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 loss, or persistent severe pain

• Situations where treatment requests may be declined pending in-person examination

We explain how doctors assess stool consistency, bleeding pattern, pain location, duration of symptoms, bowel habit changes, and family history during an online consultation in the EU. Rectal pain with significant bleeding or systemic symptoms requires further investigation.

This episode reflects the clinical standards used by Mobi Doctor, where gastrointestinal consultations are reviewed by a registered physician in line with EU medical guidance.

Read the full guide and transcript here:

https://www.mobidoctor.eu/blog/why-does-it-hurt-when-i-poo