Why Might My Bowel Movements Consistently Feel Incomplete?

When your bowel movements feel incomplete, it often means that your body might not be emptying all the stool during a visit to the bathroom. This can happen with constipation, which sometimes occurs alongside conditions like obstructed defecation or certain types of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). For example, some people have issues where the muscles in the pelvic area, including those that help push the stool out, do not work well together. This means that even after going, there’s still stool left behind, making you feel like you didn’t finish. One study found that problems with these muscles or how the stool moves through the colon can lead to discomfort and a sense of incomplete evacuation. Additionally, research on IBS with mixed bowel habits shows that many people feel this way even when their stool consistency and frequency vary. If these symptoms continue, it is important to talk with a doctor to explore the reasons and find ways to help your body empty properly.