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We’ve all been there—rushing to the bathroom, feeling like we can’t wait another second. But what happens when the urge to poop isn’t just occasional, but constant? If you’re finding this symptom hard to ignore, you might be worried about what it means. Is it something temporary, or could it be something more serious, like ulcerative colitis?
This symptom can be overwhelming, disrupting your day and making it difficult to focus on anything else. While you wait for answers, there are steps you can take to feel a bit more in control.
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What Causes the Frequent Urge to Poop?
Pooping is a natural part of digestion, but when it becomes frequent, intense, or hard to control, it signals that something is out of balance in your digestive system. If you’re feeling this way, it’s helpful to understand that the cause could range from temporary irritation to something chronic like an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which includes ulcerative colitis (UC), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and Crohn’s disease.
With UC, inflammation in the lining of the colon and rectum leads to symptoms like diarrhea, abdominal pain, and tenesmus. Tenesmus is a sensation that makes you feel like you need to poop even when there’s little to pass. This inflammation can confuse your body, sending signals that trigger urgency and discomfort.
Infections, such as food poisoning or a stomach virus, can also cause this sensation temporarily. These typically resolve on their own, but if your symptoms persist, worsen, or come with additional issues like blood in your stool, you might be dealing with something more complex.
For some it isn’t as serious as an imbalance in your digestive system. Sometimes we can get so anxious that we cause our adrenaline hormones to send SOS messages to your digestive system.
How to Cope While Waiting for Relief
Living with the frequent need to poo can feel incredibly frustrating and isolating, but there are practical ways to make the experience more manageable as you wait for a diagnosis. One of the most important things you can do is stay hydrated. Frequent bowel movements can dehydrate your body, which may lead to weakness, headaches, or lightheadedness. Sipping water or electrolyte-rich drinks throughout the day can help restore balance.
Pay attention to what your body seems to tolerate best. Foods like plain rice, bananas, or cooked vegetables are often easier to digest and less likely to irritate your gut. Avoiding high-fat, greasy, or spicy foods during this time can help reduce the frequency and intensity of bowel urges. Similarly, carbonated drinks or caffeine might make symptoms worse, so switching to herbal teas or water could make a difference.
Stress can also play a role in worsening symptoms. Practicing relaxation techniques, like deep breathing or mindfulness exercises, can help calm your digestive system and reduce overall discomfort. While this won’t eliminate the underlying issue, it may help make the waiting period more bearable.
Why the Sudden Urge to Poop Feels So Disruptive
When every moment feels like a race to the nearest restroom, it’s easy to feel like your life revolves around your symptoms. It can interfere with your ability to go to work, run errands, or even enjoy a meal without worrying about what might happen next. In fact, the emotional toll is just as important as the physical symptoms. Anxiety about when the next flare-up might occur can make you hesitant to leave the house or engage in social activities.
If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. While waiting to see a doctor, some people find it helpful to prepare themselves for situations that may trigger urgency. For instance, if you’re going out, finding the nearby restrooms ahead of time can give you some ease. You might also want to avoid large meals or foods that you suspect make your symptoms worse. Everybody reacts differently to certain foods and the unknown is one of the frustrating parts of ulcerative colitis. Keeping note of what you eat and how your body reacts can help you identify patterns and avoid unnecessary discomfort. There are plenty of apps out there that can help you keep track.
Disrupted sleep is another common challenge, since the urgency doesn’t stop at night. If you’re waking up to use the restroom, creating a calm bedtime routine can make a difference. Dim lighting, a quiet environment, and avoiding caffeine or heavy meals in the evening can help your body settle, even if the underlying symptoms persist.
Moving Forward Without Fear
The constant urge to poop can feel like it’s taking over your life, but it’s important to remember that this is a symptom—not your identity. Whether it’s due to something temporary or a chronic condition like ulcerative colitis, understanding the cause is the first step toward reclaiming your day-to-day routine.
While waiting to see a doctor, focusing on small, manageable steps—like staying hydrated, choosing foods that are gentle on your digestive system, and creating a calming environment—can make a meaningful difference in how you feel. At the same time, know that you don’t have to navigate this alone. If you end up being diagnosed with ulcerative colitis, there are others who have been there and are willing to help.
At PatientsLikeMe, we’re here to connect you with others who’ve been through similar challenges. Sharing experiences and learning from others’ journeys can provide not only practical tips but also a sense of comfort and understanding. Together, we can make the path forward feel a little less overwhelming—and a lot more hopeful.
