What steps can be taken to improve incomplete bowel elimination?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Improving incomplete bowel elimination typically involves three key steps: lifestyle modifications (such as increasing fiber intake, drinking more water, and regular exercise), appropriate medication use (like stool softeners or laxatives when recommended), and biofeedback therapy to retrain pelvic floor muscles for more effective bowel movements.

Because incomplete evacuation can stem from many different causes—ranging from dietary issues to pelvic floor dysfunction or underlying conditions—identifying the root cause is essential before choosing a treatment path. A free, instant, online symptom check can help you understand what may be driving your symptoms and guide your next steps with clarity and confidence.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/14/2026

Important Next Steps

Learn why you feel incomplete bowel movements Discover causes of your bowel symptoms See if your bowel symptoms need care Find OTC relief for incomplete bowel elimination Find a doctor for bowel issues Understand home remedies for bowel relief Find out if it could be constipation

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Explanation

To help improve incomplete bowel elimination, several approaches can be used. First, making changes in your diet, such as increasing fiber and fluid intake, can help soften stool and make it easier to pass.

Another important step is establishing a regular toilet routine that helps train your body to have a bowel movement at the same time every day. If you're experiencing persistent digestive concerns, consider taking a free symptom checker to better understand your symptoms and discuss them with your healthcare provider. Medications may also be used; for example, stool softeners or mild laxatives can be helpful under a doctor's guidance.

Additionally, biofeedback therapy is a treatment that teaches you how to relax and coordinate the muscles involved in defecation. This therapy uses visual or verbal feedback to show you the best way to use these muscles. In some cases, pelvic floor exercises are recommended to strengthen the muscles and improve overall bowel function.

Overall, the key is to combine dietary changes, regular habits, medications if needed, and therapies like biofeedback to help support more complete bowel elimination and enhance your everyday comfort.

(References)

Omar MI, Alexander CE. Drug treatment for faecal incontinence in adults. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2013 Jun 11;2013(6):CD002116. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD002116.pub2. PMID: 23757096; PMCID: PMC7098421.
Rao SS. Biofeedback therapy for constipation in adults. Best Pract Res Clin Gastroenterol. 2011 Feb;25(1):159-66. doi: 10.1016/j.bpg.2011.01.004. PMID: 21382587; PMCID: PMC3073852.
Brown H, Grimes C. Current Trends in Management of Defecatory Dysfunction, Posterior Compartment Prolapse, and Fecal Incontinence. Curr Obstet Gynecol Rep. 2016 Jun;5(2):165-171. doi: 10.1007/s13669-016-0148-0. PMID: 27547494; PMCID: PMC4990142.

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