Holding in bowel movements risks haemorrhoids and constipation

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The urge to have a bowel movement is often ignored, especially when busy or when it is difficult to find a toilet, but if this habit persists, it can disrupt bowel function. A healthy bowel habit is a sign that the body is working properly. Conversely, the habit of postponing defecation can increase the risk of haemorrhoids, alter stool consistency, and cause constipation. “Ignoring the urge to have a bowel movement occasionally is usually not a problem. But if it becomes a habit, stool will remain in the large intestine for longer,” said gastroenterologist Dr. Supriya Rao. In the long term, holding in a bowel movement can cause constipation, a condition where the frequency of defecation becomes less frequent and the stool tends to be hard or dry. Normally, stool moves from the large intestine to the rectum when the body is ready to expel it. When the urge to defecate is ignored, the stool stays in the large intestine longer. “Holding it in too often causes a cycle of constipation; the body begins to ignore the signals to defecate altogether, which causes a buildup of faeces in the large intestine,” said Dr. Carmen Fong, FACS. Holding in a bowel movement can also affect the normal function of the rectum. Dr. Rao said that if you continue to hold back the urge to defecate, the rectum can stretch, reducing its sensitivity. “In some cases, it can even trigger ulcers in the rectum,” said Rao. The rectum has nerves that send signals to the brain that it is time to go to the toilet. This process is aided by the rectoanal inhibitory reflex (RAIR), which relaxes the anal sphincter so that stool can enter the rectum before being expelled. If the urge to defecate is continuously ignored, these signals become less effective over time. As a result, a person becomes less sensitive to the feeling of needing to defecate. In the long term, this condition can trigger chronic constipation and impaired rectal function. “Hard stool usually means a person has to strain harder, and that is one of the risk factors for haemorrhoids,” explained Rao. Holding in a bowel movement can also change the texture of the stool. Fong said the longer stool remains in the large intestine, which continuously absorbs water, the harder and drier it becomes, making it more difficult and painful to pass. A buildup of hard stool in the rectum can also cause faecal incontinence, which is the uncontrolled leakage of stool. “When a lump of hard stool blocks the rectum (faecal impaction), new liquid stool coming from above has no way out and seeps past the blockage,” said Fong. Experts recommend ways to maintain digestive tract health. Fong stressed that when the body signals the urge to defecate, one should go to the toilet immediately. It is advised not to sit and strain for too long on the toilet while waiting for a bowel movement. Furthermore, meeting fibre needs helps form stool bulk so it moves more easily through the digestive tract. Good sources of fibre include fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds. Adequate fluid intake is also very important for maintaining smooth bowel movements. Besides plain water, fluids can also be obtained from fruits, vegetables, soup, and other water-containing drinks. “The large intestine continuously absorbs water from the stool. If the body is well hydrated, the stool remains soft and easy to pass,” said Fong. Physical activity also helps the bowels work. Changes in bowel patterns can sometimes be a sign of a more serious health problem. “If you experience constipation for three weeks or more, severe abdominal pain, nausea, blood in the stool, unexplained weight loss, or a sudden change in bowel patterns, consult a doctor immediately,” said Rao.