Passing hard stools irritates the tissues lining the anus and may even slightly tear these tissues, causing a painful anal fissure. Rectal pain caused by constipation can trigger a vicious cycle. Pain discourages you from trying to have a bowel movement, which causes constipation to worsen, which causes more pain. The pain from passing a hard stool usually goes away within half an hour after passing the stool.

Other causes of rectal pain include hemorrhoids, an anorectal abscess or fistula, endometriosis, and cancer of the rectum or anus.

When rectal pain is severe or does not improve with home treatment, a visit to a health professional is needed.