Do you dread going to the bathroom because every time you pass a stool, it feels like a fiery hellfire exiting your body? Do you experience pain or discomfort in your pelvic area when trying to poop? Well, my friend, let me tell you that you are not alone. In fact, painful poops affect many people and can be caused by various factors.
But don't worry! By the end of this article, you will be armed with knowledge on why your pelvic area hurts and what steps you can take to alleviate the pain.
What is Pelvic Pain?
To put it simply, pelvic pain refers to any discomfort or pain in the lower part of your abdomen or pelvis. It can occur anywhere from below your belly button down to between your legs. The intensity of the pain may vary from person to person; some may experience mild discomfort while others might find themselves writhing in agony.
Pelvic pain isn't always related to bowel movements but for those experiencing painful bowel movements - brutal clinger alert - this type of pain usually occurs when passing stool as opposed to other causes such as menstruation or sexual intercourse.
So why exactly do painful bowel movements happen?
Underlying Causes
There are many potential reasons why someone might experience discomfort during their daily dump routine; let's explore them further:
Constipation
One common cause is simple constipation where stools become hard and dry making them difficult and sometimes impossible for the military (pelvic floor muscles) which control defecation – causing strain while pushing out feces leading back up (retrograde flow) through rectum aka hermit crab syndrome - resulting in rectal bleeding/damage over time.
Sound familiar? You're not alone here either! Constipation affects millions worldwide including an estimated 15-20% of Americans.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
IBS is a chronic digestive condition that affects the large intestine. It can cause cramping, abdominal pain, bloating and constipation or diarrhea.
For someone with IBS fiery butt 101 - they may feel abdominal pain before during or after pooping caused by changes in bowel habits which vary from person to person.
Hemorrhoids
Ok let's pause for a moment and talk about hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids are swollen veins found around the rectum but sometimes we don't notice them until they become inflamed or irritated causing immense discomfort – resulting from straining while pushing on "the porcelain throne". These are another common cause of painful stools!
We’re almost there folks keep it up!
Anal Fissures
Imagine a paper cut but in your rear-end! That is basically an anal fissure. Usually caused due to stretching of anal muscles this tiny inconvenience can also interfere with healthy bowel movements.
Well, these were just some underlying causes; let's move onto symptoms so you know what to look out for if you experience pelvic pain while defecating:
Symptoms of Pelvic Pain During Bowel Movements
- Cramping
- Burning sensation
- Rectal bleeding
- Discomfort while sitting down
- The feeling that not all stool has passed (my deepest apologies)
- Pelvic/Anal pain even hours/days after passing stool.
Now that we covered some reasons why your pelvic region hurts when deploying troops, allow me to share tips on how to alleviate those cheeks clenching moments:
What Can You Do About It?
This section was created specifically for you…and your bowels. There are actually quite a few ways one can combat "painful poop syndrome":
Hydration! Hydration! Hydration!
I cannot stress enough how important drinking water throughout the day is. Not only will it keep your body hydrated, but it also softens stools making them easier to pass, which decreases the likelihood of painful bowel movements
Exercise
It may come as a surprise, but regular exercise can help augment pelvic floor muscles helping alleviate constipation.
“Fitness with a side order of good poops – YES PLEASE!”
Diet Modifications
If you're experiencing pain while passing stool, there's a chance that some foods could be causing issues by aggravating the GI tract!
Try steering clear from harder-to-digest food and stick to warm liquids or drinking broths daily - especially if you find yourself chronically constipated.
Those were diet tips...not cooking guidelines.
But let’s move on shall we?
What Medications Help With Pelvic Pain During BMs?
Don't worry! In case lifestyle changes weren't enough for improvement in rectal release process (yes I said rectal release process)! There are some medicinal therapies options available too:
- Stool Softeners
- Laxatives
- Topical Relief (Prep-H cream)
But don’t rely on self-prescribing - always consult your doctor before taking any medication including over-the-counter remedies lest you experience worse symptoms than before!
So there you have it!
What do when those haemorrhoids hurt? Why does gut response sometimes cause more strain than usual?
Whether due to simple reasons like dehydration or highly sensitive anal muscles after injury/surgery- just remember: uncomfortable times at the toilet bowl might have one cure-all solution :
Just relax…ahem..I mean breathe through. Your bathroom blues will eventually resolve themselves with patience & kindness towards your never-adulting-bodily functions.
And seriously drink water generally not just because AMEE asked nicely!