Experiencing constipation can be incredibly uncomfortable and frustrating. The urge is there, but the bowel movement just won’t happen. It’s a common issue, and thankfully, there are many effective strategies to find relief and get things moving again.
While occasional constipation is usually nothing to worry about, frequent or chronic constipation could signal an underlying health problem. It’s important to consult with your doctor if you have ongoing concerns about how often you poop or the severity of your constipation.
This guide provides a range of tips on How To Poop when constipated. Some of these methods can provide relief within hours, while others may take a few days to become effective. Whether you need to know how to poop fast or are looking for longer-term solutions, this information is designed to help.
Quick Tricks to Stimulate a Bowel Movement
If you’re experiencing a longer than usual wait for a bowel movement, you might be wondering, “What is a simple trick to empty my bowels rapidly?” or “How can I stimulate a bowel movement quickly?”. The good news is that there are several steps you can take to encourage your body to eliminate waste and find relief from constipation.
When you find yourself needing to poop fast, consider trying some or all of the following methods:
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Drink Warm Coffee. When thinking about drinks that make you poop, coffee is often the first to come to mind for many people. For maximum benefit, opt for warm coffee rather than iced. Coffee contains caffeine, which can stimulate your digestive system. However, it’s important to consume coffee in moderation.
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Adopt a Squatting Position. The way you sit on the toilet can significantly impact your ability to poop. Many find that squatting is a more natural and effective position for bowel movements. To simulate squatting on a standard toilet, use a small footstool to elevate your feet. This position helps to align your colon in a way that can make pooping easier.
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Incorporate a Fiber Supplement. Fiber is crucial for healthy bowel movements. Fiber supplements, readily available in stores and online, can be a convenient way to increase your fiber intake. Common types include psyllium, calcium polycarbophil, and methylcellulose fiber. Fiber adds bulk to your stool, which helps stimulate your intestines and facilitates the movement of waste through your digestive tract.
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Consider a Stimulant Laxative. Laxatives come in various forms, and stimulant laxatives are designed to make your intestines contract. These contractions help to move stool along your digestive tract, encouraging a bowel movement. Stimulant laxatives typically take 6 to 12 hours to work. Medical professionals generally recommend using stimulant laxatives only when other, gentler treatments have not been effective.
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Try an Osmotic Laxative. Osmotic laxatives work by drawing fluid into the colon. This increased fluid helps to soften the stool and makes it easier to pass. While osmotic laxatives are effective for many, they usually take 2 to 3 days to produce a bowel movement.
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Use a Lubricant Laxative. Lubricant laxatives, such as mineral oil, work by coating the intestinal walls and the stool mass. This coating helps the stool retain water, softening it and making it easier to pass smoothly.
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Opt for a Stool Softener. Stool softeners are another type of laxative that works by drawing water from the intestines into the stool. Softer, bulkier stools are easier for the body to eliminate, making stool softeners a helpful option for relieving constipation.
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Utilize a Suppository. Suppositories are available over-the-counter at most pharmacies. Inserted into the rectum, they work by softening the stool locally and stimulating bowel contractions to help you poop more easily.
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Massage Your Colon. Gentle massage of your colon can help stimulate bowel movements. This technique involves applying gentle pressure to your abdomen in a circular motion, following the path of your colon. You can find instructional videos online that demonstrate proper colonic massage techniques.
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Engage in Exercise. Physical activity is beneficial for overall health and can also help with constipation. Exercise increases blood flow to your abdomen, which in turn stimulates your digestive tract and encourages the movement of stool through your system. Even a brisk walk can be helpful.
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Administer an Enema. Enemas, which can be purchased at a pharmacy, involve introducing fluid into your rectum. This fluid softens the stool and stimulates the bowels, helping to produce a bowel movement. Enemas can provide relatively quick relief from constipation.
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Consume a High-Fiber Diet. When considering what foods help you poop right away, high-fiber options should be at the top of your list. Increasing your intake of fiber-rich foods can not only help resolve current constipation but also reduce the likelihood of future episodes. Excellent sources of fiber include oats, brown rice, beans, whole grain bread and pasta, fruits like bananas and apples (especially with the skin), nuts, and vegetables such as carrots, broccoli, and leafy greens.
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Maintain Hydration. Adequate hydration is essential for preventing and relieving constipation. As mentioned with several of the treatments above, soft stools with sufficient water content are much easier for your body to pass. Aim to drink around eight 8-ounce glasses of water daily to help prevent constipation. If you’re currently constipated, drinking a large glass of water might be enough to encourage a bowel movement.
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Explore Natural Remedies. Some people find relief from constipation by using natural remedies like probiotics. Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that can improve gut health and regularity. While generally safe, probiotics may not be recommended for everyone, particularly those with compromised immune systems. If you’re considering natural remedies for constipation, it’s best to consult with your doctor to ensure they are appropriate for you.
When to Seek Medical Help for Constipation
While constipation is often just a temporary discomfort, it becomes a more serious concern if it persists for an extended period. If you have been constipated for a week or more and the home treatments mentioned above have not provided relief, it is important to contact your doctor.
It’s also crucial to seek medical advice if your constipation is accompanied by any of the following symptoms:
- Severe cramping
- Colon spasms
- Unexplained fatigue
- Dizziness
Should you go to the emergency room if you haven’t pooped in a week? While it’s understandable to be concerned, it’s generally better to contact your primary care doctor first if possible. They can assess your situation and determine the best course of action, which may include an office visit or further recommendations. However, if you feel your situation is an emergency or are experiencing severe pain, do not hesitate to seek immediate medical attention.
Talk with Your Doctor About Constipation
If you experience regular constipation and frequently search online for phrases like “How can I relieve constipation quickly?” or “What helps you poop naturally?”, it’s a good idea to discuss this with your primary care physician. They can help identify the underlying cause of your constipation and advise you on a personalized plan to make bowel movements easier and less stressful.
If you don’t have a primary care doctor, consider finding one who can support your digestive health and overall well-being. Regular check-ups and open communication with your doctor are key to managing constipation and maintaining good health.
