Patient's question:
I would like to inquire if long-term constipation can lead to appendicitis. When I was told that my appendicitis might be caused by long-term constipation, I felt very puzzled, so I would like to ask if appendicitis could be caused by long-term constipation?Doctor's answer:
Constipation refers to the condition where the large intestine becomes obstructed, leading to prolonged defecation time, or the inability to pass stool due to excessively dry feces. Constipation seems unrelated to female adnexitis (salpingitis, oophoritis), however, recent medical studies have shown that chronic constipation can indeed lead to salpingitis. We know that women's internal reproductive organs, such as the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries, are located in the pelvic cavity. The front is adjacent to the bladder, while the back and both sides are close to the intestines. The right fallopian tube is particularly close to the appendix and cecum, while the left fallopian tube is near the sigmoid colon and rectum. With chronic constipation, various pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi trapped in the feces in the intestines can directly invade the left fallopian tube and ovary through capillaries and lymphatic vessels, causing inflammation. In mild cases, the condition progresses slowly with no obvious symptoms; in severe cases, it often accompanies lower abdominal pain, waist discomfort, excessive leukorrhea, heavy menstrual bleeding, dysmenorrhea, and pain during intercourse. Additionally, the fallopian tubes have a narrow lumen. Once inflamed and blocked, they can hinder the meeting of sperm and eggs, leading to infertility.