We all experience times when we need to go to the bathroom, but there isn’t one available. While an occasional bathroom delay won’t cause major problems, making a habit of suppressing the urge to pass stool can be a serious health risk. The longer stool remains in your bowel, the more water is absorbed, making it harder and more difficult to pass. This dangerous cycle can lead to chronic constipation, pain, and even issues like fecal incontinence. Here are the top five reasons why you shouldn’t habitually hold your poop.
- Chronic Constipation
When you repeatedly ignore the urge to defecate, you set yourself up for chronic constipation as the stool becomes more difficult to pass. This continuous strain and accumulation causes the rectum to stretch. Over time, the stretching permanently desensitizes the nerves that signal the brain about the need for a bowel movement. This makes the constipation worse because you stop feeling the urge to poop entirely.
- Fecal Impaction
Fecal impaction is an escalation of unresolved chronic constipation. When hardened stools remain in the colon or rectum for too long, they form a large, dry mass that cannot be passed. This creates a physical blockage, which can cause intense abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, and vomiting. Fecal impaction often requires immediate medical intervention, and it should not be ignored.
- Fecal Incontinence
Paradoxically, chronic constipation compromises your ability to control your bowel movements, which can cause fecal incontinence (accidental stool leakage). The chronic overstretching and strain on the rectum from ongoing constipation weakens the anal muscles and sphincter. This muscle damage, combined with the loss of sensation, means you can lose the ability to differentiate gas from stool. The result is a total or partial loss of control, which can be devastating to daily life and requires focused medical treatment.
- Hemorrhoids and Anal Fissures
Excessive straining to pass hardened stools exerts intense pressure on the entire anal canal. This harmful pressure can lead to swollen, inflamed veins around the anus known as hemorrhoids. It can also cause anal fissures, which are small tears in the lining of the anal canal. Both conditions can cause pain, particularly during and after bowel movements, and are often accompanied by rectal bleeding.
Treatment & Lifestyle Changes
The first step to preventing these health conditions is to stop ignoring the urge to have a bowel movement. Additionally, there are some steps you can take to help promote softer, regular stools:
- Ensure you get at least 25 grams of fiber per day
- Stay well hydrated
- Establish a consistent bathroom schedule
- Get plenty of regular exercise
When To See A Doctor
If constipation persists despite making lifestyle changes, you should make an appointment with your doctor. This is especially important if you experience:
- Signs of fecal impaction
- Severe abdominal or rectal pain
- Rectal bleeding or bloody stools
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fatigue
If you experience ongoing evacuation issues or changes in your normal bowel habits, it’s critical to consult your primary care physician or a gastroenterologist for further investigation. Don’t wait until discomfort turns into a medical emergency.
The team at GastroIntestinal Specialists, A.M.C., treats multiple conditions and diseases of the GI tract. Our board-certified physicians have over 150 years of combined experience in providing quality care you can trust. To schedule an appointment, call (318) 631-9121 or visit gis.md/appointment-request/.