Informational article. If you are looking for a postpartum proctology consultation in Gdansk, go directly to the consultation page or doctor profile - you will find the link below.
Hemorrhoids, anal fissure, pain during bowel movements, rectal bleeding and gas or stool incontinence after childbirth are problems worth discussing with a proctologist. Some symptoms ease after a few days or weeks, but recurring pain, blood on toilet paper, strong straining, a lump near the anus or difficulty controlling gas should not be treated as the "normal price of childbirth".
At Wyspa Medycyny Przyjaznej in Gdansk, postpartum patients can start with a proctology consultation. The doctor will assess whether the symptoms are caused by hemorrhoids, an anal fissure, external thrombosis, an abscess, postpartum tissue injury or another problem requiring diagnosis.
Author: Editorial team of Wyspa Medycyny Przyjaznej · Medical consultation: Sara Godyńska, MD, proctologist · Publication: to be completed · Updated: 07.07.2026
Pain, bleeding, a lump or gas incontinence after childbirth?
You do not have to wait until it "goes away on its own". A proctologist will assess the cause of the symptoms and choose treatment that is safe after childbirth, taking into account the postpartum period, breastfeeding and perineal healing.
Book a proctology consultation ->Key information at a glance
| Postpartum symptom | Possible cause | What to do? |
|---|---|---|
| pain, itching, lump, bright blood | hemorrhoids or external thrombosis | consultation, conservative or procedural treatment depending on symptoms |
| sharp pain during stool, burning, blood on paper | anal fissure | diagnosis and fissure treatment |
| sudden, very painful bluish lump | external thrombosis | prompt consultation, especially with recent symptoms |
| loss of gas control, urgency, stool leakage | pelvic floor weakness or sphincter injury | proctological assessment, sometimes diagnostics and physiotherapy |
| fever, increasing swelling, severe pain | abscess or acute inflammation | urgent medical assessment |
Why do proctological problems appear after childbirth?
Pregnancy and childbirth affect the anal area, perineum and pelvic floor. Constipation is more common during pregnancy, pressure in the abdomen increases, and pelvic veins are more burdened. During vaginal birth there is also strong pushing, tissue stretching and pressure on the perineal and anal area.
In some women symptoms appear already in the third trimester and worsen after birth because of perineal pain, fear of bowel movements, constipation and limited activity. Problems can also occur after a cesarean section, because pregnancy itself and constipation also promote hemorrhoids and pain during stool.
"After childbirth, patients often say: I thought it had to be this way. Meanwhile, pain during bowel movements, bleeding, a lump near the anus or gas incontinence should be assessed, because the causes and treatment may differ."
- expert comment, Sara Godyńska, MD, proctologist
Hemorrhoids after childbirth - when is care enough and when is a consultation needed?
Hemorrhoids can cause itching, burning, a feeling of pressure, bleeding during bowel movements, discomfort while sitting or a lump felt near the anus. After childbirth, symptoms are often linked to constipation, straining and the venous burden of pregnancy.
In mild cases, keeping stool soft, drinking fluids, eating fiber, avoiding strong straining and gentle hygiene may help. A consultation is recommended if bleeding recurs, pain is severe, the lump does not disappear, a sudden bluish swelling appears or symptoms make childcare and daily functioning difficult.
More about treatment of chronic hemorrhoid symptoms is available here: hemorrhoid treatment in Gdansk.
Anal fissure after childbirth - why can the pain be so strong?
An anal fissure is a tear in the mucosa of the anal canal. Typical symptoms include sharp pain during stool, burning that continues after a bowel movement and bright red blood on paper or stool. The pain may be so strong that the patient starts avoiding bowel movements, which worsens constipation and maintains the problem.
After childbirth, a fissure may appear especially when stools are hard, the woman fears bowel movements because of perineal pain or strong straining occurs for several days. Treatment usually starts with stool regulation, care and topical medications selected by the doctor. In chronic cases, the doctor may consider other methods, including procedural treatment.
More information: anal fissure - botulinum toxin treatment.
External thrombosis after childbirth - a sudden painful lump near the anus
External thrombosis, often described as a "hard ball", "bluish lump" or "very painful hemorrhoid", may appear suddenly after strong straining, constipation or childbirth. Pain often makes sitting, walking and caring for the baby difficult.
With a fresh, very painful lump, it is worth seeing a proctologist quickly. Depending on symptom duration, pain intensity and appearance, the doctor may recommend conservative treatment or a short procedure. The lump should not be punctured, squeezed or cut open at home.
Gas or stool incontinence after childbirth - a topic worth speaking about
Gas incontinence, urgency, difficulty holding stool or stool leakage after childbirth are symptoms many women feel embarrassed to mention. They may be related to pelvic floor muscle weakness, tissue stretching, perineal trauma or anal sphincter injury.
The risk may be higher after a third- or fourth-degree perineal tear, instrumental birth, a large baby or a long second stage of labor. Symptoms should not be dismissed, especially if they persist, worsen or cause fear of leaving home.
During diagnosis, the doctor may consider a proctological examination, sphincter tone assessment, additional tests or referral to urogynecological physiotherapy. In some cases, cooperation between a proctologist, gynecologist and physiotherapist is needed.
Rectal bleeding after childbirth - is it always hemorrhoids?
No. Bright red blood on paper or stool may occur with hemorrhoids, an anal fissure, skin irritation, inflammation or other anal and rectal diseases. After childbirth it is easy to assume that "it is hemorrhoids", but without an examination it is not always possible to tell.
A consultation is especially important if bleeding recurs, is heavy, is accompanied by severe pain, weakness, dizziness, fever, a change in bowel habits or weight loss. In such situations, treatment should not be limited to over-the-counter ointment.
When should you urgently see a doctor after childbirth?
Many postpartum symptoms can be assessed calmly during a planned consultation, but some require faster help. This applies especially to severe pain, fever, swelling and stool-control problems.
Do not delay medical assessment if you have:
- severe, increasing anal or perineal pain,
- fever, chills, weakness or feeling unwell,
- increasing swelling, redness or purulent discharge,
- a very painful bluish lump near the anus,
- heavy rectal bleeding, dizziness or fainting,
- loss of gas or stool control that persists or worsens,
- abdominal pain, black stools or rapid deterioration of general condition.
If symptoms are acute, appeared immediately after childbirth or concern the perineal wound, it is also worth contacting a midwife, gynecologist or the maternity unit where the birth took place.
What does a postpartum proctology consultation look like?
The consultation starts with a conversation. The doctor asks when the birth took place, whether it was vaginal or by cesarean section, whether there was a tear or episiotomy, whether constipation, pain, bleeding, a lump, itching, gas or stool incontinence are present, and whether the patient is breastfeeding.
The examination may include:
- inspection of the anal and perineal area,
- gentle palpation if possible,
- rectal examination if it does not cause excessive pain,
- anoscopy if the doctor wants to assess the anal canal and hemorrhoids,
- discussion of treatment, care, stool regulation and further diagnostics if needed.
If the patient is soon after childbirth and examination would be too painful, the doctor adjusts its scope to the situation. The aim of the visit is to determine the cause of symptoms and choose safe management.
"A postpartum patient needs gentle diagnostics and a clear plan: what to do about pain, how to make bowel movements easier, when to treat hemorrhoids and when to look for another cause of symptoms."
- expert comment, to be approved by a WMP doctor
What can you do before the visit?
The key is to reduce constipation and straining. This matters both with hemorrhoids and anal fissure. Home measures do not replace diagnosis, but they may reduce pain and support healing.
Helpful steps may include:
- drinking fluids regularly, especially when breastfeeding,
- gradually increasing dietary fiber,
- avoiding long sitting on the toilet,
- not suppressing the urge to pass stool,
- gentle hygiene after stool, without intense rubbing,
- short walks if postpartum condition allows,
- discussing stool-softening preparations with a doctor or midwife.
Do not use strong laxatives, steroid ointments, antibiotics or painkillers on your own without making sure they are suitable after childbirth and during breastfeeding.
Can hemorrhoids and fissure be treated while breastfeeding?
In many cases yes, but medication and procedure selection should take breastfeeding into account. During the consultation, it is worth telling the doctor right away that the patient is breastfeeding. This applies to topical medications, painkillers, stool-softening preparations and possible procedures.
Treatment often starts with conservative methods: stool regulation, care, topical medications chosen according to the diagnosis and follow-up. If symptoms are severe or chronic, the doctor discusses possible procedural treatment and the best timing after childbirth.
Who should you contact at Wyspa Medycyny Przyjaznej?
At Wyspa Medycyny Przyjaznej in Gdansk, proctology consultations are provided by doctors diagnosing and treating anal and rectal diseases. A postpartum woman with pain, bleeding, hemorrhoids, a fissure, a lump near the anus or problems controlling gas can see:
If symptoms require additional diagnostics, procedural treatment or cooperation with another specialist, the doctor will discuss the next steps during the visit.
Key points
- Hemorrhoids after childbirth are common, but recurring bleeding, severe pain or a lump near the anus require assessment.
- An anal fissure usually causes sharp pain during stool and bright red blood.
- A sudden, bluish, very painful lump may suggest external thrombosis.
- Gas or stool incontinence after childbirth should not be taboo - it requires assessment and often conservative treatment or physiotherapy.
- Fever, increasing swelling, purulent discharge or severe pain require urgent medical assessment.
- During breastfeeding, treatment should be selected individually and the doctor should be informed about lactation.
Frequently asked questions
Will hemorrhoids after childbirth go away on their own?
Some hemorrhoid symptoms after childbirth decrease within days or weeks, especially if constipation and straining are controlled. A consultation is recommended if pain is severe, bleeding recurs, a painful lump appears or symptoms make daily functioning difficult.
Is blood from the anus after childbirth always hemorrhoids?
No. Bright red blood may come from hemorrhoids, an anal fissure, irritation, inflammation or another problem. If bleeding repeats, is heavy or is accompanied by pain or weakness, it is worth seeing a doctor.
Why does the anus hurt during bowel movements after childbirth?
Anal pain during bowel movements after childbirth may result from hemorrhoids, anal fissure, external thrombosis, constipation, perineal healing or skin irritation. Sharp pain with burning and blood on paper often requires assessment for an anal fissure.
Is gas incontinence after childbirth normal?
Temporary weaker gas control may occur after childbirth, but if the symptom persists, worsens or is accompanied by stool leakage, it is worth seeing a doctor. The cause may be pelvic floor weakness or sphincter injury.
Can I see a proctologist during the postpartum period?
Yes, especially if there is severe pain, bleeding, a lump near the anus, purulent discharge, fever or problems controlling gas or stool. The doctor will adjust the examination to the postpartum condition and patient comfort.
Is proctological treatment possible while breastfeeding?
In many cases yes, but medications and procedures should take lactation into account. During the visit, tell the doctor about breastfeeding so treatment can be chosen appropriately for a postpartum patient.
Which proctologist should I see after childbirth in Gdansk?
At Wyspa Medycyny Przyjaznej, consultations are provided by Sara Godyńska, MD, Justyna Szul, MD, and Dr Kamil Smok. The patient can start with a proctology consultation, and further treatment depends on the diagnosis and severity of symptoms.
Do you have pain, bleeding, hemorrhoids or gas incontinence after childbirth?
A proctologist will help determine whether the cause is hemorrhoids, a fissure, external thrombosis, sphincter injury or another problem requiring treatment.
Book a proctology consultation ->Summary
Proctological problems after childbirth are common, but they should not be ignored. Hemorrhoids, anal fissure, external thrombosis, pain during bowel movements, bleeding and gas or stool incontinence may have different causes and require different management.
The most important steps are to establish the diagnosis, reduce constipation and straining, and choose treatment that is safe for the postpartum patient, especially if she is breastfeeding. Severe pain, fever, increasing swelling, purulent discharge, heavy bleeding or stool-control problems require faster medical assessment.
If after childbirth you have anal pain, bleeding, a lump, itching, burning or gas incontinence, book a proctology consultation in Gdansk.
Read also
Sources and medical context:
- NHS - Your body after the birth, piles after birth
- NHS - Piles in pregnancy
- American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons - Hemorrhoids, patient information
- American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons - Anal fissure
- Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists - care after third- or fourth-degree tear
- Wyspa Medycyny Przyjaznej - proctology consultation in Gdansk
This article is informational and does not replace medical consultation. Anal pain, bleeding, a lump, itching, burning, purulent discharge, fever, swelling, gas or stool incontinence after childbirth require individual medical assessment. In acute symptoms, heavy bleeding, fainting, severe pain, fever or rapid deterioration of general condition, urgent medical help may be needed.