I feel like I need to have a bowel movement but can't pass stool. What could be the reason?

Generally, the sensation of needing to defecate without being able to pass stool may be caused by poor dietary habits, lack of physical activity, irritable bowel syndrome, intestinal obstruction, hypothyroidism, or other factors. If discomfort occurs, seek medical attention promptly. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Poor Dietary Habits

A low-fiber diet or irregular eating patterns can slow intestinal motility, causing stool to remain in the intestine for an extended period. Excessive water absorption can lead to dry, hard stools that are difficult to expel. It is advisable to increase dietary fiber intake by consuming more vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and to maintain regular meal times and adequate hydration to promote intestinal motility.

2. Lack of Physical Activity

Insufficient physical activity can slow intestinal peristalsis, prolonging the retention time of stool in the intestine and leading to excessive water absorption, resulting in hard stools that are difficult to pass. Increasing daily physical activity, such as walking, jogging, swimming, and engaging in regular aerobic exercise can improve intestinal health.

3. Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome is primarily associated with abnormal intestinal motility, visceral hypersensitivity, and intestinal infections. Patients' intestines may overreact to stimuli such as food or stress, causing abnormal peristalsis, alternating constipation and diarrhea, and possibly accompanied by bloating and urgency of defecation. Treatment may involve medications such as pinaverium bromide tablets, otilonium bromide tablets, or trimebutine maleate tablets, as directed by a physician.

4. Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism, often caused by autoimmune diseases or surgery, results in insufficient thyroid hormone production, which affects metabolic functions, including intestinal motility. Slowed intestinal peristalsis can lead to prolonged stool retention, causing constipation, as well as symptoms such as dry skin and cold intolerance. Treatment may include medications such as methimazole tablets, levothyroxine sodium tablets, or propranolol hydrochloride tablets under the guidance of a healthcare professional.

5. Intestinal Obstruction

Intestinal obstruction may be related to intestinal inflammation, adhesions, or other factors. The passage of intestinal contents is blocked, preventing normal expulsion of gas and fluids, often accompanied by symptoms such as abdominal distension and cessation of flatus or bowel movements. Treatment typically involves medications such as cefuroxime axetil tablets, racemic hyoscyamine hydrobromide injection, or potassium chloride extended-release tablets, as prescribed by a physician.

Avoid using mobile phones or reading books during defecation, as this may distract attention and impair bowel movements.