This Is What Happens to Your Body When You Ignore Constipation—Don’t Make This Mistake!
Ignoring constipation might seem like no big deal, but it can cause serious problems for your health. Everyone gets constipated now and then, but leaving it untreated can affect your body in many ways.
When stool builds up in your colon, it can make you feel bloated, lose your appetite, or feel sick. Over time, this can lead to diverticulitis. This condition happens when small pouches in your colon get swollen or infected. Doctors stress that treating constipation quickly helps keep your digestion healthy.
That said, here’s what happens when you don’t take care of constipation and why it’s important to act.
Fecal Impaction Happens When You Ignore Constipation
If stool stays in your colon too long, it becomes hard and hard to pass. This condition is called fecal impaction. It can cause severe belly pain, bloating, and discomfort near your rectum. Physicians say if it’s not treated, you might need medical help, like an enema or manual removal.
Hemorrhoids Get Worse With Chronic Constipation
Straining during bowel movements is one of the primary reasons many people get hemorrhoids. These are swollen veins in your rectum that can hurt, itch, or bleed. When you ignore constipation, you’re more likely to strain, which makes hemorrhoids worse or causes new ones to form.
Anal Fissures Are a Risk of Untreated Constipation
Anal fissures are small tears in the skin around the anus. They’re often caused by passing hard stools. These cuts can be very painful and may bleed. The Cleveland Clinic warns that frequent constipation raises your chances of getting anal fissures.
Chronic Constipation Can Hurt Your Pelvic Floor Muscles
When you strain a lot because of constipation, it weakens your pelvic floor muscles over time. This can lead to problems like leaking urine or organs in the pelvis moving out of place, especially for women. Experts say treating constipation early can help avoid these issues.
Rectal Prolapse Can Happen From Long-Term Constipation
Straining too much can cause rectal prolapse. This means part of your rectum pushes out through your anus. It’s uncomfortable and might need surgery to fix. Doctors say this serious condition can often be prevented by managing constipation early.
Constipation Can Affect Your Whole Body
When stool stays in your colon too long, toxins can get reabsorbed into your body. This might make you feel tired, give you headaches, or even affect your immune system. While there’s not a lot of proof yet, some researchers think long-term constipation could harm your health in other ways too.
Constipation Can Take a Toll on Your Mental Health
Being constipated can also affect how you feel. The pain and bloating can make you stressed, anxious, or cranky. Long-term constipation can even make it hard to enjoy your daily life. Psychologists say keeping your stress levels low and living a balanced life can help prevent and manage constipation.
Easy Tips to Avoid and Treat Constipation
- Drink Plenty of Water: Aim for 8 to 10 glasses a day to keep your stool soft.
- Eat Foods High in Fiber: Add fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and beans to your meals.
- Stay Active: Exercise helps your bowel movements stay regular.
- Don’t Wait to Go: Use the bathroom as soon as you feel the urge to prevent hard stools.
- Be Careful With Laxatives: Only use them for a short time, and talk to your doctor if the problem doesn’t go away.
- See a Doctor if Needed: If constipation lasts more than a few weeks or gets worse, ask your doctor for help.
The Bottom Line
Not treating constipation can cause problems like hemorrhoids, anal fissures, rectal prolapse, or fecal impaction. Making small changes, like drinking more water and eating more fiber, can help you avoid these issues. If constipation doesn’t go away or causes you a lot of pain, talk to your doctor.