Why might it hurt when I poop sometimes?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Pain during bowel movements is commonly caused by three main conditions: irritable bowel syndrome (sensitive guts), constipation, or hemorrhoids. Each of these can trigger discomfort in the abdomen, rectum, or buttocks when you poop.

Constipation: Hard, dry stools stretch the anal canal, causing sharp pain.
Hemorrhoids: Swollen veins near the anus can burn, itch, or bleed during bowel movements.
IBS (sensitive guts): Cramping and abdominal pain often accompany bathroom trips.

Because these conditions share overlapping symptoms but require very different treatments, self-diagnosis can lead to prolonged discomfort or missed warning signs. The fastest way to clarify what's driving your pain—and what to do next—is to take a free, instant, online symptom check. In just a few minutes, you'll get personalized insights based on your specific symptoms, helping you decide whether home care, a pharmacy visit, or a doctor's appointment is the right next step.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/15/2026

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Explanation

Sometimes, going to the bathroom can hurt because of a few reasons. One reason could be that your abdomen is very sensitive. When your gut is sensitive, simple things like drinking cold water could make it hurt more. Another reason may be constipation. This means your stool is hard, and it can be tough to get it out. It can also hurt if you have hemorrhoids, which are swollen veins at your anus.

Here are some things that might cause pain when you poop:

Sensitive Gut: Some people's tummies are very sensitive. This means certain foods or drinks can make their tummy hurt more.
Constipation: If you don't drink enough water or eat enough fiber, your stool can get hard and painful to pass.
Hemorrhoids: These are like little bumps in your anal area that can swell and hurt when you go to the bathroom.

If you often have pain when you poop, it may be a good idea to use a free symptom checker to help identify what might be causing your discomfort and determine if you should see a doctor.

(References)

Zuo XL, Li YQ, Shi L, Lv GP, Kuang RG, Lu XF, et al. (2006). Visceral hypersensitivity following cold water intake in .... Journal of gastroenterology, 16741609.
Sato Y, & Fukudo S. (2015). Gastrointestinal symptoms and disorders in patients with .... Clinical journal of gastroenterology, 26499370.
Shafik A. (1981). Urethral discharge, constipation, and hemorrhoids. New .... Urology, 7269018.

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