Pain during stool
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
Discomfort or pain during defecation certainly causes panic and misunderstanding if a person experiences pain constantly or from time to time. A person can also experience pain if he has a large, stiff or bloody stool. Therefore, there may be several reasons for painful bowel movements. Let's look at them in more detail.
What causes pain during defecation?
Stomach upset
In most cases, this disorder is due to the fact that the amount and type of food that a person eats is not suitable for his gastrointestinal tract. A person can suffer from diseases of the stomach and intestines if he eats more than he needs, or if he uses very sharp and fatty foods. Diarrhea due to food poisoning or indigestion can also cause pain during defecation.
Constipation
Causes of constipation include dehydration and the use of diuretics. Deficiency of products containing natural fiber can also lead to constipation. Stools with constipation are usually painful and irregular, accompanied by pain during defecation.
Anal fissures
Cracks or crevices on the skin around the anal region are known as anal fissures. Anal fissures can cause a lot of pain during and after defecation. In addition to cracks, abscesses in the anal area can also cause pain during defecation.
Tumors in the rectum
Cancers or benign growths can cause an obstruction of the rectum or anus. Rectal or anal cancer can cause pain during defecation. The actual cause of colorectal cancer is unknown, but it is most often diagnosed in the elderly.
Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids or hemorrhoids cause pain due to swelling of the veins inside and around the anal sphincter. It occurs when additional pressure is exerted on the rectal veins or rectal area.
Constipation and diarrhea are the most common causes of painful and bloody stool in children. They are also symptoms of other diseases, such as proctitis, Crohn's disease, prostate cancer and diverticulitis.
Foreign bodies of the rectum
Foreign bodies of the rectum, sometimes unusual (toothpicks, chicken and fish bones) and associated with sexual games, can be injected into the rectum intentionally.
Who to contact?
How to treat pain during defecation?
First of all, it is necessary to find out the cause of these pains. You need to change the food: drink up to 2 liters of fluid per day, include in the diet more vegetables and fruits that contain fiber, softening the stool. We also need green salads and whole grain cereal products. If the constipation is temporary, you can apply a laxative, but do not get carried away by it, so as not to cause addiction. The treatment of colon cancer depends on the stage and development of cancer.
If a person suffers from a painful bowel movement for a long time, he should consult a doctor, as this can be a symptom of serious illnesses. In addition, blood in the stool is a sure sign of serious disorders, with this circumstance you should immediately consult a doctor.
How to prevent pain during defecation?
First of all, you need to eat healthy foods and eat a balanced diet. This is extremely important in order to overcome painful bowel movements (pain during defecation). You should also avoid eating very spicy food, especially at night. If you drink up to 2 liters of water per day, this amount helps to dilute the acid in the stomach. This can also be useful for overcoming constipation and hemorrhoids.
Most of the aforementioned diseases that cause pain during defecation can be effectively treated if you consult a doctor. Therefore, if you have problems with defecation, it makes sense to go to a polyclinic for advice.