Anorectal and pelvic floor dysfunction

🚽 Trouble Passing Stool

Dyssynergic Defecation (Easy Guide)

❓ What is dyssynergic defecation?

🚽 Dyssynergic defecation means the muscles used to poop do not work together.
Instead of relaxing, some muscles tighten, making it hard to pass stool.

❓ Is this common?

👍 Yes. Many people with long-term constipation or IBS have this problem.

❓ What normally happens when I poop?

🧠 Your brain sends a message
⬇️
🧘 The bottom muscles relax
⬇️
💩 Stool comes out easily

❓ What happens with dyssynergic defecation?

❌ The muscles do not relax
🔒 The opening stays tight
😣 You feel blocked even when you need to go

🚽 What symptoms can this cause?

You may have:

• 😣 Trouble starting a bowel movement

• 💩 Hard or small stools

• 🤰 Bloating or belly fullness

• ⏳ Long time sitting on the toilet

• ❌ Feeling like the stool did not fully come out

🌱 Dyssynergic Defecation and Constipation

❓ How does this cause constipation?

🚽 If muscles stay tight:

• Stool stays inside longer

• Stool becomes hard

• Bloating and pain can happen

❓ Signs of constipation may be muscle-related:

• 🚽 You strain a lot

• 💩 Stool feels stuck

• 🧻 You need fingers or enemas to help

🌿 Dyssynergic Defecation and IBS

❓ How is this linked to IBS?

🧠 Many people with IBS-C (IBS with constipation) have muscle problems too.

IBS can cause:

• Sensitive gut nerves

• Poor muscle timing

• More bloating and pain

❓ What causes this problem?

Possible causes include:

• 🚽 Holding the stool too long

• 😣 Painful bowel movements in the past

• 🧠 Stress or anxiety

• 🤕 Pelvic muscle problems

❓ How do doctors diagnose it?

🩺 Tests may include:

• 👆 Rectal exam

• 🎈 Balloon test

• 📈 Special pressure tests

These tests check how muscles work together.

❓ How is dyssynergic defecation treated?

🧠 Biofeedback Therapy (Main Treatment)

🎮 Biofeedback helps you:

• Learn how to relax muscles

• Practice proper pushing

• Retrain your body

👍 This is safe and very effective.

❓ What else can help?

✅ Helpful habits:

• 🚽 Sit with feet on a stool

• 🧘 Relax and breathe

• 💧 Drink water

• 🥦 Eat fiber (if advised by your doctor)

• 🚶 Stay active

❓ Are laxatives enough?

⚠️ Laxatives alone often do not fix this problem because the issue is muscle coordination, not stool amount.

❓ When should I see a doctor?

⚠️ See your doctor if you have:

• Long-lasting constipation

• Severe bloating

• Pain when trying to poop

• Need to strain every time

🩺 Key Takeaway

🧠 Dyssynergic defecation is a muscle coordination problem, not your fault.
👍 With the right treatment, most people feel much better.