The human body is designed to function smoothly, but sometimes we unknowingly put it under unnecessary stress. One such instance is straining during bowel movements. While it might seem like a minor ...

Medically reviewed by Robert Burakoff, MD Key Takeaways Constipation can cause rectal pressure, and making lifestyle changes like adding fiber to your diet can help.Hemorrhoids cause anal discomfort ...

Defecation is the natural and essential process of having a bowel movement. It is the body’s way of getting rid of waste material. Sometimes, there may be complications with the defecation reflex.

One of the primary differences between anal and rectal cancer is what causes them. Anal cancers are strongly associated with HPV and HIV infections, while rectal cancers are often linked to genetic ...

Anal fissures are small tears in the lining of the anal canal. They can cause sharp pain and bleeding, especially during or after bowel movements. Anal fissures can be acute (short-term) or chronic ...

It may not be a pleasant subject to discuss, but bowel regularity plays a crucial role in your overall health. How frequently people have bowel movements varies widely, but doctors consider anything ...

U of U Health Colon and Rectal Surgery Services has advanced fellowship training and experience in colon and rectal surgery, as well as gastrointestinal surgery. Our colon and rectal surgeons are ...

Tenesmus is the feeling you need to have a bowel movement, even if you just had one and your colon is empty. You may try to pass poop and find nothing comes out, or only small amounts leave your ...

The terms “hemorrhoids” and “rectal varices” are often used interchangeably, but they’re separate conditions with different causes and treatments. Hemorrhoids, also called piles, are swollen veins in ...

Ever taken a "ghost poop?" For a topic most people shy away from talking about in real life, bowel movements are an extremely popular subject of discussion online. So-called ghost poops have gone ...

A person’s rectum, which is usually around 20 centimeters (cm) long, can hold up to 300 milliliters (mL) of feces before someone typically feels an urge to poop. However, research suggests that the ...