Period poop: 10 common questions, answered!
Do you poop a lot on your period? If the answer is yes, there’s nothing to be embarrassed about, period poop is a legitimate PMS symptom. You know you’re going to get your period when you experience PMS symptoms, be it a headache, backache, bloating, or, the topic of discussion now, period poop.
Do you ever find yourself questioning, ‘why do i poop so much on my period?’ If yes, you’re not alone, many women and young girls poop more when on their period. Period poop or period stool is due to mild digestive distress related to the menstrual cycle. While it may be manageable for some, it may be more severe for others.
In this article, we are going to look at the top 10 most common questions surrounding period poop. Let’s get messy.
- Why do I poop a lot on my period?
- What is period poop?
- Why does my poop smell bad on my period?
- Why can’t I stop period poop once I start?
- Why does it hurt to poop while on my period?
- Why can’t I figure out whether cramps are period or bowel related?
- Why does my tampon come out every time there’s a bowel movement?
- Should I change my tampon every time there’s a bowel movement?
- Is there a particular way to wipe?
- When should I see a doctor?
1. Why do I poop a lot on my period?
The culprit here, like for many other things, is your hormones. Typically, before your period begins every month, prostaglandins aka fatty acids prepare to help relax the smooth muscle tissues inside your uterus. This helps in shedding its lining. However, these prostaglandins tend to have a similar effect on your bowels. And that’s how you get the so-called, period poop.
2. What is period poop?
Period poops refer to the bowel movements that coincide with the start of your period. They tend to seem different from your regular poops as they are often looser and more frequent. Many women experience period poop and other changes in their toilet habits, when they are nearing their periods.
Period poop also is an early indicator of your period. So, when you experience these peculiar bowel movements, you know your periods are round the corner. Stay prepared by having a superior quality period management product like a pack of Always sanitary pads. You can try the Always Cotton Soft Pads which come with a comfortable top sheet with innovative soft design for cushiony soft comfort. The Unique Flexi Wings keep the pad in place no matter how active you are. Its Flexi Channels allow ease of movement so that you don't worry about any leakages.
3. Why does my poop smell bad on my period?
Your period poop probably smells bad due to the food that you consume. Blame it again on your hormones that make you crave certain kinds of foods, or rather junk food.
4. Why can’t I stop period poop once I start?
As mentioned earlier, the prostaglandins that cause your uterus to stimulate the smooth muscles help it contract and shed its lining each month. If your body produces more prostaglandins than it needs, it’ll enter your bloodstream and have a similar effect on your bowels, which results in you pooping more on your period.
5. Why does it hurt to poop while on my period?
Period poop is mostly accompanied by stomach cramps which is why it may hurt. Moreover, menstrual cramps may get worse when you strain while pooping.
6. Why can’t I figure out whether cramps are period or bowel related?
Prostaglandins are the hormones that cause uterine as well as bowel contractions. This makes it difficult to tell the difference between the two.
7. Why does my tampon come out every time there’s a bowel movement?
There are so many myths about tampon usage, it is important to separate them and know only the facts. When you strain during a hard bowel movement, it can also at times dislodge your tampon. The inner workings of your pelvic muscles could also make it likely to push a tampon out during a bowel movement.
8. Should I change my tampon every time there’s a bowel movement?
Yes, you should. It is recommended that you always change your tampon after every bowel movement. If you get poop on the string it can cause issues as faeces can contain harmful bacteria that could lead to vaginal infections. Use Always’ Tampax Compak tampons which come with a smooth, compact applicator for discretion, and a built-in protective skirt to help prevent leakage for up to 8 hours. This makes you feel clean and you are free to do whatever you like. Moreover, these tampons are available in the many absorbency variants to best suit your flow needs during your period.
9. Is there a particular way to wipe?
Yes, there certainly is. Period poops could be quite messy hence it is important to maintain intimate hygiene. When wiping yourself after a bowel movement, make sure to wipe from the front to the back to avoid the spread of faecal matter that could lead to infections if transferred. To wipe yourself, try using damp tissue or wash yourself well with water and pat dry with a soft cloth.
10. When should I see a doctor?
If you notice that your period poop gets worse or is accompanied by severe cramps or abdominal pain, heavy periods, rectal bleeding or mucus in your stool, then you must see a doctor.
Takeaway
Period poop is common among women and in most cases mild and manageable. However, if your condition worsens or it makes you uncomfortable or causes pain, you must get medical attention.
FAQs
1. Is period poop a thing?
Yes, period poops refer to the bowel movements that coincide with the start of your period. They tend to seem different from your regular poops as they are often looser and more frequent. Many women experience period poop and other changes in their toilet habits, when they are nearing their periods.
2. Is it normal to poop a lot on your period?
Yes, many women poop a lot while on their periods. The culprit here, like for many other things are your hormones. Typically, before your period begins every month, prostaglandins aka fatty acids prepare to help relax the smooth muscle tissues inside your uterus. This helps in shedding its lining. However, these prostaglandins tend to have a similar effect on your bowels. And that’s how you poop more on your period.
3. Is period poop different?
Yes, period poop may seem to be different from your regular poops as they are often looser and more frequent. The changes in your hormone levels make you crave certain kinds of foods, which mostly turn out to be sugary junk food. The kind of food you consume could be the reason why your period poop smells worse than usual.
Disclaimer:
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