Potty-related dilemma: When is it problematic to delay bowel movements and essential facts to consider
In a bid to maintain cleanliness or avoid discomfort, many individuals may choose to hold in their stool for extended periods. However, this practice can lead to a host of long-term health issues, primarily related to constipation and its complications.
When one routinely retains stool, it often becomes harder and drier, making bowel movements more difficult and painful. This vicious cycle encourages further retention and straining, leading to chronic constipation. Characterised by infrequent bowel movements, straining, a sensation of incomplete evacuation, abdominal bloating, and hard stool, chronic constipation can have severe consequences.
If left untreated, chronic constipation may cause more serious anorectal complications such as haemorrhoids from excessive straining, anal fissures – small tears in the anus – potentially causing pain and fear of defecation that perpetuates stool holding. In severe cases, this can lead to fecal impaction, a blockage where stool hardens and obstructs the bowel.
Moreover, chronic constipation may increase the risk of developing diverticulosis or diverticulitis, infections or inflammation in pouches of the colon wall. Weakening of pelvic floor muscles may also occur, impacting both bowel and urinary functions. These complications can significantly decrease quality of life and may increase anxiety, restlessness, and health care needs.
In children, holding in poop due to fear or discomfort can also cause chronic constipation and lead to painful cycles involving fissures and avoidance of the bathroom. Encouraging healthy bowel habits early is, therefore, critical.
To avoid these problems, it is recommended to respond to the natural urge to defecate promptly, stay hydrated, consume a high-fiber diet, and remain physically active. Pharmacists can also recommend over-the-counter laxatives to prevent constipation in individuals who regularly hold their poop.
It is important to note that if a person loses rectal sensation, they need medical attention. With reduced sensation, a child may poop involuntarily, and in severe cases, people who chronically hold in their poop may lose the sensation of the urge to poop or develop severe intestinal complications such as fecal impaction or gastrointestinal perforation.
In extreme cases, prolonged stool-withholding can cause fecal impaction or gastrointestinal perforation. If a child shows signs of withholding stool, parents or caregivers should consult a pediatrician.
Furthermore, an increased fecal load in the colon may cause long-term inflammation of the colon, increasing the risk of developing colon cancer. Developing stool-withholding behaviours puts one's health at risk, and repeated withholding can lead to irregularities in a child's urge to poop.
In conclusion, the long-term health effects of chronically holding in stool mainly stem from the development and worsening of constipation and its complications, which can impair physical comfort and quality of life. Maintaining regular bowel habits is, therefore, crucial to avoid these problems.
- Chronic constipation, marked by infrequent bowel movements, can lead to the development of hemorrhoids due to excessive straining.
- In severe cases, chronic constipation may result in anal fissures, small tears in the anus, causing pain and fear of defecation.
- A blockage known as fecal impaction can occur when stool hardens and obstructs the bowel due to prolonged constipation.
- Diverticulosis or diverticulitis, infections or inflammations in pouches of the colon wall, can result from long-term constipation.
- Weakening of pelvic floor muscles can occur due to chronic constipation, impacting both bowel and urinary functions.
- Children who hold in poop due to fear or discomfort can develop chronic constipation and painful cycles involving fissures and bathroom avoidance.
- To prevent constipation, it is recommended to respond to the natural urge to defecate promptly, stay hydrated, consume a high-fiber diet, and remain physically active.
- Pharmacists can recommend over-the-counter laxatives to prevent constipation in individuals who regularly hold their poop.
- If a person loses rectal sensation, they need medical attention, as this could lead to irregularities in their urge to poop or the development of severe intestinal complications.
- In extreme cases, prolonged stool-withholding can cause fecal impaction or gastrointestinal perforation, requiring prompt medical attention.
- Developing stool-withholding behaviors increases the risk of long-term inflammation of the colon, potentially leading to colon cancer.
- To maintain health and wellness, it is essential to prioritize mental health, fitness and exercise, skin care, nutrition, and therapies and treatments, in addition to regular bowel habits. For instance, Pfizer is working on research for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), diabetes, and asthma, and there is evidence suggesting the potential benefits of CBD for mental health, skin care, and various health and wellness issues.
