Certainly, regular defecation is one of the most important signs that indicate the health of your digestive system, but many people are concerned, if there is a delay in defecation, and they wonder if it is normal not to defecate for a week? What is the normal period between each time of defecation? That is why we decided to simply answer this question and show you the answer, so stay tuned.

Is it normal not to defecate for a week?

Bowel habits vary between people according to the dietary habits and lifestyle of each person, and there is no specific and specific number of defecations during the week, but in normal cases the number of defecation times may be more than once a day, many people may defecate about 3 times a day, and some The other may defecate once every two days, or from 2 to 3 times during the week, according to each person’s bowel movement, and this is often regular.

But if the lack of defecation continues for a week or longer, here lies the problem, especially for people who defecate regularly for certain times during the week, as not defecation for three times a week is considered a problem for these people, and the interruption of defecation for 3 days is considered a long period for them. Because after this period the stool hardens and becomes more difficult to pass and less frequent, and this causes the problem of constipation.

Therefore, it cannot be said that not defecation for a week is a health problem for all people, as it may be normal for some people, and this is due to their health, lifestyle and diets they follow.

But if you follow the same diet and eat the same usual quantities, and you notice a delay in defecation for a week or more, here you must think about it and look for the reason for not defecation, and compare your current situation with the number of normal defecations for you before that, and the extent of defecation delay.

As for the truly worrying cases, the delay in defecation is for two weeks. If the absence of defecation persists for two weeks, here it is necessary to refer to a specialized doctor immediately and discuss the matter with him, and he will diagnose the case and find out the reasons, because the delay in defecation for this long period is a problem that may result in major and serious health complications.

Disadvantages of not defecating for a long time

If you have been unable to defecate for a week or two or more, unlike what is normal for you, you must research the matter and find out the reasons because not defecation for a long time may cause many serious complications, including:

fecal impaction

This condition expresses the hardness of stool and its impaction within the intestine and rectum, and this makes it very difficult to pass it and pass it outside the body, and this condition may require certain medical attention to remove and dispose of stool.

Intestinal perforation

In the event of failure to defecate and reflux of stool back into the intestine, this causes increased pressure on the intestine, and this condition may cause perforation or rupture of the intestine, and thus leakage of stool into the abdominal cavity, and this condition is considered a life-threatening condition.

Cardiovascular disease

As the lack of defecation and chronic constipation, are linked to the risks of developing problems and diseases of the heart and blood vessels, as constipation may increase inflammation and tension within the body, which directly affects the heart.

NB:

This does not mean that all people who are constipated and unable to have a bowel movement will develop cardiovascular problems, but the risk is greater for them.

When is not defecation dangerous?

In most cases, it does not depend on the number of times and days the person remained without defecation, but rather on the symptoms accompanying the lack of defecation.

• Bloating, especially if it is severe and acute.
• feeling sick
• vomiting;
• severe stomach pain;
• Having a fever.
• Rectal bleeding.
• bloody stool;
• Pain in the lower back.
• Inability to pass gases.
• Significant loss of body weight.
• feeling stressed
• Change in stool size.
• Note that the stool is lumpy and hard.
• Feeling as if the intestines have not completely emptied.

What do I do when I cannot pass stool?

If you notice a delay in stool exit from your body, there are some tips that may help to treat lack of defecation and help you in the process of excretion, including:

• Drinking waterYou should drink about 8 glasses of water during the day, because the waste absorbs the water and this stimulates the bowel movement.
• Playing sportsDoing exercise and exercising regularly promotes bowel movement, because it is an external massage for the intestines, and it does not require you to do a specific exercise, so you can even rely on walking on a regular basis.
• Reduce dairy productsThese products may cause constipation, so if you notice your inability to defecate, try to reduce them, and avoid excessive intake.
• Increase the rate of fiberTry to increase your intake of fiber and foods containing it, because fiber promotes bowel movement.
• Lifestyle changeIf you notice delayed defecation, try to change with your lifestyle, increase your physical activity and follow a different diet, and it is possible to take some laxatives temporarily, in order to make defecation easier.