Why does it hurt when I poo, and when should painful bowel movements be medically assessed in Europe?

Painful bowel movements explained: anal fissures, haemorrhoids, constipation, infection, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and red flag symptoms.

In this episode, we outline the most common causes of pain during defecation and how doctors distinguish minor anorectal conditions from more serious gastrointestinal disease.

You’ll learn:

• How constipation and hard stools can cause anal fissures

• The difference between internal and external haemorrhoids

• When diarrhoea or infection may cause rectal irritation

• Signs of inflammatory bowel disease or proctitis

• Why straining increases anal pressure and pain

• Red flag symptoms such as heavy bleeding, fever, weight los ...