Sometimes, the waste becomes stuck (impacted feces) in the large intestine due to various reasons. When feces stay in the bowel for long, they form a hard and dry mass that gets stuck in the rectum (the last part of the large bowel). This is called fecal impaction.
How long does poop stay in your colon?
It takes about 36 hours for food to move through the entire colon. All in all, the whole process — from the time you swallow food to the time it leaves your body as feces — takes about two to five days, depending on the individual.
How much feces can your colon hold?
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) the average man in the U.S. weighs 195.7 pounds, and the average woman weighs 168.5 pounds. This means a man of average weight produces about 1 pound of poop and a woman of average weight produces about 14 ounces of poop per day, contained in your large intestine.
Does poop get stored in the colon?
It follows from the small intestine and ends at the anal canal, where food waste leaves your body. The large intestine, also called the large bowel, is where food waste is formed into poop, stored, and finally excreted. It includes the colon, rectum and anus.
Can you still poop with impacted feces?
A person may still poop when they are constipated, but bowel movements may be painful or difficult to pass. Some people with constipation experience incomplete evacuation and feel the need to pass more stool even after using the bathroom.
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