Cause 4: Ignoring the Urge to Go
We’ve all been there. In the middle of a meeting, during a movie, or just too engrossed in a task, we feel the urge to visit the restroom, but we decide to hold on a bit longer. But how often is too often? And what’s the impact of continually suppressing nature’s call?
The body, in its infinite wisdom, sends clear signals when it’s time to relieve oneself. This is an intricate system involving the brain, nerves, and muscles. When the rectum, the last stop of our digestive tract, is full, it sends a signal to our brain indicating it’s time to evacuate. However, when we continually ignore this signal, we’re essentially overriding a natural process, which can have consequences.
Regularly suppressing the urge can lead to a weakening of the natural signals. Imagine a doorbell that’s pressed repeatedly but never answered. Over time, it might just stop working. Similarly, continually ignoring the body’s call can lead to decreased sensitivity, meaning you might not feel the urge until it becomes urgent.
Moreover, the longer the stools stay in the rectum, the more water is extracted from them, making them harder. This can not only lead to constipation but also cause discomfort and pain during evacuation. It’s like traffic building up on a highway; the longer you wait, the worse the jam becomes. (4)
