning stools along with the following symptoms such as diarrhea, constipation, and hemorrhoids then consult our top colon and rectal doctors in bangalore if you notice any painful bowel movements for weeks that disrupt your quality of life. Sudden and unusual changes in your stool should also need medical attention to avoid further complications.