Unsatisfactory defecation refers to the feeling as if the bowels have not been completely emptied after defecation and some stool remains in the rectum that needs to be passed. This fear can also be accompanied by some other symptoms depending on the cause behind it. These include straining to pass stools, hard stools, sometimes loose stools, stomach pain/cramps, gas, abdominal bloating, rectal pain, or anal bleeding. Unsatisfactory bowel movements can have several causes. The first and most important reason for this is long-term constipation. Constipation refers to irregular bowel movements, meaning fewer than three bowel movements per week, or bowel movements are difficult/straining, insufficient or unsatisfactory bowel movements, and a feeling that bowel movements are incomplete.
Another cause can be IBS – Irritable Bowel Syndrome. It is a functional disorder of the large intestine involving changes in bowel habits, meaning constipation or diarrhea (loose stools) or a change between the two; stomach cramps or bloating.
It can also sometimes occur in cases of IBD – inflammatory bowel disease. IBD includes two conditions, Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. IBD is of autoimmune origin and in Crohn’s disease leads to inflammation in any part of the gastrointestinal tract, while in ulcerative colitis it leads to inflammation and ulcers in the colon and/or rectum. It can also occur with hemorrhoids (swollen, dilated veins around the anus or in the lower rectum).
Other reasons for unsatisfactory bowel movements may include stress or anxiety. Another cause is pelvic floor dysfunction (a condition involving the inability to relax and coordinate the muscles in the pelvic floor for bowel movements or urination). Other reasons may include infection in the colon and colorectal cancer.
Homeopathic treatment
Homeopathy proves to be very useful in treating cases of unsatisfactory defecation. The homeopathic medicines gradually reduce the frequency and intensity of this complaint. These are 100% natural medicines without side effects. In such cases, they deliver excellent results by working on the underlying cause. Since the causes of unsatisfactory defecation vary from case to case and homeopathic medicines are selected based on the characteristic symptoms of the individual, it is advised to take any homeopathic medicine under the guidance of a homeopathic doctor and never self-medicate.
Homeopathic medicines for unsatisfactory bowel movements
1. Nux Vomica – Leading medicine
Nux vomica is a remedy with a great clinical reputation in the treatment of cases of unsatisfactory defecation. There are numerous medicines in homeopathy to treat such cases, but Nux Vomica is the most beneficial among them and is often the first choice of homeopathic doctors to treat such cases. The main characteristic feature of using this medicine is constipation with unsatisfactory stools with a frequent ineffective urge to urinate. The persons requiring this medicine should have bowel movements several times a day. They pass very little stool at a time and there is always a feeling of unsatisfactory stool. It always feels as if some of the stool remains in the rectum. This feeling of unsatisfactory bowel movements can be described as a feeling of never being done. The stool may be hard and dry. In some cases where this medicine is required, the stool may be bloody. After passing stool, a sharp pain in the rectum may be felt. Nux Vomica is also a high-quality medicine for controlling piles and constipation with an ineffective urge to have bowel movements.
2. Bryonia – For dry, hard, unsatisfactory stools
Bryonia is a well indicated medicine for the treatment of cases where the stool is dry, hard and unsatisfactory. The stool is passed after a lot of effort. The stool is large and very dry and looks as if it has been burned. Burning pain is felt at the anus while passing stool. In some cases, prolapse of the rectum occurs when passing stool. In most cases where Bryonia is required, there is severe constipation accompanied by headache.
3. Silicea – for unsatisfactory stools after much exertion
The use of this medicine is recommended when there is unsatisfactory bowel movements and excessive exertion. Due to intense and prolonged exertion, the abdominal muscles become sore (painful to the touch). A very important symptom for which this medicine is indicated is that the stool slides back into the rectum after it has landed on the tip of the anus. The stool is hard when you need Silicea. In the evening, a constant ineffective urge to pass feces appears. During the passage of stool, a stabbing, burning sensation is felt near the anus. In addition, itching of the anus can also be felt after passing stool.
4. Opium – for unsatisfactory stools in the form of hard, round balls
Opium is a suitable medicine for treating cases of unsatisfactory defecation, in which the stool is in the form of hard, round balls. This may be accompanied by a feeling as if the rectum is closed. Pain is felt in the rectum. Severe constipation occurs in cases where this medicine is required. Sometimes even the passage of gas becomes difficult.
5. Natrum Mur – With dry, hard stools on alternate days
Natrum Mur is a well indicated medicine when the bowel movements are intermittent and always unsatisfactory. The feces can lead to cuts on the anus. Burning or aching pain may be felt in the rectum after passing stool. In some cases, a tearing pain is felt in the rectum. Itching can also occur in the anus. Bleeding may also occur when passing stool. Before the stool is passed, a rumbling occurs in the abdomen and pressure is felt in the rectum.
6. Nitric acid – With sharp splinter-like pain in the rectum
This medicine is useful when there is sharp splinters (a small sharp piece of glass or wood or other material broken off from a larger piece), such as pain in the rectum with unsatisfactory bowel movements. There is an ineffective urge to pass stool. Only a small amount of stool passes at a time. It is accompanied by a feeling as if there is still feces left in the rectum that cannot be expelled. The stool is hard, dry and sparse and difficult to pass. Before and when passing stools, a cutting pain in the rectum may be felt. After passing stool, a burning and shooting pain is felt in the rectum.
7. Lycopodium – When the first part of the feces ends up in small round clumps
Lycopodium is an effective drug when the first part of the feces is in the form of small round lumps. The remaining part is soft and large. There is always the feeling as if some of the stool remains in the rectum and the stool is insufficient. In some cases, stool slides back into the rectum as it is about to leave the anus. Sometimes blood flows with the stool. After passing blocked stools, a prolapse of the rectum may occur. Pain in the anus can be felt. The pain varies in nature and can be burning, stabbing or pulsating. Sometimes it is accompanied by itching of the anus.