The act of holding the poop causes it to be moved to the uppermost segment of the rectum, called the sigmoid colon, where the absorption of water contained in the feces can occur, leaving them hardened and dry, causing constipation and greater difficulty in evacuating.
That way, when the person feels the need to have a bowel movement again, the stools are harder, which can result in greater straining and the appearance of fissures or hemorrhoids, for example, which can lead to the appearance of blood or mucus in feces.
In these cases, it is important to consult the gastroenterologist so that an evaluation of the lesions can be carried out and the most appropriate treatment can be recommended.
The main consequences of holding poop are:
1. Constipation
The most common consequence of holding your stools is constipation because stools stay longer in the intestines, where water is absorbed, and so they become drier and harder to get out.
What to do: The best time to poop is right when you feel like it because that way you don't have to strain to have a bowel movement, which helps keep your bowels working properly, and consequently avoids complications resulting from constipation.
2. Anal fissures
Anal fissures usually arise when the stool is very hard and dry, which causes lesions in the anus at the time of evacuation, which can result in bright red blood in the stool, pain and discomfort when defecating. See how to identify and treat anal fissures.
What to do: The treatment for anal fissures is done with the aim of preventing infections, and it is necessary to perform adequate intimate hygiene, preferably with toilet paper moistened with water. In addition, it is important to improve eating habits, always stay hydrated and avoid holding the poop so that new cracks do not occur.
3. Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids arise due to the drying of stools and the effort made to evacuate, being common in people who suffer from intestinal constipation and who cannot poop in places other than their home, holding the stool.
Hemorrhoids correspond to dilated and protruding veins that appear in the anal region and that can cause anal itching and pain, in addition to the presence of blood in the stool. Know what hemorrhoids are and main symptoms.
What to do: Treatment for hemorrhoids can be done with the use of ointments that decrease the dilation of the veins and relieve pain, such as Hemovirtus, Proctosan or Proctyl, for example. However, when the hemorrhoid is not resolved with time or with the use of ointments, surgery may be recommended by the doctor.
4. Abdominal hernias
Abdominal hernias can appear when a lot of effort is made to evacuate, and can occur more easily in people who are constipated or who are used to holding their poop.
Abdominal hernia is characterized by weakness in the muscles of the abdomen, which may cause a part of the intestine to exit through it, which may cause some symptoms, such as pain, swelling and redness at the hernia site.
What to do: In the case of an abdominal hernia, it is best to go to the doctor to have the hernia corrected through a surgical procedure. In addition, it is important to improve eating and living habits to prevent abdominal hernia from reappearing. Understand how surgery for abdominal hernia is performed.
5. Diverticulitis
Diverticulitis is the acute inflammation of diverticula, which are small structures that appear on the walls of the intestine, mainly due to chronic constipation. When these structures become inflamed, it can result in pain in the abdomen, nausea, vomiting and fever, for example. Learn more about diverticulitis.
What to do: It is recommended to go to the gastroenterologist as soon as the first symptoms appear, so that diagnostic tests are carried out and treatment can be started, avoiding complications such as perforation of the bowel and infections, for example.
6. Fecal incontinence
When you constantly strain to poop, the muscles of the rectum and anus begin to lose strength and atrophy, which makes the person unable to control the elimination of fecal material, involuntarily releasing gas and solid and liquid stools. Thus, fecal incontinence can cause embarrassment and anxiety, interfering with the person's quality of life. Understand what fecal incontinence is and how to identify it.
What to do: The most recommended thing in the case of fecal incontinence is to consult the coloproctologist so that the problem can be evaluated and the best treatment started. Strengthen the muscles of the pelvis, relieving the symptoms of incontinence. In addition, it is recommended that the person follow a diet rich in fiber and low in foods that increase bowel movements, such as coffee, for example. Find out how the faecal incontinence diet is made.
