There Are At Least 6 Causes of Difficult Defecation

The cause of constipation is often difficult to know with certainty. However, in general there are several factors that can cause constipation or difficult bowel movements, including poor diet, pregnancy, delaying bowel movements, the influence of drugs, or due to certain health conditions. Constipation or constipation, in medical language called constipation, occurs when the frequency of bowel movements decreases. Actually the frequency of bowel movements can vary from person to person. There is no standard as to how many times you normally defecate in a day or a week. However, it is usually not defecating for more than three days or the frequency of defecating less than three times a week can be considered difficult bowel movements. This is because after three days, the stool structure becomes harder and harder to remove.

Various Causes of Difficult Defecation

Then what are the conditions that are generally the cause of constipation?

• Lifestyle influences

Unhealthy eating patterns, such as lack of fiber and lack of fluids, can trigger constipation. In addition, changes in diet and consuming too much processed milk products can also cause bowel movements. In addition, eating disorders also contribute to constipation. Lazy to exercise or not actively moving can also invite constipation.

• Pregnancy

About 40 percent of pregnant women experience constipation during pregnancy, especially in the early period of pregnancy. Constipation can be experienced by pregnant women because during pregnancy, the body produces more progesterone, the effect of which can relax the muscles, making it difficult for the intestinal muscles to contract. As a result, pregnant women have difficulty defecating.

• Delay defecation

Often children and adults have a reluctance to go to the toilet to defecate when they begin to want to defecate, either for reasons of fear, shame, not having privacy to use the toilet, or various other reasons. However, procrastinating defecation when there is an urge to do so, it risks causing constipation. In other words, hurry up in answering the call of nature.

• Effects of drugs

Consumption of certain drugs can also cause side effects such as constipation. These drugs may include calcium supplements, iron supplements, antiepileptic drugs, antidepressants, antipsychotics, diuretic drugs, and narcotics pain relievers, such as codeine and morphine. In addition, drugs to treat digestive disorders, such as antacids and antidiarrheals, and the habit of using laxative drugs, can also cause constipation.

• Have certain health conditions

In rare cases, difficulty in defecation can be considered a sign of certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, irritable bowel syndrome, hypercalcemia or excess calcium in the blood, underactive thyroid gland, anal fissure, inflammatory bowel disease, colon cancer or rectum, to nerve disorders such as multiple sclerosis, stroke, Parkinson's disease, or spinal cord injury.

• Psychological factors

Difficulty in defecation can occur in those who have psychological problems, such as stress, anxiety, depression, violent trauma, or sexual abuse.

How to Deal with Difficult Defecation

The cause of constipation can vary from person to person. Likewise the handling steps will depend on the cause and how severe your condition is. However, in general constipation can be handled by changing lifestyles, such as the following:

• Inadequate need for water to prevent dehydration and soften the stool texture.
• Expand to consume fiber, at least 18-30 grams per day. Fiber can be obtained from fruits, vegetables, or cereals and nuts.
• When defecating on the toilet seat, place your feet on a low stool so that your knees are higher waist. This position makes dirt easier to come out.
• Increase physical activity and As simple as walking for at least 15 minutes is enough, provided that it is done routinely.
• Apply bowel movements to the toilet, for example when and in which toilet you are comfortable to defecate. Implementing this routine also needs to be done for your child. Help the child to get used to this activity and give praise or appreciation if the child has done it.
• Do not delay to defecate when you feel the need and urge to do it.
• If constipation occurs in children, give fruits and probiotics to facilitate bowel movements, such as strawberries, apples, grapes, pears, or raisins. These fruits and probiotics can also be given to adults.

If changing your lifestyle has not been successful, your doctor may prescribe laxatives or laxatives for you. For pregnant women who experience constipation, consult your obstetrician before taking any medication.