To contract these muscles and hold in poop, people should squeeze their buttocks tightly together. Another tip is to stand or lie down instead of sitting. Being in the seated position or squatting is a more natural position for passing stool. This position applies pressure to the stomach, which aids bowel movements. While it's okay to hold in your poop occasionally, doing so regularly can lead to fecal impaction. Other consequences of not having bowel movements include gastrointestinal perforation, inflammation of the colon, cancer, appendicitis, and hemorrhoids.