Can Sex Cause Constipation? | Constipation After Sex

Last Updated on August 5, 2025

Understanding the relationship between sexual activity and gastrointestinal health can be complex. Many individuals experience changes in bowel habits that can lead to constipation, which may be linked to pelvic floor issues. The pelvic floor muscles play a crucial role in both sexual function and bowel movements. During intercourse, increased pressure on the pelvic organs can impact the rectum and colon, potentially causing issues like painful sex or difficulty emptying the bowels. This article explores how sexual intercourse can influence constipation and discusses various factors that contribute to this condition, including lifestyle changes, pelvic floor problems, and overall health.

Can Sex Cause Constipation Pain? Does It Interfere with Bowel Movements?

If you are constipated or if you have not moved your bowels, it is quite possible that penile penetration and/or thrusting will be uncomfortable, or even painful (dyspareunia), because of the accumulated feces that is ‘hanging out’ in the anal canal. It would be more so if you tend to have lumpy, dry, bulky bowel movements vs. loose stools.

In basic terms, the vaginal canal runs parallel to the urethra (urine tube) that is above it, and to the anal canal that is below it. In other words, the three tubes run parallel and touch each other, with the vagina being in the middle. To say it differently, the floor of the vagina is the ceiling of the anal canal.  So yes, the vagina and anal canal are intimate neighbors.

Sexual intercourse is not a primary cause of constipation.  However, there are associated factors that may contribute to perceived sex-related constipation, such as:

• Stool in the anal canal that is temporarily ‘compressed’ (see above explanation);
• Hypertonic (involuntary tightening) pelvis & pelvic floor muscles, which contribute to clenching of the vagina and anal canals;
• A mega (enlarged) colon with accumulated fecal matter in the anal canal that pushes against the vaginal canal and constricts it;
• Stool in the anal canal due to incomplete stool evacuation;
• Neurological and psychological disruptions of normal stool evacuation;
• Emotional (anxiety) preoccupation with voiding to the point of not being able to relax enough for having a bowel movement;
• Hemorrhoids, rectum prolapse;
• Pelvic tension due to past trauma.

Sexual intercourse does not interfere with bowel movement as they are separate bodily functions.  However, sexual intercourse – especially the mechanical pressing of thrusting – may trigger pain in your abdominal muscles, an urge to have a bowel movement, or to pass gas.  Also, women with fecal incontinence may experience unintentional stool leakage during sex.

Should I Avoid Sex When Constipated?

Whether to avoid sex when constipated or not is totally up to the woman: how she feels, what she wants, what are the causes of the constipation, and whether intercourse will make her GI issues worse (see above possible causes).  Also, does she feel bloated? Physically uncomfortable? Is she emotionally preoccupied or distracted by her constipation (or anything else)?

It is important to remember that sexual engagement for a woman is a choice, not a must. She has to be willing to partake in this intimate act (regardless of eventual climax or not).  Forcing herself to have intercourse when constipated may not be a beneficial decision for the woman.

Always remember that the vagina is the hostess: it invites when feeling fine, it determines the duration of the ‘visit,’ and it decides when it is time for the penis to exit.

What Can I Do To Prevent Constipation During Sex?

Preventing constipation involves addressing nutrition, bowel habits, pelvic floor health, associated medical conditions, and emotional health.

Tips for preventing constipation during sex:

• Maintain proper hydration and good nutrition, including fiber-rich foods (unless otherwise instructed);
• Develop and maintain a regular bowel routine as much as possible.  Do not ignore urge to void nor ‘sit there’ and strain for a long time;
• Modify sexual positions to find the ultimate comfort.  Watch our video, How to Choose a Sexual Position;
• Keep open, honest communication with your partner.  It is okay to say NO to sex if not feeling well enough to engage!
• Address emotional and trauma triggers;
• Attend to existing medical conditions, or to persistent pain, and discuss management with your healthcare providers;
• Engage the services of a pelvic floor physical therapist for sorting out tight pelvic floor muscles and maintaining pelvic health.

Is Pain During Sex An Indication of a Problem?

Sexual pain (dyspareunia) is a common condition that affects women throughout their life cycle.  However, such pain is not normal and is an indication that something is wrong and needs fixing, either physically, medically, emotionally, sexually, or any combination of these.

If you experience persistent or severe sexual pain (dyspareunia), it is crucial to consult a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis and recommended intervention.  Such providers may include your gynecologist, a pelvic floor physical therapist, or a sexual health specialist.

Timely intervention is most beneficial so do not hesitate to speak up about the problem. There is no reason nor justification for accepting sexual pain as inevitable!

Watch a short video, What is Dyspareunia? How to Overcome Pain With Intercourse?