Having a bowel movement is typically painless, but for some people, especially those with chronic constipation and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), it can be somewhat uncomfortable or even painful.
If you experience painful bowel movements, it’s essential to identify the cause. However, there are things you can do to improve your comfort in the meantime.
At his practice in Los Angeles and Glendale, California, board-certified colon and rectal surgeon Robert G. Yavrouian, MD, regularly treats painful bowel movements caused by conditions such as hemorrhoids, anal fissures, and diverticulitis.
Read on to discover simple things you can do to ease bowel movement-related pain and feel better.
Bowel movements are necessary to remove food waste from your body. They’re an important part of good digestive health, but certain medical conditions can make having them painful. These conditions include:
Because each of these conditions requires a different treatment approach, identifying the exact source of your symptoms is necessary for relief.
The good news is that certain practices can make painful bowel movements more comfortable and easier to pass. We recommend:
The most common cause of painful bowel movements is constipation. Constipation often leads to infrequent bowel movements or makes bowel movements dry and hard, so they’re painful to have.
Incorporating more fiber in your diet is an effective way to combat these symptoms. High-fiber foods, such as broccoli, leafy greens, and berries, add bulk and moisture to stool so that it travels more easily through your intestines. They also soften bowel movements, so they’re easier to pass.
If you don’t drink enough water, the stool in your digestive system may become hard or difficult to pass.
Drinking water throughout the day can help soften your stool and support its movements through your digestive tract. It also helps to avoid drinks with caffeine and alcohol because they can contribute to dehydration and irritate your gastrointestinal system.
People with constipation often strain when they have bowel movements, hoping that it will make stool easier to pass. However, straining can actually worsen pain and irritate existing conditions, such as hemorrhoids or anal fissures.
Sitting in the proper position can make having bowel movements easier. For example, putting your feet on a step stool so that your knees are higher than your hips may help relax your pelvic floor and allow stool to pass more easily.
Constipation is often worsened by a lack of physical activity. Exercising for at least 15-20 minutes most days of the week can increase circulation and help activate the muscles responsible for moving waste through your body.
You don’t need to get a gym membership or an intense fitness routine. Simply taking a walk or practicing yoga can often make a noticeable difference.
Sometimes bowel movements are painful because the stool is hard and dry, or because hemorrhoids become irritated due to straining.
Over-the-counter (OTC) products, such as stool softeners and hemorrhoid creams, can help address constipation and hemorrhoid-related discomfort. These aren’t permanent solutions, but they can be safely used in moderation until Dr. Yavrouian can develop a more personalized treatment plan.
Almost everyone has painful bowel movements occasionally, but if the problem persists, it’s important to figure out what’s going on. Make an appointment with us if you have:
After reviewing your health history and completing a comprehensive exam and lab testing, Dr. Yavrouian can determine if any additional testing is needed and recommend a personalized treatment plan.
If you’re struggling with painful bowel movements, schedule an appointment today by calling the nearest office or booking online with Robert G. Yavrouian, MD.
