Visiting the loo, answering nature's call, or paying a visit to the porcelain throne. Brits have countless euphemisms for a perfectly natural bodily function, yet a staggering number of us are actively avoiding it due to sheer embarrassment.
The Scale of the Problem
New research commissioned by ProVen Biotics has laid bare a widespread national habit. The study found that 76% of Britons admit to holding in their poo at some point. Delving deeper, the figures become more concerning: a quarter (25%) have resisted the urge for three hours, and 8% have managed to wait a marathon six hours before finally relieving themselves.
Dr Suzanne Wylie, speaking to Metro, pinpointed the cause. "It is very common for people to feel anxious or embarrassed about talking about bowel movements or using public toilets," she explained. "Social taboos, fear of smells or sounds, concerns about cleanliness, and worries about privacy all contribute."
The anxiety is not felt equally. The data shows it impacts women more significantly. Around 33% of women worry about odour in a public setting, compared to just a fifth of men. Similarly, 26% of women are concerned about noise, versus 16% of men.
What Happens Inside Your Body
Ignoring the call of nature isn't just uncomfortable—it has direct physiological consequences. Dr Wylie, also of IQdoctor, details the process. "When stool remains in the bowel for longer than it should, more water is absorbed from it, making it harder, drier, and more difficult to pass," she says. This leads directly to constipation, straining, abdominal discomfort, bloating, and a feeling of incomplete emptying.
The problems can escalate. "In more severe cases, stool can become impacted, meaning it is so hard and large that it cannot be passed without medical treatment," Dr Wylie adds. The act of straining to pass hardened stool increases abdominal and anal pressure, which can cause haemorrhoids (piles) and painful anal fissures.
The discomfort isn't limited to the bathroom. Holding it in can cause a persistent feeling of sluggishness or heaviness in the abdomen. "Some people may also experience nausea or reduced appetite if the bowel becomes very backed up," Dr Wylie notes. In some cases, particularly in children, leakage of softer stool around an impaction can occur, which is both distressing and deeply embarrassing.
Long-Term Consequences of a Bad Habit
Making a habit of postponing toilet trips can set the stage for chronic issues. "Habitual stool retention can contribute to chronic constipation, recurrent haemorrhoids, and in some cases problems with pelvic floor function," warns Dr Wylie. It may also exacerbate existing conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
While the act itself is unlikely to cause serious diseases like bowel cancer, the doctor emphasises that it significantly affects quality of life and can make normalising bowel habits increasingly difficult over time.
The body's natural reflexes can become dulled if the urge to go is consistently ignored. "The rectum becomes stretched and less sensitive," Dr Wylie explains. "This makes it harder for the body to signal when it needs to empty."
The expert advice is clear and simple: listen to your body. The healthiest practice is to go when you first feel the need. While an occasional short delay is unlikely to cause harm, making it a regular habit invites a host of preventable problems. So, whether you're at home or navigating a shared office bathroom, it's time to overcome the awkwardness and prioritise your bowel health.
