Why do some people only feel refreshed in their home toilets?

News Topical, Digital Desk : Has it ever happened to you that you're on an office trip, staying at a friend's place, or in a mall restroom, and you feel the urge to pee, but as soon as you sit on the potty, everything gets jammed? 

If so, you're not alone. Medically known as parcopresis, it's commonly known as "shy bowel syndrome."  It's not a physical illness, but a psychological condition in which a person feels unable to poop in public restrooms or in the presence of others. Let's learn more about this syndrome. 

Why does 'shy bowel syndrome' occur?

The main reason behind this isn't any physical weakness, but rather our brain and nervous system. Some of the reasons may be:

• Privacy and shame – The most common reason is the fear of social embarrassment. People worry about what other people will think of them based on the sounds or smells coming from the toilet.
• Evolutionary Response: When we feel unsafe, our body activates the sympathetic nervous system. Relaxation is essential for bowel movement, but fear or anxiety causes the muscles to contract, halting the process.
• Childhood experiences – Many times, the scolding received during toilet training in childhood or the bad experience of dirty toilets in school gets ingrained in the mind, which takes the form of this syndrome when one grows up.
• Hygiene concerns – Some people are very sensitive to dirt. They feel that public restrooms are not as clean as their own homes, making them feel uncomfortable there.

Its effect on the body

The habit of urinating only at home may seem minor at first, but holding back pressure for a long time can have adverse effects on health.

• Constipation : Repeatedly holding back stool makes it hard, which leads to constipation .
• Hemorrhoids – Holding pressure and then applying pressure increases the pressure on the veins.
• Mental stress: During travel or office hours, a person remains worried about his stomach all the time, which affects his productivity.

How to deal with this situation?

It is possible to overcome shy bowel syndrome. You can try these steps:

• Gradual exposure: Gradually introduce outdoor restrooms. Start with empty public restrooms, then gradually try crowded places.
• Masking – To reduce the fear of noises, you can listen to music on your phone so that your attention does not go to external noise.
• Breathing exercises – While you're on the toilet, take deep breaths. This will activate your parasympathetic nervous system, which helps the body relax .

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