Published on: 4/7/2025
Incomplete bowel movements can be managed by making changes to diet, exercise, bathroom habits, and sometimes using medications or techniques to help the muscles work better.
When you feel like your bowels aren’t completely empty, there are several simple things that might help. First, eating more fiber from fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can soften your stool and make it easier to pass. Drinking plenty of water helps, too, because it keeps your body hydrated and makes your stool softer. Having regular meal times and setting a specific time each day to use the bathroom can help your body develop a routine. Light exercise, like walking, can also encourage your bowels to work more smoothly. For some people, doctors may recommend using stool softeners, fiber supplements, or even special medications to help improve bowel movements. In cases where the muscles used in the bathroom do not work well, techniques like pelvic floor exercises or biofeedback training might be used. These methods are meant to help the muscles relax and contract properly so that you feel more comfortable and complete after using the bathroom. Always speak with a healthcare provider to decide which changes or treatments may work best for you.
(References)
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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.
Tse Y, Armstrong D, Andrews CN, Bitton A, Bressler B, Marshall J, Liu LW. Treatment Algorithm for Chronic Idiopathic Constipation and Constipation-Predominant Irritable Bowel Syndrome Derived from a Canadian National Survey and Needs Assessment on Choices of Therapeutic Agents. Can J Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2017;2017:8612189. doi: 10.1155/2017/8612189. Epub 2017 Feb 8. PMID: 28271055; PMCID: PMC5320366.
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