Painful bowel movements (pain when opening your bowels)

If you’re experiencing pain when going to the toilet, you’re not alone – but you shouldn’t have to live with it. Painful bowel movements are a common issue and often linked to minor conditions like piles or fissures, but they can also point to something more serious. At the Rapid Access Bowel Clinic, we offer discreet, expert care to find the cause of your discomfort and help you feel better.

What does pain when opening your bowels feel like?

You might notice:

A sharp or burning pain during or after passing stool
A sensation of tearing, stinging or cramping
Pain that lasts for minutes or even hours after using the toilet
Bleeding on the toilet paper or in the bowl
A feeling of incomplete emptying or needing to strain

Pain may come on suddenly or build gradually. It can be mild or severe and may affect your ability to go to the toilet confidently.

What causes painful bowel movements?

Common causes include:

Anal fissures – small tears in the skin around the anus, often caused by passing hard stools or straining
Haemorrhoids (piles) – swollen veins in the anal canal that can become painful, especially when inflamed or thrombosed
Constipation – straining to pass stool can stretch or damage the sensitive anal lining
Anal abscesses or infections – which can cause pressure, pain, and swelling
Rectal or anal cancer – a rare but important cause of persistent pain
Rectal prolapse – where part of the bowel slips out, causing pain and pressure
Pelvic floor dysfunction – including muscle spasm or uncoordinated bowel movements
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) – may cause pain during bowel movements due to rectal inflammation

Painful defaecation is often a sign of an underlying issue that can be treated – so don’t ignore it, especially if it’s recurring.

When should I see a specialist?

You should speak to a bowel consultant if you:

Regularly feel pain when opening your bowels
See blood or mucus in your stool
Feel a lump or swelling around your anus
Experience ongoing constipation or diarrhoea
Have a change in your usual bowel habits
Are losing weight or feel fatigued
Have a personal or family history of bowel conditions or cancer

Prompt diagnosis can help you avoid complications – and ease your symptoms sooner.

How we investigate painful bowel movements

At the Rapid Access Bowel Clinic, we carry out a gentle, thorough assessment in a private and supportive setting. Your consultant may recommend:

Physical examination – including a digital rectal exam (gentle finger examination)
Proctoscopy – a quick test to look inside the anal canal
Colonoscopy or flexible sigmoidoscopy – to examine the rectum and colon
Stool tests – for infection, inflammation, or hidden blood
Blood tests – to check for anaemia or signs of inflammation
Imaging – such as MRI or ultrasound if deeper structures need evaluation

We’ll explain every step of your assessment and prioritise your comfort.

Treatment options

Treatment will depend on the cause of your symptoms. We may offer:

Topical creams or ointments – for fissures, piles or inflammation
Stool softeners or laxatives – to ease constipation and reduce straining
Dietary advice – to help improve fibre intake and hydration
Minor procedures – for piles or persistent fissures
Surgery – in cases of prolapse, abscesses or cancer
Pelvic floor physiotherapy – if muscle dysfunction is contributing to pain

Our goal is to relieve your discomfort, restore healthy bowel habits, and support your long-term wellbeing.

Contact the Rapid Access Bowel Clinic

Get in touch to make a private appointment request with the Rpaid Access Bowl Clinic. Either fill out the form below with a brief nature of your request, or call our team on 0161 495 7046 who will be happy to help.