Ignoring the Defecation Reflex

Ignoring the Defecation Reflex

A Well Functioning Defecation Reflex plays a critical role in the prevention of constipation. The defecation reflex is a signal to the body that it is time to eliminate waste in the form of a bowel movement. Ignoring the defecation reflex is also referred to as a “Poor Bowel Habit”.

Ignoring the urge to “go” (retaining stool) can initiate a cycle of constipation. Retaining stool in the colon produces stool that is dry, hard and difficult to pass as the normal action of the Colon continues to extract water from the retained stools. Over a period of time, ignoring the urge can cause the bowel to become “lazy” ultimately failing to send the message to the brain that it is time to defecate.

The ability to ignore the defecation reflex is useful. Similar to being able to withhold urine, the ability to ignore thedefecation reflex allows us to find privacy prior to eliminating our bowels. However, to maintain Healthy Bowel Function, the urge should not be ignored for longer than 10 to 15 minutes. This is the point at which the reflex subsides. Once subsided, it is easily overlooked until the next time it is stimulated, which may be several hours later. Moving these dry stools later can involve straining. Straining causes small pouches called diverticuli to develop along the colon. These can become infected, inflamed and cause bleeding. This is a serious condition called diverticulosis. It is important to avoid straining when moving your bowels.

Withholding stools stretches out the rectal sack. Overtime, more and more stools will be required to collect in the rectal sack before the pressure sensitive nerve endings are activated. New stools, that could otherwise be promptly eliminated, just collect and dry out until enough stools gather to provide adequate pressure. Withholding stools day after day (as some people do who refuse to have a bowel movement at work or at other public restrooms), creates a cycle of self induced constipation that will worsen as the rectal sack becomes stretched out.