No, it’s not super common (phew), but it does happen more often than you might think.
Fortunately, there are things you can do to both minimize your risk of it happening again and to get you through it if it does.
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They also had more trouble with vaginal lubrication and achieving orgasm — all things that get in the way of a healthy sex life.
That’s why we’re here to help. Here’s what you need to know.
Pretty much, yes.
Pooping can happen during anal sex, but it can also happen during vaginal penetration or anytime you have a particularly strong orgasm.
There are a few different reasons why it could happen.
Sex positions
Your positioning during sex can put pressure on your abdomen, which in turn might put pressure on your bowels.
Of course, pressure on your bowels — particularly your lower intestines or rectum — doesn’t mean you’re necessarily going to poop.
But it can make you feel like you will.
And if you didn’t have a chance to go to the bathroom before you began, it can accidentally make you poop — especially if you’re relaxed or really in the moment.
Orgasm
You might have heard that some people poop during childbirth.
Well, the same thing can happen with an intense orgasm during vaginal sex.
That’s because orgasms cause uterine contractions, which, like during labor, can cause poop to slip out.
When you orgasm, hormone compounds called prostaglandins are released. These cause your uterus to contract, as well as increase blood flow to your lower pelvis to help with lubrication.
This extra lubrication can sometimes make it more difficult to hold in your poop (or pee, for that matter).
Anatomy
Anal sex can make a person feel the urge to poop.
This is partly because there are a lot of nerve endings in this part of the body.
When your internal anal sphincter relaxes — like it does when you go to the bathroom — it might make you think that’s what you’re about to do.
And — even if you aren’t engaging in anal play — sexual arousal will increase blood flow in your anal tissues.
This makes your anal canal moist, which makes it easier for a little poop to slip out.
That said, it’s worth knowing that pooping during anal sex is still pretty rare. You’re more likely to just have a little fecal matter transfer, which is NBD.
Underlying conditions
Nerve damage or injury to your anal sphincter can increase your chances of pooping during sex.
These kinds of injuries can happen from constant straining with constipation, during childbirth, or with sexual assault.
Nerve damage can also be the result of certain diseases, including multiple sclerosis, inflammatory bowel disease, and diabetes.
Hemorrhoids or rectal protrusions can also cause anal leakage.
If it just happens once — particularly after a strong orgasm — it’s probably not something you need to worry about.
But if it happens often or if you’re concerned about it, it’s always good to talk to a doctor or another healthcare provider.
They can help you figure out if it’s tied to an underlying condition and advise you on any next steps.
The best thing you can do is go to the bathroom and empty your bowels before you get busy.
The less waste in your colon, the less likely it is to come out during sex.
Of course, this is easier to do if you have a regular bowel routine. Drinking lots of water, eating fiber-rich foods, and exercising can all help you get on a more regular schedule.
If you’re worried about pooping during anal play, you can always give yourself an enema. Kits are usually available at your local drugstore.
First, try to stay calm. Yes, you may feel embarrassed, but if you panic or react impulsively, it might make you say or do something you regret later on.
Next, if you feel comfortable doing so, consider telling your partner what just happened.
That way, they’ll know why you need to stop and clean up, and won’t think that you’re pulling away from them or kicking them out because of something they did.
Even if you don’t feel like talking to your partner in the moments after it happened, it might be helpful to do so after you’ve cleaned up.
This can help ease any shame or embarrassment you might be feeling.
It may also help lessen any anxiety about it happening again, because the two of you can make a plan.
If this happens to your partner, try not to panic or react in a way that might make them feel bad about the situation.
Yes, this probably wasn’t what you expected to happen, but if you react badly, it could make your partner withdraw or feel shame, and that could have long-term effects on your relationship.
Gently ask them if they want to talk about it. If they do, listen without judgment.
Maybe make a plan for how to help prevent it next time by discussing positions and steps to prepare.
If they don’t want to talk about it, be OK with that too. Just let them know you’re here for them if they change their mind.
Sex can be messy. And in some cases, that means an unexpected poo.
If it does happen, consider talking about it with your partner or your doctor to help ease any anxiety or other unwanted feelings.
This can help you better prepare for your next sexual encounter and maximize the chance that it’ll go according to plan.