When there are pains when defecating, we may feel concern, in addition to discomfort. We may additionally wonder what it’s resulting from and if it requires a selected treatment.
It’s essential to notice that there are several causes. Some should not serious, reminiscent of constipation or non-thrombosed hemorrhoids. If so, it’s possible to take measures at home.
But on other occasions, this symptom could also be brought on by a serious condition. Then, it’s mandatory to see a health care provider for diagnosis and timely treatment.
The causes of painful bowel movements
In case you experience occasional mild pain during bowel movements, it could be to some extent normal. When this happens steadily, there could also be a condition. Let’s see what the chances are.
Constipation
With constipation, stools are sometimes hard. Also, people should strain more. All of this causes pain during bowel movements.
Other symptoms may additionally occur. For instance, bleeding, which is obvious on toilet paper.
There are several causes of constipation. These include a weight-reduction plan low in fiber, poor hydration, a sedentary lifestyle, reactions to medications, stress, and gastrointestinal disorders.
We predict you could also enjoy reading this text: 11 Foods that Affect Your Digestion and Result in Constipation
Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids is the term used for swollen veins within the anus, which will be internal or external. In either case, this condition causes pain during bowel movements.
Also they are accompanied by occasional bleeding, itching, or swelling. When thrombosed hemorrhoids are present, the discomfort and discomfort are such that the person cannot sit down.
Diarrhea
A persistent bout of diarrhea, lasting several days, may cause burning, itching, and pain during bowel movements. That is the case even when the bowel movements are watery.
Food allergies
One other possible reason behind painful bowel movements is food allergies, especially if the person consumes the food to which she or he is sensitive and which causes reactions. This will occur with lactose or gluten intolerance, for instance.
Inflammatory bowel syndrome (IBS)
There are several types of inflammatory bowel syndrome (IBS). Ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease are the very best known.
Symptoms include the next:
- Urgent must defecate
- Bloody diarrhea
- Stools with mucus
- Abdominal pain
- Weight reduction
During episodes of diarrhea, you could feel pain when defecating.
Anal fissure
A fissure is a small wound. The pain is commonly persistent, but increases with bowel movements. There may be also a risk of infection.
It could be resulting from an injury (during sexual penetration, for example) or when there’s excessive toileting. Also, in line with experts, it will probably be brought on by a sexually transmitted disease, vaginal childbirth, cancer, or an intestinal problem, including Crohn’s disease.
Anal abscess
In anal abscess, there’s inflammation with pus accumulation in the realm. As well as, it could be accompanied by fever.
It causes a number of discomfort, especially pain during defecation. When it’s severe, it affects every day activities that involve exertion or prolonged sitting.
Endometriosis
Within the case of endometriosis, there’s a growth of the tissue that lines the uterus or other areas of the body. For instance, within the ovaries.
This will cause painful swelling during menstruation and worsen during bowel movements. In accordance with research, the bowel can be affected in a big percentage of cases.
Symptoms are as follows:
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Abdominal distension
- Bleeding from the rectum
- Pain during defecation
- Mucus within the stool
- Cramping
Prostatitis
Symptoms which will indicate acute prostatitis include the next:
- Pain within the penis, scrotum, or perineum
- Pain within the lower back
- Pain when defecating or ejaculating
- Problems urinating
Cancer
Cancer within the rectum or anus causes tumors to develop in the realm, which can hurt during bowel movements. Other accompanying symptoms include bleeding, weight reduction, incontinence, and constipation.
Find out how to reduce or avoid painful bowel movements
There are several causes of painful bowel movements. In some cases, including those related to constipation, diarrhea, or hemorrhoids, measures will be taken at home. In others, nonetheless, medical attention is required. Let’s have a look at the choices.
Home treatment
If it’s a possible allergic response, we must always avoid eating the offending food. In people in whom there isn’t any diagnosed condition, we must always observe what may cause it.
However, when there’s constipation, there are several measures to take. This includes hydrating well, doing regular physical exertion, and consuming more foods wealthy in fiber:
- Turnips
- Chard
- Broccoli
- Pumpkin
- Lettuce
- Spinach
- Artichokes
- Asparagus
- Carrots
- Beets
Like this text? Chances are you’ll also prefer to read: 6 Easy Exercises for Relieving Bloating and Improving Digestion
However, although they require medical treatment, individuals with hemorrhoids may take measures at home to alleviate the issue; at all times with the authorization of the health skilled. For this purpose, sitz baths and remedies reminiscent of horse chestnut and witch hazel water will be used.
Women affected by endometriosis could make some changes of their weight-reduction plan, reducing the intake of fats, and replacing them with nuts, sunflower seeds, avocado, flaxseed, and fish. They may alleviate symptoms by placing compresses on the abdomen and consuming chamomile or ginger infusions.
Similar measures will be taken when there’s ulcerative colitis. On this regard, it’s considered that aloe vera juice can promote inflammation, helping to heal the colon mucosa. Other foods that profit those who are suffering from this disease are flaxseed and carrots, in addition to apples and papaya.
Finally, when there’s an anal fissure, although medical treatment shouldn’t be disregarded, it’s mandatory to take care of good hygiene of the realm and wash it with water to stop infections.
Medical treatment
In accordance with what the doctor diagnoses, he/she’s going to indicate the rules to follow for treatment. Among the many possible options are the next:
- Antibiotics — for diarrhea brought on by an infection.
- Laxatives and stool softeners: if constipation persists, but only when authorized by the physician and for a limited time.
- Opioids: loperamide can be widely used as an antidiarrheal.
- Corticosteroids: to alleviate inflammation in ulcerative colitis.
- Hormonal treatment: in endometriosis, the contraceptive pill is used to control hormone levels.
- Analgesic ointments: applied within the treatment of hemorrhoids, helping to alleviate pain; most contain hydrocortisone.
- Healing ointments: to assist in the strategy of anal fissures.
- Botulinum toxin injection: Botox can be one other treatment option for severe cases of chronic anal fissure.
- Radiation therapy and chemotherapy: for colorectal cancer.
- Surgery: could also be required for aggravation of hemorrhoids or prostate problems, in addition to anal fistulas and abscesses, endometriosis, or cancer.
When to go to the doctor for pain during defecation
Pain during defecation doesn’t at all times indicate that there’s a health problem. Nevertheless, this symptom will also be related to a serious pathology.
Due to this fact, be looking out for signs reminiscent of fever over 38°C, bleeding, weight reduction, incontinence, and chronic constipation. Also, if the pain becomes more intense.
It would interest you…
