Have YOU ever experienced poo-phoria? Doctors reveal the science behind how going to the bathroom can be 'like an orgasm' for some

Passing a large stool can cause the vagus nerve to fire

This leads a to drop in blood flow, causing a high

Severe cases can cause people to pass out

Researchers have revealed why, for some, going to the bathroom can be 'like a religious experience or an orgasm'.

A Princeton doctor has revealed the key is the passing of a large stool.

This, he claims, can stimulate nerves in the body more usually associated with orgasm.

Happy days: A Princeton doctor said for some, going to the bathroom and passing a large stool can be 'like a religious experience or an orgasm'

'The stool high is relatively safe, but can become an addiction for some, warns Princeton gastroenterologist Dr. Anish Sheth, the co-author of the book 'What's Your Poo Telling You?'.

He said the key to the phenomenon was passing a stool large enough to distend the rectum so it literally touches a nerve.



'The distention of the rectum that comes with the passing of a large mass of stool causes the vagus nerve to fire.'

Previous research has shown that women having had complete spinal cord injury can experience orgasms through the vagus nerve, which can go from the uterus, cervix, and, it is presumed, the vagina to the brain.

'To some it may feel like a religious experience, to others like an orgasm, and to a lucky few like both,' the book explains.

Dr Sheth said the eurphoric high, dubbed 'poo-phoria' is caused by a drop in blood flow.

The key to the phenomenon was passing a stool large enough to distend the rectum so it causes the vagus nerve to fire - leading to the high.

'The net effect of this is a drop in your heart rate and blood pressure, which in turn decreases blood flow to the brain, he said.



'When mild, the lightheadedness can lead to a sense of sublime relation - the high.

'However, a more significant drop in brain perfision can cause 'defecation syncope', a dangerous syndrome that results in a loss of consciousness.'



