What Are the Treatment Options for Incomplete Bowel Emptying?

First, many people start with simple treatments. These include changes in your daily routine like eating more fiber, drinking plenty of water, and getting regular exercise. Adding fiber to your diet—fruits, vegetables, or fiber supplements—can help make stools softer so they pass more easily, and drinking enough fluids helps too. Over-the-counter Fibers tablets can augment these dietary changes and they can be taken 1-3 times a day with food. In addition, laxatives or prescribed medications may also be used to help move stools along, and can be used as needed. If these methods are not enough, doctors may suggest therapies such as biofeedback. Biofeedback helps retrain the muscles of the lower belly and pelvic floor so the bowel can empty more completely. In more difficult cases, surgery might be an option. Surgical methods, like those aimed at fixing problems in the structure of the rectum or pelvic floor, are considered when other treatments fail. Ultimately, the best choice depends on the person’s specific situation. Working with healthcare providers helps to decide if non-surgical treatments or surgery is best for improving bowel emptying.