When you have constipation, it can be difficult to get your bowels moving. If you go less than three times a week or your stool is hard and dry, you may be constipated.
Constipation can make it uncomfortable to have sex. However, there are things you can do to help alleviate the problem.
1. It can make you poop
While it might seem like sex has little in common with poop, the two can actually share quite a lot. Both can result in a lot of noise (think moans, sighing, and fart sounds), both can cause cramps, and both can lead to constipation.
In fact, constipation can make sex feel a bit like a rock and roll in your bottom, especially if you’re really backed up. That’s because when you’re constipated, your rectum and colon are full of hard pieces of stool that are difficult to pass, and behind those pieces of stool is gas that can cause pain and discomfort during sex.
This is more common than you might think, and it’s actually not a big deal. It can happen when your positioning during sex puts pressure on your abdomen, which can cause the muscles of your pelvic floor to relax and trigger an accidental bowel movement. It’s also sometimes the result of intense orgasms, which can activate the mechanisms that control your bowel movements.
Of course, you can avoid this by drinking plenty of water, eating fiber-rich foods, and exercising regularly. You can also try sex positions that don’t put pressure on your stomach, like missionary or spooning. And if you have frequent constipation, talk to your doctor about it. They may recommend treatments that can help.
2. It can be uncomfortable
Although it isn’t harmful to have sex with a full colon, it can be uncomfortable for both partners. The reason for this is because stool builds up in the rectum and colon, which then leads to gas build-up and pains. In addition, the rectum is directly behind the vagina, which makes it hard to have sex.
The reason why sex can be uncomfortable with a full colon is because the pelvic floor muscles are tight. These muscles are needed to help support the pelvic organs and sphincter function, but also during sexual activity. During orgasm, these muscles contract and then relax quickly. When they’re tight, the rectum can push into the vagina or anus and cause pain or discomfort during penetration.
When someone has sex with a full colon, there is also a chance that the stool can travel to the anus and cause an infection. This can be especially dangerous if the person has a weakened urinary tract or bladder because bacteria can enter these areas and cause serious health problems.
While some people have constipation because of poor diet or lack of physical activity, it can also be caused by medical conditions or psychological trauma. In these cases, it’s important to try and find ways to alleviate the symptoms as soon as possible. This includes drinking plenty of water, eating a high-fiber diet, and exercising regularly.
3. It can be painful
Constipation can cause discomfort or even pain with intercourse. Almost 2.5 million Americans visit their doctors for constipation, and it can affect your self-esteem, comfort, and sexual relationship with your partner. The causes of constipation can include dietary choices, dehydration, stress and even birth control. It can be painful to have anal sex while you are constipated. This is because the rectum is right behind the vagina and full of stool, which can lead to pains and cramps. You can avoid this by having a regular daily bowel movement and drinking isotonic pre-play liquids to help with your digestion.
In some cases, the pelvic floor muscles become tight from chronic constipation, leading to a sphincter that can no longer close completely. This can allow stool to leak out during orgasms. Stool can also enter the anus or vagina and cause pain during penetration.
Constipation is a complex and uncomfortable issue that can affect your sexual intimacy. However, it’s important to know that sex can also be a source of pleasure during orgasms. You may just need to try different sex positions, drink plenty of water, and make sure you are using the best anal hygiene practices. It is always a good idea to see your doctor if you have chronic constipation and are experiencing pain during sexual activity.
4. It can lead to complications
When you’re constipated, it’s not uncommon for pain to become a major issue during sex. In fact, Staller says that her patients sometimes talk to her about how bowel pain interferes with their enjoyment of sexual intimacy, and this can lead to a vicious cycle where the inability to relax and have a bowel movement makes it even harder to enjoy sex.
Aside from the pain, it’s also possible that penile penetration and thrusting during sex while you’re constipated can cause discomfort or even painful disconnection (dyspareunia) of the anal canal, which runs between the urethra and the vagina. The problem is exacerbated by the presence of hard, lumpy stool in the anal canal, which causes the penis to rub against it and cause discomfort.
In addition, if you’re heavily constipated, you’ll likely have a lot of built-up gas in your colon and rectum, which can irritate the anus and the mucus membranes inside the vagina. This can make your sex feel uncomfortable and can even lead to a urinary tract infection in some people, explains Mahmood.
So while sex can be an effective way to relieve constipation, it’s best not to rely on it for this purpose in order to avoid any negative side effects like discomfort, pain, or bloating. If you’re experiencing these side effects, it’s best to take a break from sex and speak with your doctor if the symptoms are severe or last long.
