Doctors have revealed the dangers that can arise if you hold in your poo too long and how your body responds.
Going to the toilet is something everyone does, but it’s not exactly a common conversation topic — even among close friends.
That silence can sometimes encourage unhealthy routines, including ignoring the urge to go and holding stool in for longer than you should.
Dr Wylie from IQdoctor has outlined what can happen inside the body when you delay bowel movements.
Speaking to Metro, they said: “When stool remains in the bowel for longer than it should, more water is absorbed from it, making it harder, drier, and more difficult to pass.
“This can lead to constipation, straining, abdominal discomfort, bloating, and a feeling of incomplete emptying.”
Although these symptoms can be unpleasant, Dr Wylie warned the consequences can become more serious.
They continued: “In more severe cases, stool can become impacted, meaning it is so hard and large that it cannot be passed without medical treatment.”
And if holding it in becomes a habit, trying to finally go can lead to intense pushing and straining.
The doctor added: “This increases pressure in the abdomen and around the anus, which can contribute to haemorrhoids (piles) and anal fissures, which are small tears in the lining of the back passage.”
Australian gastroenterologist Professor Peter Katelaris has also shared similar concerns in the past.
Speaking to news.com.au, he said: “Some people expect their bowels to open when they want them to, typically after breakfast and before work.
“They sit in hope and expectation, sometimes for a long time, waiting for something to happen.”
That repeated forcing can lead to painful cracks in the skin around the anus (fissures), along with haemorrhoids that may itch or cause discomfort.
For older adults in particular, heavy straining can sometimes trigger a sharp rise in blood pressure — which in certain cases could contribute to a heart attack or stroke.
So what’s considered a healthy frequency for bowel movements?
Prof Katelaris issued an important reminder: that ‘our bodies are not machines.’
He also emphasised that not going every day isn’t automatically a problem.
“What is normal for one person may not be normal for another. In general, the majority of adults open their bowels between three times a day and three times a week,” he explained.
To support regularity, Katelaris advises sticking to a balanced, wholefood-based diet with sensible portion sizes and fewer ultra-processed options.
He also highlights drinking enough water and keeping active as key factors in maintaining healthy digestion.
That said, if you notice persistent or unusual changes in your bowel habits, it’s best to speak with your GP.