Constipation is a very real problem that affects a lot of people. If you’re passing less than three stools per week or are feeling pain when defecating, you’re likely constipated.
Many people think that having anal sex can help alleviate constipation by stimulating a bowel movement. But does it really work?
1. It can be uncomfortable
It’s not uncommon for people who are constipated to feel discomfort during sex. It’s because the rectum, which is right behind the vagina, usually has stool in it along with a lot of gas, which can cause pain. If you’re in this condition, penetrative sex is probably not ideal since it can push on the rectum and lead to more pain and discomfort.
However, if you’re not constipated and sex is comfortable, there could be another reason why you’re feeling the ouch. Sometimes sex is uncomfortable for no discernible reason, and this is a sign that there’s something wrong with your pelvic floor muscles. In this case, it may be a good idea to do some foreplay and use some extra lube.
If the sex is painful for a reason that’s not constipation-related, you should visit your doctor to get checked out. The issue could be endometriosis, which is a condition that occurs when tissue that lines the uterus grows outside of the uterus, often in the rectal area. If you experience this condition, it can cause pain during sex, as well as bleeding and inflammation. If you do have this condition, your doctor can prescribe medicine to help manage the symptoms. Also, try to stay hydrated, eat lots of fiber, and exercise regularly. This can help stimulate bowel movements and prevent constipation.
2. It can lead to infection
For people with constipation, the rectum and colon can get full of hard pieces of stool that are difficult to pass. Behind these hard pieces of stool is gas, which leads to pains and cramps. If you have sex when you’re constipated, the pressure of your partner on your anus and the vagina can cause this to worsen and make it uncomfortable for both parties.
If you’re suffering from constipation, there are several things you can do to help you get rid of it. You can eat a healthy diet with plenty of fiber, drink enough water, exercise regularly, and manage stress to help regulate your bowel movements. You can also try taking a laxative or using a suppository to help move your bowels along.
Chronic constipation can have a serious impact on your quality of life. It can lead to discomfort, bloating and even infection in some cases. It’s important to find ways to relieve the symptoms of constipation and prevent it from occurring in the future. For most people, a good diet and regular habits can help alleviate the symptoms of constipation. However, if your constipation is severe, you may need to consult a medical professional.
3. It can lead to bloating
A recent survey reveals that more than 40 million people are living with gut symptoms like bloating, flatulence and tummy cramps, according to Healthista. In fact, the study found that one in five people avoid sex because of their gut issues. In some cases, these problems can cause a person to become constipated.
It’s possible that sex can lead to bloating in some people who have constipation, though scientific research on this relationship is limited. Anecdotal evidence suggests that this is because of a number of factors, including swallowed air, physical exertion, changes in food choices, and hormonal changes.
One reason sex may lead to bloating is because the movements and positions involved in sexual activity can change the flow of blood to the digestive system, causing a buildup of gas. This can be especially true for positions that involve deep penetration, such as doggy style or missionary.
In addition, a person’s rectum is right behind their vagina, which can make sex uncomfortable if you’re constipated. If you’re constipated, it’s a good idea to use a soft lubricant or gel that doesn’t contain any artificial ingredients, such as glycerin. This can help to prevent a clog or blockage from forming. It’s also important to drink plenty of water, up your fiber intake and go to the bathroom regularly.
4. It can lead to pain
Having sex when you are constipated is not dangerous, but it can be uncomfortable. The reason for this is that your rectum is full of stool, which can put pressure on the wall of the vagina. This can lead to pain during penetration. In addition, your rectum may also be filled with gas, which can cause pain during intercourse.
This is because the pelvic floor muscles (known as the levator ani) play a very important role during sex, including supporting your pelvic organs and helping you to urinate and have bowel movements. When you have chronic constipation, these muscles can become weak and can result in problems like fecal incontinence or a pelvic organ prolapse. During intercourse, these muscles need to coordinate with the sphincter to ensure successful defecation.
However, sex can also cause pain in some people with constipation due to other factors. For example, sexual activity can be very physically exerting, leading to dehydration. It can also lead to a weakened colon, which can make it harder to have bowel movements. In addition, some people with constipation have low levels of estrogen, which can cause dryness of the vulva and increase the risk of tearing during sex.
If you are experiencing painful sex, you should talk to your doctor. They will be able to help you determine what is causing the pain and how to treat it.
