4 Reasons You Should Never, Ever Hold In Your Poop
We’ve all been there at one point or another—you’re in a situation where you just can’t go to the bathroom, so you hold it in. Maybe you’re in a meeting, on a long car ride, or just too busy to deal with it. But did you know that holding in your poop is not only uncomfortable but can also be harmful to your health? Yes, that’s right. There are some serious reasons why you should never, ever hold in your poop. Scroll through below to learn why it’s so important to listen to your body when nature calls.
1. Holding In Poop Can Lead to Constipation and Other Digestive Issues
When you hold in your poop, you’re essentially stopping your digestive system in its tracks. That might not seem like a big deal at the moment, but it can lead to bigger issues down the road. Usually, your body has a natural rhythm for digestion, and when you interrupt that by holding in poop, you risk becoming constipated. Constipation isn’t just uncomfortable; it can cause bloating, pain, and even hemorrhoids.
Doctors warn that chronic constipation can lead to more severe conditions like fecal impaction, where hard stool gets stuck in the intestines, making it incredibly difficult to pass. Some researchers suggest that over time, this can stretch the colon and weaken its muscles, making it harder for your body to go to the bathroom naturally.
2. Holding In Poop Can Cause Unnecessary Stress and Discomfort
We’ve all felt that cramping sensation when we need to go to the bathroom but can’t. But did you know that holding in poop can actually cause your body to enter a state of stress? That’s because your body is trying to push out waste, but your brain is telling it to hold on. This tug-of-war between your brain and your gut can cause stress and discomfort, which can then lead to headaches, fatigue, and even anxiety.
But even more important, holding in poop can cause your rectum to become desensitized. This means that over time, you might not feel the urge to go as strongly as you should, leading to a cycle of holding it in and experiencing more discomfort. According to medical experts, this can be particularly problematic for children, who might develop a habit of holding in their poop, leading to chronic constipation and other digestive issues. So, it’s not just about feeling uncomfortable at that moment—holding in poop can actually have lasting effects on your body’s ability to process waste.
3. Holding In Poop Can Increase Your Risk of Developing Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids, according to Mayo Clinic, are swollen veins in the lower rectum and anus that can cause pain, itching, bleeding, and swelling around the anus. One of the major causes of hemorrhoids is straining during bowel movements, which can happen if you’ve been holding in your poop. When you finally do go, the stool can be harder and more difficult to pass, causing you to strain more than you normally would.
Some researchers say that holding in poop regularly can lead to chronic hemorrhoids, which can be very uncomfortable and may even require medical treatment. In some cases, hemorrhoids can become so severe that they require surgery. And if you’re already prone to hemorrhoids, holding in your poop can make them worse. So, if you want to avoid the discomfort and potential complications of hemorrhoids, it’s best to go to the bathroom as soon as you feel the urge.
4. Holding In Poop Can Cause Fecal Incontinence
This might sound surprising, but holding in your poop can actually increase your risk of fecal incontinence. In simple words, fecal incontinence is the inability to control your bowel movements, leading to accidental leakage of stool. When you hold in poop for long periods of time, it can cause the muscles in your rectum and anus to weaken. This makes it harder for those muscles to hold in stool when you actually need them to.
Doctors say that chronic holding in of poop can cause nerve damage in the rectum, further increasing the risk of fecal incontinence. And the patients who experience fecal incontinence often find it to be embarrassing and disruptive to their daily lives. Plus, it can lead to skin irritation and infections if not managed properly. So, to avoid these complications, it’s crucial to listen to your body and go to the bathroom when you need to.
Holding in your poop might seem like a harmless act when you’re in a pinch, but the truth is that it can have serious consequences for your digestive health if you do it often. From constipation and hemorrhoids to stress and fecal incontinence, the risks simply aren’t worth it. When next you feel the urge to go, do yourself a favor and go. After all, your bowel system is worth those few minutes in the bathroom.
