Pain while passing stools, especially during straining, can occur due to several conditions. One of the most common causes is an anal fissure, which is a small tear in the lining of the anal canal.
Other possible causes include hemorrhoids (piles), constipation or inflammation around the anal region.
An anal fissure can cause significant pain even without bleeding.
If an anal fissure is confirmed on examination, medications such as topical diltiazem 2% may be prescribed to promote healing.
Since the exact cause cannot be confirmed without an examination, I recommend consulting a general surgeon if the pain persists or recurs.
If you develop severe continuous pain, fever, painful swelling near the anus or difficulty passing stools, seek prompt medical attention.
I would like to know a few more details:
1. For how many days have you been experiencing this pain?
2. Is the pain sharp or cutting in nature, or is it a dull aching pain?
3. Does the pain disappear immediately after passing stools, or does it persist for some time?
4. Are your stools hard, or do you have constipation?
5. Is the pain located exactly at the anal opening or deeper inside the rectum/lower abdomen?
These details will help me identify the probable cause and suggest appropriate treatment.
Next Steps
For initial relief, I would recommend:
1. Warm sitz bath: Sit in warm water for 10–15 minutes, 2–3 times daily, particularly after passing stools.
2. High-fibre diet: Include fruits, vegetables and whole grains to soften stools.
3. Adequate hydration: Drink sufficient water throughout the day.
4. Avoid straining: Do not push excessively while passing stools or sit on the toilet for prolonged periods.
5. Stool softeners: If you are constipated, a stool-softening medication such as lactulose or polyethylene glycol may be helpful after appropriate medical advice.