Is It Dangerous to Hold in Poop?
- Fysiobasen
- Oct 1
- 2 min read
Sometimes holding in poop may feel necessary, especially when you don’t have access to a restroom. But can delaying bowel movements actually be harmful to your health? In this article, we look at what happens in the body when you hold in stool and why it may be risky in the long term.
How Does the Digestive System Work?
The digestive system is designed to process and eliminate waste the body doesn’t need. After food is digested in the stomach and intestines, the leftovers are stored in the colon before being expelled as stool. When you resist the urge to go, you interrupt this natural process—which can lead to complications.
Bowel movements and stool
Stool forms as the body removes excess water and undigested food. When the colon fills, it signals the brain that it’s time to defecate. This natural urge is the body’s way of maintaining healthy elimination. Ignoring it can disrupt normal bowel function.
What Happens When You Hold in Poop?
When you consciously resist a bowel movement, several things occur:
Increased pressure on the intestines: Stool buildup stretches the colon and creates discomfort.
Irregular bowel habits: Holding stool can cause constipation, making the stool harder and more painful to pass. Chronic constipation may follow.
Muscle strain: Repeated delays weaken the muscles responsible for pushing stool out.
Hemorrhoid risk: Straining later to pass hard stool increases the chance of hemorrhoids—swollen blood vessels in the rectum that cause pain and bleeding.
Is Holding in Poop Dangerous Long-Term?
Occasional stool retention might not cause immediate harm, but chronic patterns can have serious effects:
Constipation: Frequent stool holding can lead to long-term constipation, causing discomfort and digestive strain.
Bowel obstruction: Severe constipation may block the intestines, a medical emergency that may require surgery.
Impaired bowel function: Over time, holding stool too often can weaken bowel muscles, making elimination harder.
Rectal injury: Excessive straining increases the risk of rectal tears or even fecal incontinence.
How to Avoid Holding in Poop
Listen to your body: Respond to the urge to defecate as soon as possible.
Set regular bathroom breaks: Establish routine visits to train your bowel habits.
Eat a high-fiber diet: Fruits, vegetables, and whole grains support soft and regular stools.
Stay hydrated: Adequate water intake prevents hard stools and supports healthy digestion.
Summary
Holding in poop may seem harmless at times, but repeated delays can cause constipation, hemorrhoids, bowel obstruction, and long-term muscle dysfunction. For good bowel health, it’s important to listen to your body’s natural signals, eat a fiber-rich diet, stay hydrated, and use the restroom regularly.
Sources:
Bousvaros A, et al. “Chronic constipation: Pathophysiology and management.” Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology, 2005.
Lacy BE, et al. “Rome IV criteria for functional gastrointestinal disorders.” Gastroenterology, 2016.
Peppas G, et al. “The role of diet and lifestyle in the management of constipation.” Current Gastroenterology Reports, 2018.
American Gastroenterological Association. “Prevention and treatment of constipation.” AGA Website, 2020.
Yates R, et al. “Understanding and treating hemorrhoids.” World Journal of Gastroenterology, 2014.
