Post-Defecation Pain

Post-defecation pain is a distinct symptom characterized by significant pain that begins after a bowel movement is completed and can persist for minutes to hours. It is the hallmark symptom of an anal fissure, where the passage of stool over the tear initiates a severe, prolonged spasm of the internal anal sphincter muscle. This spasm is the direct cause of the deep, aching post-defecation pain and also reduces blood flow to the fissure, impairing its ability to heal. While other conditions can cause pain with defecation, this specific pattern of prolonged pain after the event is highly suggestive of an anal fissure.