Feces, Poop & Butt Issues / Question
Published: May 7, 2002
Dear TeenHealthFX,
I just had one question to ask, is it so wrong that I like to eat my own pooh?
Signed: Wrong To Eat Pooh
Dear Wrong To Eat Pooh,
The act of eating feces is generally referred to as Coprophagia. Coprophagia is often considered a "paraphila" or abnormal sexual arousal disorder. In these cases the act of eating feces is sexually stimulating to the person.
TeenHealthFX strongly recommends against you eating your own or another persons "pooh." Aside the smell and taste, it is extremely unhealthy because feces can contain viruses, bacteria, and parasites. These germs can cause numerous illnesses and can adversely affect your health. Did you ever notice the signs in restaurant bathrooms saying, "employees must wash their hands"? A major reason for this is because fecal matter is a food contaminant that can make a person sick. So you can imagine what ingesting it would do.
If eating feces is something that you feel compelled to do, you may be suffering from an obsessive/compulsive disorder. If this were the case you would need to consult with a therapist to deal with the situation. Obsessions often can be alleviated with cognitive/behavioral therapy and in many cases medication.
If you need help finding a therapist and you live in northern New Jersey, you can call the Access Center from Atlantic Behavioral Health at 888.247.1400 for help.
Signed: TeenHealthFX
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