Difficulty passing solid stool and swelling around the anus when pushing — what could be causing this?

[u/Far-Coffee-100]

For the past 3 days, I’ve been having trouble passing stool. I took a laxative, and the next day I had bowel movements several times.
While trying to poop, I felt like I was pushing really hard, but my anus wasn’t opening properly, and the stool wasn’t coming out completely.
The following day, my digestion seemed normal. However, when I tried to poop in the morning, only a few small stools came out. After sitting on the toilet and straining, the area around my anus started swelling or bulging, and eventually, I couldn’t pass solid stool at all.
Liquid or softer stool passes relatively easily, but when the stool is solid, it feels like it gets stuck and won’t come out, no matter how hard I push.
I also previously used 3% hydrogen peroxide for anal irrigation, and the symptoms started after that. I’ve stopped doing it.
My questions:
Could this be hemorrhoids (piles), a fissure, swelling caused by irritation, or a problem with the pelvic floor muscles?
Why can softer stool pass but solid stool seems to get stuck?
Which doctor should I consult — a gastroenterologist or a colorectal surgeon/proctologist?
What can I safely do at home to relieve this, and what treatments might be necessary?
I’d appreciate advice from anyone who has experienced something similar or has medical knowledge about this.

[u/Far-Coffee-100 → u/[deleted]]

nope

[u/Constipation-ModTeam → u/[deleted]]

Do not give unsafe or all-or-nothing medical advice on this subreddit.

[u/goldstandardalmonds]

This is textbook pelvic floor issues. Can be several. You want to see a neurogastroenterologist to do an anorectal manometry and defecogram. Glycerin suppositories or enemas can help in the meantime