If you buy something through a link on this page, we may earn a small commission. How this works. Pooping regularly is a sign of a healthy digestive tract. Everyone’s bowel habits are slightly different, but going too long without pooping can be a sign of an underlying health condition that may require medical attention. There is no specific number of times a person should poop per day, since everyone’s bowel habits are different. Many people poop once or a few times per day or every couple of days. Constipation, which is a symptom of many other conditions, refers to having fewer than three bowel movements per week. People who go more than a week without pooping may have severe constipation and should talk with a doctor.

Risks and complications Severe or long-lasting constipation can cause or increase the risk of developing several health complications, including: Anal fissures : These are small tears in the anus.

: These are small tears in the anus. Hemorrhoids : These are swollen, painful veins around the lower rectum and anus.

: These are swollen, painful veins around the lower rectum and anus. Fecal impaction : This is a serious complication wherein hard, dry poop fills the rectum and intestines so tightly that the colon cannot push it out of the body.

: This is a serious complication wherein hard, dry poop fills the rectum and intestines so tightly that the colon cannot push it out of the body. Rectal prolapse : This occurs when the rectum drops down and falls through the anus.

: This occurs when the rectum drops down and falls through the anus. Increased risk of mortality: A study from 2016 found that when the large intestine is not functioning at optimum levels, it may contribute to oxidative stress, thereby increasing the risk of mortality. Experiencing short periods of constipation occasionally does not typically cause any complications, though it can be frustrating, stressful, and uncomfortable.

Treatments People who are finding it difficult to poop can usually treat the issue at home by trying a few natural remedies: Eat fiber-rich foods or take a fiber supplement Fiber helps make stool soft so it can pass through the colon more easily. Fiber-rich foods include beans, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and oats. Stay hydrated Moisture helps make stool soft and easier to pass. Everyone needs different amounts of liquid each day depending on factors such as age and activity level. However, many people require somewhere between 1.5 and 2 liters per day. Get regular exercise Regular physical activity can aid regular bowel movements. As little as 30 minutes of brisk walking daily may help. Train the bowels To maintain a regular habit, try pooping at the same time or times every day. For example, it may be best to try to poop around 15–45 minutes after breakfast, as eating helps the colon pass stool. Stop taking certain dietary supplements Some dietary supplements can cause constipation. Reduce the dosage of the supplement if symptoms occur and stop using it altogether if symptoms become severe. Talk to a doctor about medication usage Many medications contribute to constipation. If symptoms occur, people should talk with a doctor about changing the dosage or trying alternative medications. Never stop taking a medication unless a doctor advises it or if symptoms are extremely severe. Try taking laxatives Laxatives loosen stool in the colon, encouraging it to pass. Types of laxative include fiber supplements (FiberCon, Metamucil), lubricants (Fleet), stimulants (Dulcolax, Correctol), osmotic agents such as milk of magnesia, and stool softeners (Colace, Docusate). A doctor or pharmacist can help a person determine the laxative that is best for them. In many cases, stimulants are only necessary as a last resort. This is because they can lead to electrolyte imbalances and dehydration, especially among pregnant women. Many laxatives are available to buy online. Avoid foods that increase the risk of constipation Some foods, especially those with little or no fiber, can contribute to constipation. Foods to avoid include prepared and processed foods, red meat, fast food, most snack foods, candies, and sweets. Try herbal remedies More research is needed, but it seems that a variety of herbal remedies may reduce constipation by acting as a bulking agent or laxative. These include Ficus carica, senna, aloe, cascara, and rheum officinale. Many herbal laxatives are available to buy online. Try medical treatments Doctors may prescribe medications to treat severe or ongoing cases of constipation. These medications may include lubiprostone, linaclotide, plecanatide, and prucalopride. Doctors may also advise that people with constipation due to muscle control issues undergo biofeedback therapy to retrain their muscles. People with an anorectal blockage and those whose colons do not work properly may require surgery.

Causes Share on Pinterest Taking certain medications may cause changes to a person’s bowel habits. Many factors can influence a person’s bowel habits. However, certain risk factors, including some supplements and medical conditions, may cause a person to poop less often. These risk factors — including lifestyle choices, medications, and conditions — include: eating too little fiber

not exercising enough

dehydration

getting older

being pregnant

having recently given birth

traveling

dietary changes

overusing laxatives

resisting the urge to poop

antacids with aluminum and calcium

calcium channel blockers

diuretics

iron supplements

narcotic medications

some depression medications

anticonvulsants

anticholinergics

antispasmodics

medications for Parkinson’s disease

gastrointestinal conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome

pelvic floor conditions

neurological, hormonal, and metabolic conditions, such as Parkinson’s disease and diabetes

anatomical problems with the gastrointestinal tract

intestinal obstructions

spinal cord and brain injuries

colon or rectal tumors

Constipation during pregnancy Pregnant women may poop less often than normal or have a hard time pooping, especially during the last months of pregnancy. Women may also have a harder time pooping for a few months after giving birth. This is because pregnancy causes changes in the gastrointestinal tract that predispose constipation. These changes include: higher progesterone levels and lower motilin levels, which increases bowel transit time by relaxing intestinal muscles

higher intestinal water absorption, which dries out the stool and makes it harder to pass

an enlarging uterus late in pregnancy, which can slow stool movement Pregnant women are also prone to constipation because they tend to get less physical activity and usually take supplements that have links to constipation, such as calcium and iron. Lifestyle and dietary changes are common first-line remedies for constipation during pregnancy. However, if symptoms do not resolve with at-home care, pregnant women should talk with their doctor. Pregnant women should also talk with their doctor if they have been pooping less than three times weekly for a few weeks or are experiencing severe symptoms.

Babies and children Share on Pinterest A child’s bowel habits will change as they grow older. Newborns with constipation always require medical attention. However, occasional, moderate constipation is not usually a cause for concern in children with otherwise normal bowel habits. It is important to note that constipation has a different definition for children: fewer than two bowel movements per week. Children also experience changes in their bowel habits as they age. An infant’s bowel movements may change significantly within their first weeks and months of life. Knowing a child’s normal bowel habits makes it more obvious when symptoms may require medical attention. People should seek medical attention if their baby or child poops less than twice per week. They should also seek medical care if the symptoms do not respond to at-home care, last more than 2 weeks, or occur alongside any of the following more serious symptoms: lumpy, dry, or hard stools

pain or difficulty while passing stool

abdominal swelling or bloating