What are some causes of pain when pooping?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Pain when pooping is most commonly caused by hemorrhoids, constipation, or holding in stool for too long. Each of these conditions can make bowel movements hard, strained, and painful. Hemorrhoids are swollen veins near the anus that may bleed or throb during defecation. Constipation leads to hard, dry stools that are difficult to pass. Frequently delaying bowel movements can worsen both issues over time.

Because painful defecation can stem from several different causes—some minor, some requiring medical attention—it's important to identify what's actually driving your symptoms before choosing a treatment. Guessing can delay relief or make things worse. A free, private, AI-powered symptom check takes about 3 minutes and helps you understand possible causes, urgency level, and recommended next steps. It's the fastest way to move from discomfort to a clear plan.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/15/2026

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Explanation

Pain during pooping can happen for different reasons. One common cause is hemorrhoids, which are swollen veins in the lower part of the rectum and anus. They can hurt or bleed, especially when defecating.

Another reason for painful pooping is constipation, where the stool becomes hard and difficult to pass. This can happen if you don't eat enough fiber or drink enough water.

Holding in poop for too long can also lead to pain. When the stool stays in the body for a long time, it becomes hard and dry, making it painful to pass.

To help with these problems, it's good to eat lots of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and drink plenty of water. This helps keep poop soft and easy to pass. If you're experiencing pain when pooping, you can start by taking a free symptom checker test to better understand what might be causing your discomfort and determine if you need to see a doctor.

(References)

Johannsson HO, Graf W, & Påhlman L. (2005). Bowel habits in hemorrhoid patients and normal subjects. The American journal of gastroenterology, 15667500.
Raahave D. (2015). Faecal retention: a common cause in functional bowel .... Danish medical journal, 25748875.
Partin JC, Hamill SK, Fischel JE, & Partin JS. (1992). Painful defecation and fecal soiling in children. Pediatrics, 1594338.

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