I frequently give 'er a squeeze too, especially when fully fibered. Don't think you are doing anything wrong. There doesn't appear to be a single pattern for everyone.

Ok thanks

I think you maybe misunderstood. It is not that you cannot push it out, but that you should not be straining in order to empty your pouch. Some minor bearing down is necessary in order to trigger relaxation of the internal sphincters. Only the external sphincters are under voluntary control.

You are not supposed to strain because you can damage your pouch that way (prolapse). If you need to strain a great deal, then you have problems. Either a stricture, twisting of the pouch, or pelvic floor dysfunction.

If you've been fine all this time, then you have not been really straining (or are just lucky!).

Jan

I strain a lot, and it's a concern for me. It's involuntary - almost like pushing during labor. I can't really help it or moderate it. Once the contracting/straining starts it's usually very strong. And it's associate with pain (as is a full pouch). I feel something akin to a strained muscle within my lower pelvis, right side. I also have a lot of difficulty releasing urine / emptying my bladder, and especially so if I have a full pouch or have been straining. If I only have to pee, I seem to be able to do that fine. But if I have to pee and poop, I struggle to pee!

Jan, you mentioned pelvic floor dysfunction. This is what I suspect I have.

Does anyone know how this is diagnosed and by what kind of doctor? I hear it's treated through physical therapy or biofeedback.

Thanks.