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This may be a really strange question but I am wondering?

I struggle with constipation all the time. And when I finally go it tends to be about once a week, twice if I'm lucky. Some weeks are better than others and I am able to go more often. Anyway, what I am asking is how often do you go? Like how many times a week. Not the most pleasant topic, but I am just wondering what is the norm for most people. I want to know if anyone has the same problem as I do or does my digestive tract have issues.

Sorry for any discomfort this brings anyone, I don't like talking about it but I have wondered for a long time. Please no inappropriate of rude answers.

Thanks

Update:

Thanks for the advice. I have done what you suggested, I eat a ton of fruit and veggies and take fiber capsules daily. It just seems that no matter what I do it is a struggle when it comes around once a week.

I have talked to my doctor and all she said was to take stool softeners daily, which I also do but they work less and less. I think I may go see another doctor, it has gotten to the point where it is painful.

3 Answers

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  • 1 decade ago

    Twice (for me) a day is normal - Healthy solid stool, approx the length of 15-18 inches.

    I have read (see 1st link below) that from 3x a day to 3x a week is ALL considered normal.

    However, there was a another study that said two a day was the norm (2nd link below) "It is normal for one to have one or two soft, formed easily passed bowel movements a day, without any effort or straining. The British term is a "bowel action," and literally one should be able to evacuate promptly and easily. This is not the case for most Americans, some of whom have the best "bathroom libraries" in the world, and some of whom actually reserve this time for reading the daily newspaper-cover to cover. The habit of reading in the bathroom is simply a reflection of inadequate function. It is not normal to miss moving one's bowels on any given day. It is not normal to solve the problem by taking a laxative. If your bowels move daily, but with difficulty or straining, if your stool is dry or hard, or if you don't move your bowels daily, you need to adjust your diet for the right amount of fiber intake."

    Natural fiber (from veggies, and fresh fruits and whole grains) as well as plenty of fluids (water preferred) will help relieve constipation and get things 'moving'. I hope this is helpful...

  • 1 decade ago

    Hopefully you are not taking laxatives as they lead to need in more to produce the same result. You "may go see another doctor"? Here's your sign: Your "struggle with constipation all the time". It's time to see a Board Certified Gastroenterologist. In the meantime, you may want to try the Activia 14 day challenge. I don't endorse it; but, they say it works to correct your problem in 14 days or your money back.

    For temporary relieve of the problem, I find a 1 to 2 quart warm water enema helps provide a feling of accomplishment and does not disrupt the rest of the digestive tract.

  • 1 decade ago

    generally I will go about once a day - sometimes maybe every other day - rarely I wait for day number three - you may want to have a sit down with your doctor - also think about eating more fiber - depending if you are over 18 you may think about cleaning the colon - I do it at lease once a year or every other

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