What Are the Underlying Causes of the Feeling of Incomplete Bowel Emptying?

In many people, the sensation that they have not completely finished a bowel movement comes from a few main causes. One reason is that the muscles in the pelvic area might not work together properly. This is sometimes called pelvic floor dysfunction or dyssynergia. When these muscles do not relax or contract at the right time, they may leave some stool behind. Another reason is slow transit constipation, where the food waste moves slowly through the gut. This slow movement can also make stool hard, and hard stool can be more difficult to clear completely. In addition, changes in the nerves that send signals in the gut or the rectum can confuse the body about how much waste is left. For example, in people with diabetes, nerve problems may change how the gut feels during a bowel movement. These factors together can lead to the feeling that you still need to pass stool, even when you have gone to the bathroom.