The question of whether suppressing the urge to defecate can make you “sick” is a common one, often arising from the physical discomfort of holding it in. While an occasional delay will not lead to an infectious illness, habitually ignoring the body’s natural signals can initiate a cascade of physiological changes. Understanding the mechanics of the digestive system and the risks associated with chronic retention reveals a clear distinction between temporary inconvenience and long-term health consequences.
How the Body Suppresses the Urge
The journey of waste material ends in the rectum, where its presence triggers the defecation reflex. Stretch receptors in the rectal wall send signals to the brain, which creates the conscious urge to have a bowel movement. This reflex simultaneously causes the involuntary internal anal sphincter to relax, preparing for passage.
If the timing is inconvenient, the body can voluntarily suppress the urge by contracting the external anal sphincter, which is under conscious control. Simultaneously, the muscles of the anal sphincter can push the stool slightly backward, or the puborectalis muscle can send the waste back into the colon. This backward movement reduces the pressure on the rectal wall, causing the initial urge to subside temporarily.
Immediate Consequences of Delaying Defecation
Holding in stool occasionally is generally not harmful, but it can lead to immediate physical discomfort. When the stool is pushed back into the colon, it remains in the large intestine for a longer period. The primary role of the colon is to absorb water from the waste material.
An extended stay in the colon allows for greater water reabsorption, making the stool drier and harder. This firmer consistency can make the eventual bowel movement difficult and uncomfortable to pass. Short-term symptoms also include feelings of bloating, increased gas buildup, and abdominal cramping or pain.
Serious Health Risks from Chronic Retention
When ignoring the urge becomes a consistent habit, the body’s natural mechanisms begin to fail, leading to chronic issues. Repeatedly holding in stool causes the rectum to become stretched, a condition known as rectal distension. This distension can diminish the sensitivity of the stretch receptors, causing a loss of the normal urge sensation, which traps the individual in a cycle of worsening chronic constipation.
Chronic constipation, defined by infrequent and difficult passage of hard stools, can lead to painful complications. Constant straining to pass hardened feces can cause the veins in the anus and rectum to swell, forming hemorrhoids. It can also result in anal fissures, which are small, painful tears in the tissue lining the anus.
In severe cases, the mass of dry, hard stool can become immovably stuck in the rectum or lower colon, a serious condition called fecal impaction. Untreated impaction can lead to a complication where the rectum is so stretched that the person experiences fecal incontinence, as liquid stool leaks around the blockage. Persistent straining over time can also damage the pelvic floor muscles, potentially leading to conditions like rectal prolapse, where the rectum slips out of its normal position.
Tips for Maintaining Regularity
Preventing the necessity of holding in stool starts with establishing healthy, consistent bowel habits. A diet rich in both soluble and insoluble fiber is recommended, with an aim to consume between 25 to 35 grams daily. Fiber adds necessary bulk to the stool, helping it move efficiently through the intestines.
Adequate fluid intake is equally important, as fiber requires water to work effectively and soften the stool. Without enough water, a high-fiber diet can actually worsen constipation. Furthermore, incorporating at least 30 minutes of regular physical activity helps stimulate gut motility.
Establishing a consistent routine can train the body to eliminate waste at predictable times. Since eating stimulates the gastrocolic reflex, which increases intestinal movement, a good practice is to sit on the toilet 20 to 40 minutes after a meal. Listening to the body’s natural signal and responding promptly helps maintain the integrity of the defecation reflex.