Are the sensation of anal heaviness and the urge to defecate the same thing?

In general, although both anal heaviness and defecation desire are discomfort sensations that may occur in the anal and rectal area, they are not entirely the same and differ in causes and nature.

Anal heaviness mainly manifests as a feeling of fullness, pressure, or foreign body sensation in the anal area. Pelvic floor disorders such as rectal prolapse and proctitis can alter the normal anatomical structure of the rectum and anus, affecting bowel function. Patients often feel as if something inside the anus is about to fall out, especially noticeable during standing or straining.

Defecation desire refers to the sensation of needing to pass stool, which occurs when the rectum is filled with feces or when the intestine is stimulated by other factors. It is a normal physiological response to intestinal peristalsis and fecal formation. However, in some cases, such as intestinal inflammation, polyps, or tumors, abnormal defecation desire may occur. Patients may frequently feel the urge to defecate but actually pass little or no stool at all.

It is recommended to improve lifestyle habits, such as avoiding prolonged standing or sitting, strengthening pelvic floor muscle exercises, and maintaining regular bowel movements, to achieve self-management.