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Mindless snacking or overeating can make you constipated or bloated. This has happened to us many times! And sometimes when you sit down to poop, it can be very painful. So, is pooping causing you pain? We know this can be awkward and embarrassing. But painful defecation isn’t something you have to live with. This can be a major symptom of another health concern that may require treatment.
HealthShots spoke to Dr Roy Patankar, Gastroenterologist and Director of Zen Multispecialty Hospital, Chembur, Mumbai about why it hurts to poop sometimes and what you can do to treat it.
Painful bowel movements are a common occurrence. Stress and even certain conditions can make it harder for you to poop, says Dr Patankar.
One of the most common causes of painful popping is hemorrhoids also known as piles. It refers to a medical condition where veins in the rectum or anus get swollen, leading to bleeding, pain, and burning sensation. It can be quite embarrassing for some people and cause discomfort along with making it harder for you to poop.
If you suffer from frequent constipation and are pregnant, you are more prone to piles.
Do you poop less than thrice a week? Well, constipation is a condition when a person has bowel movements less than 3 times a week. If this is the case with you, it can lead to constipation. You will have to strain while passing the stools. And that’s why there will be a pain in the anus while pooping.
Endometriosis is a painful condition that affects women of any age before menopause. Its symptoms include painful intercourse, painful periods, excessive bleeding, and infertility. Pain with bowel movements or urination is one of the more prominent symptoms of it. You should know that this condition can be managed but cannot be permanently cured.
This leads to inflammation in the digestive tract causing painful bowel movements. Even other conditions such as Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and irritable bowel syndrome can lead to unbearable pain while pooping. Visit a doctor immediately if you think you might have IBD.
Sexually transmitted infections such as chlamydia or even syphilis tend to spread via anal sex and lead to bacterial infections causing the rectum to swell and there will be pain while you poop. These infections can also lead to bleeding discharge and itching down there. So you should get tested for STIs regularly if you are sexually active to avoid further complications.
Anal fissures are small tears in the lining of your anus. They may occur while passing hard and large stools, local trauma, and childbirth. Moreover, anal penetration can also cause a fissure. Cracked skin, bleeding, and painful bowel movements are some of the symptoms of anal fissures.
Drinking enough water will help you to flush out toxins from the body, and ease your bowel movements.
This can be helpful but take it after consulting the doctor.
To regulate your bowel movements, you need to add berries, broccoli, beans, and whole grains to the diet. You need to avoid meat, processed and canned food that can further aggravate the problem.
A sitz bath means sitting in warm water. This can help you to enhance the blood flow, and relax the muscles.
That will allow you to reduce pain. But, consult an expert before doing so.
Exercise daily to keep those bowels moving.
Your doctor can suggest which is suitable for you.
Even after following these tips, if you are having painful and burning stools, then you should consult a doctor for treatment.
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Aayushi Gupta is a health writer with a special interest in trends related to diet, fitness, beauty and intimate health. With around 2 years of experience in the wellness industry, she is connected to leading experts and doctors to provide our readers with factually correct information. ...Read More
