How can incomplete bowel evacuation be managed or treated effectively?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Incomplete bowel evacuation is often treated through a combination of dietary changes, pelvic floor exercises, and medication. Common treatment options include:

Dietary adjustments: Increasing fiber and water intake to soften stool
Pelvic floor therapy: Exercises that strengthen and coordinate muscles involved in bowel movements
Medications: Laxatives or stool softeners prescribed by a doctor
Biofeedback therapy: A guided technique that retrains muscles to fully release stool
Lifestyle changes: Regular physical activity and consistent bathroom routines

Because incomplete evacuation can stem from many causes — from diet to pelvic floor dysfunction to underlying conditions — identifying the right treatment starts with understanding the root of your symptoms. Taking a free, instant, online symptom check can help you clarify what may be causing your discomfort and guide you toward the most effective next steps, whether that's a simple lifestyle change or a conversation with a doctor.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/15/2026

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Explanation

One way to treat incomplete bowel evacuation is by making healthy lifestyle changes. Eating more high-fiber foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and drinking plenty of water can help soften your stool and make it easier to pass. Regular exercise can also improve how your bowels work. If these changes do not completely solve the problem, your doctor may recommend techniques to help your pelvic floor muscles work better. For example, biofeedback therapy is a treatment that teaches you how to control your muscles when you try to go to the bathroom. This therapy is helpful if your muscles are not coordinating correctly, a condition sometimes called dyssynergic defecation. Sometimes, if needed, medications that help increase bowel movement may be considered. In some cases, if the problem is severe, further tests or even surgery might be discussed. To better understand your symptoms and explore potential causes, you can take a free symptom checker assessment before consulting with your healthcare provider about the most appropriate treatment options for your situation.

(References)

Podzemny V, Pescatori LC, Pescatori M. Management of obstructed defecation. World J Gastroenterol. 2015 Jan 28;21(4):1053-60. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v21.i4.1053. PMID: 25632177; PMCID: PMC4306148.
Bharucha AE, Lacy BE. Mechanisms, Evaluation, and Management of Chronic Constipation. Gastroenterology. 2020 Apr;158(5):1232-1249.e3. doi: 10.1053/j.gastro.2019.12.034. Epub 2020 Jan 13. PMID: 31945360; PMCID: PMC7573977.
Rao SS, Patcharatrakul T. Diagnosis and Treatment of Dyssynergic Defecation. J Neurogastroenterol Motil. 2016 Jul 30;22(3):423-35. doi: 10.5056/jnm16060. PMID: 27270989; PMCID: PMC4930297.

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