zaro

Why Do I Have to Push My Poop Out With My Fingers?

Published in Gastrointestinal Health 2 mins read

You might need to push your poop out with your fingers, a process called digital disimpaction, primarily because other methods of passing stool aren't working effectively. This is often due to fecal impaction, a condition that arises from severe or untreated constipation.

Understanding Fecal Impaction

Fecal impaction occurs when a large, hard mass of stool gets stuck in your rectum and you are unable to push it out on your own.

  • Cause: Chronic constipation is the most common cause. This can be triggered by:

    • A low-fiber diet
    • Dehydration
    • Lack of physical activity
    • Certain medications (e.g., opioids, some antacids)
    • Ignoring the urge to defecate
    • Underlying medical conditions affecting bowel function
  • Why Digital Disimpaction?: When the impaction is severe, the hardened stool can be too difficult to pass naturally. Digital disimpaction involves using a gloved, lubricated finger to manually break up and remove the impacted stool.

Other Potential Reasons

While fecal impaction is the most common reason, other factors can contribute to the need for digital disimpaction:

  • Weakened Pelvic Floor Muscles: Pelvic floor dysfunction can make it difficult to generate the necessary force to evacuate stool.
  • Neurological Conditions: Conditions affecting nerve function (e.g., spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis) can impair bowel control and lead to constipation and impaction.
  • Megacolon: An abnormally enlarged colon can cause stool to accumulate and harden.
  • Rectal Prolapse: This condition, where the rectum protrudes through the anus, can make defecation difficult.

What Should You Do?

  • Consult a Doctor: It's crucial to see a doctor if you regularly need to manually remove stool. They can diagnose the underlying cause and recommend appropriate treatment.
  • Don't Self-Treat Long-Term: While digital disimpaction can provide temporary relief, it is not a long-term solution. Frequent self-treatment can potentially cause injury to the rectum and anus.
  • Implement Lifestyle Changes: Your doctor will likely recommend dietary changes (increased fiber and fluid intake), regular exercise, and proper toileting habits to prevent constipation.
  • Medications: Laxatives or stool softeners may be prescribed to help soften stool and promote regular bowel movements.
  • Biofeedback Therapy: This therapy can help improve pelvic floor muscle function and coordination.

Important Considerations

  • Seek medical attention promptly if you experience:
    • Severe abdominal pain
    • Rectal bleeding
    • Nausea or vomiting
    • Inability to pass gas

Needing to manually remove stool is often a sign of an underlying problem that needs to be addressed by a healthcare professional.