Published on: 4/7/2025
The feeling of something blocking during a bowel movement can be caused by hard stool that gets stuck (fecal impaction), a blockage in the intestines (like from a small bowel obstruction), or pressure from a mass in the pelvic area.
Sometimes, people feel like something is stuck when they go to the bathroom. One common reason is fecal impaction. This happens when hard stool builds up in the bowel, making it tough for softer stool to pass through. Fecal impaction can occur if someone isn’t drinking enough water, eating too many low-fiber foods, or not moving around enough. Another reason might be a partial bowel obstruction. This is a blockage in a part of the small intestine that can limit the normal flow of things inside. Sometimes, a mass or growth in the pelvic area can press against the intestines, giving a similar feeling. Each of these issues puts pressure on the bowel and makes it feel like there is a blockage when trying to have a bowel movement. If anyone thinks they have this problem, it is important to talk with a doctor so they can help figure out what is happening and decide the best way to treat it.
(References)
Serrano Falcón B, Barceló López M, Mateos Muñoz B, Álvarez Sánchez A, Rey E. Fecal impaction: a systematic review of its medical complications. BMC Geriatr. 2016 Jan 11;16:4. doi: 10.1186/s12877-015-0162-5. PMID: 26754969; PMCID: PMC4709889.
Murji A, Sobel ML. Bowel obstruction and pelvic mass. CMAJ. 2011 Apr 5;183(6):686-9. doi: 10.1503/cmaj.091851. Epub 2010 Dec 13. PMID: 21149525; PMCID: PMC3071390.
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