Pooping is a natural and essential bodily function.
Everybody poopsno matter your location, socioeconomic status, or delicate sensibilities.
Unfortunately, something that is supposed to be second nature can also sometimes be super difficult.
Straining to poop can cause other health complications.
So if youve ever found yourself straining to poop, you are definitely not alone.
Want to find out why it hurts to poopand what to do about it?
We turned to top docs for the answers to all your poop questions.
People can strain to poop for all sorts of reasons, butconstipationis really the main cause of this.
There is no rulebook for how often someone should go to the bathroom, Dr. Schnoll-Sussman says.
The only time we are concerned is when there is a significant change for you.
If youre frustrated because it feels impossible to poop and nothing comes out, then thats also a problem.
So, then, what causes constipation?
I see a lot of patients coming in who have way too little fiber in their diets.
Your body mechanics might also explain why youre straining to poop.
Your outer sphincter is a muscle that you knowingly control.
What happens if you strain too hard while pooping?
So how do you know if you have hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids can be asymptomatic, meaning you might not know.
These are little wounds that can feel like paper cuts on your butt (cringe).
Anal fissures typically arise when you have to work too hard to pass large, hard stools.
Anal fissures can be painful, itch, bleed, or feel irritated, according to theMayo Clinic.
Generally, surgery is necessary to repair the prolapse.
Theres a very small possibility you could pass out on the pot.
As you increase your fiber intake, be sure to stay hydrated, Dr. Poppers says.
Or you could find that you go to the bathroom more frequently when you exercise regularly.
For example, you might take a blood test to rule out a food-related condition like celiac disease.
It could be a sign of colon cancer.
It could be a sign of inflammatory bowel disease.
It could be a sign of some abnormal blood vessels in the colon.
But if they dont clear up, then you may need to schedule an appointment with your doc.
And theres no need to feel bashful about the situation either.
Again, pooping is part of human nature, which means constipation is, too.
Gastrointestinal symptoms are very common, Dr. Poppers says.
Theres nothing to be embarrassed about.
Yourpoop problemswill be nothing new to them.
