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Constipation Relief: Answering Your Most Pressing Questions

Constipation is a common issue that many of us experience from time to time. It can be uncomfortable, frustrating, and leave you searching for quick and effective solutions. Characterised by infrequent bowel movements (typically fewer than three per week), hard, dry stools, difficulty passing stools, or a feeling of incomplete evacuation, constipation can significantly impact your daily comfort.

The good news is that relief is often achievable through lifestyle adjustments and, when needed, appropriate over-the-counter treatments. To help you navigate this common concern, we’ve compiled answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about constipation.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always read the patient information leaflet and labels of any medication. If you have persistent constipation, severe symptoms, or underlying health conditions, please consult your GP or a pharmacist for personalised advice.

What is the fastest way to cure constipation?

While “cure” might be a strong word, as constipation can have various causes, many people seek the fastest relief. For very quick action, glycerin suppositories inserted rectally can stimulate a bowel movement within 15 to 60 minutes. Some oral stimulant laxatives containing ingredients like bisacodyl or senna can work within 6-12 hours. However, for long-term management, focusing on diet, hydration, and lifestyle is key.

How do you tell if it’s constipation or a blockage?

Constipation typically involves symptoms like infrequent bowel movements, hard or lumpy stools, straining, and a feeling of not having fully emptied your bowels.
A bowel blockage (obstruction) is a more serious medical condition. Symptoms can include severe abdominal pain, cramping, bloating, an inability to pass stool or gas, nausea, and vomiting. If you suspect a bowel blockage, it’s crucial to seek immediate medical attention.

What is best for constipation?

There’s no single “best” treatment for everyone, as the ideal approach depends on the cause, severity, and individual preferences. Options include:

• Lifestyle changes: Increasing dietary fibre, drinking plenty of water, and regular exercise.
• Bulk-forming laxatives: These add “bulk” to your stool, making it softer and easier to pass (e.g., products containing ispaghula husk).
• Osmotic laxatives: These draw water into the bowel to soften stools (e.g., macrogol, lactulose).
• Stimulant laxatives: These stimulate the bowel muscles to contract and move stools along (e.g., senna, bisacodyl). They are generally recommended for short-term use.
• Stool softeners: These add moisture to the stool to make it easier to pass (e.g., docusate sodium).

How to improve bowel movement?

To improve bowel movements consistently:

• Increase fibre intake: Aim for fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and seeds.
• Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
• Exercise regularly: Physical activity helps stimulate bowel activity.
• Establish a routine: Try to go to the toilet around the same time each day, especially after a meal.
• Don’t ignore the urge: Go when you feel the need.

What not to do when constipated?

• Don’t ignore the urge to go: Holding it in can make constipation worse.
• Don’t strain excessively: This can lead to haemorrhoids (piles) or anal fissures.
• Don’t rely on stimulant laxatives long-term without advice: Overuse can make your bowel dependent on them.
• Don’t suddenly increase fibre intake drastically: Do it gradually to avoid gas and bloating.
• Avoid processed foods, too much dairy, or low-fibre diets if you’re prone to constipation.

What empties your bowels immediately every morning?

While there’s no magic trick that guarantees immediate emptying for everyone every morning, establishing a regular morning routine can help. This might include:

• Drinking a warm beverage (like water with lemon or coffee, which can stimulate bowel activity for some).
• Eating a fibre-rich breakfast.
• Allowing unhurried time to use the toilet.
  Some people find that a glycerin suppository can produce a bowel movement relatively quickly if needed.

What to do if hard poop is stuck?

If you have hard stool that is difficult to pass (faecal impaction):

• Glycerin suppositories: These can help lubricate and stimulate the lower bowel.
• Osmotic laxatives: Products containing macrogol can help soften the stool from above, making it easier to pass.
• Increase fluid intake: This helps to soften stools.
• Gentle pelvic floor relaxation techniques while on the toilet can also help.
  If the problem is severe or doesn’t resolve, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

What is a quick homemade laxative?

Some gentle, natural options that can help include:

• Prunes or prune juice: Known for their natural laxative effect.
• Warm water with lemon: Can stimulate digestion for some.
• Foods high in fibre: Such as kiwis, pears, and figs.
• Flaxseeds or psyllium husk mixed with water (ensure you drink plenty of additional water).
  These are generally milder and may not provide “immediate” relief for severe constipation compared to medicated laxatives.

How to pass a hard stool?

Similar to when stool is stuck:

• Soften it: Drink plenty of fluids. Consider an osmotic laxative (like macrogol) or a stool softener (like docusate).
• Lubricate: Glycerin suppositories can help.
• Positioning: Using a small footstool to elevate your feet while on the toilet (mimicking a squatting position) can help align the rectum for easier passage.
• Avoid straining.

What is the best immediate laxative?

For the most rapid action, glycerin suppositories are often the best choice, typically working within 15-60 minutes. Some fast-acting oral stimulant laxatives can also be considered if slightly less immediacy is acceptable (6-12 hours).

How do you unblock your bowels fast?

If you’re experiencing severe constipation that feels like a blockage, it’s important to differentiate this from a true bowel obstruction (which needs urgent medical care). For severe constipation or impaction, a pharmacist or doctor might recommend:

• Suppositories or an enema for direct action on the lower bowel.
• A strong oral osmotic laxative (like a higher dose of macrogol) to soften and clear the stool.
  Always seek professional advice if you’re severely “blocked up.”

How to induce a bowel movement?

You can induce a bowel movement through:

• Dietary changes: Increasing fibre and fluid intake, consuming known natural laxatives like prunes.
• Lifestyle adjustments: Regular exercise, establishing a toilet routine.
• Over-the-counter laxatives: Depending on the speed and type of action needed, options include bulk-forming, osmotic, or stimulant laxatives.

How do you massage your colon for bowel movement?

Abdominal massage may help stimulate bowel movements for some people. A common technique involves:

1. Lying on your back.
2. Using gentle but firm pressure with your fingertips.
3. Start on the lower right side of your abdomen (near your hip bone).
4. Massage upwards towards your ribs, then across to the left side, and then down towards your left hip bone, following the path of the large intestine in a clockwise direction.
5. Repeat for 5-10 minutes.
   This is not a guaranteed fix but can be a helpful complementary measure.

What is the fastest laxative to clean you out?

The term “clean you out” often refers to bowel preparations used before medical procedures like colonoscopies (e.g., Picolax, Moviprep). These are very strong and are used under medical supervision for specific purposes, not for general constipation.
For severe constipation relief, stimulant laxatives (like senna or bisacodyl) or higher-dose osmotic laxatives (like macrogol) can provide significant evacuation, but use them as directed.

What are the best laxatives to flush your system?

Similar to “cleaning out,” the idea of “flushing your system” with laxatives regularly isn’t generally recommended for health. However, for relieving constipation:

• Osmotic laxatives (macrogol, lactulose) draw water into the bowel, which helps to “flush” out stool.
• Stimulant laxatives (senna, bisacodyl) increase bowel motility to move stool through.
  These should be used to treat constipation, not as a routine “cleanse.”

What can I take to completely empty my bowels?

Again, complete bowel emptying is usually associated with bowel prep solutions for medical procedures. For regular constipation, the goal is comfortable, regular bowel movements, not necessarily a “complete washout.” Effective laxatives like osmotic or stimulant types will help clear accumulated stool. If you feel persistently incompletely evacuated despite treatment, speak to your doctor.

How to ensure complete bowel emptying?

If you often feel like you haven’t fully emptied your bowels:

• Ensure adequate fibre and fluid intake.
• Practice good toilet habits: Don’t rush, use a footstool for better posture, and listen to your body’s signals.
• Pelvic floor exercises can sometimes help if muscle discoordination is an issue.
• If this feeling is persistent, discuss it with your doctor to rule out underlying causes.

Why am I only pooping little bits at a time?

Passing small amounts of stool can be due to:

• Insufficient fibre: Stool lacks bulk.
• Dehydration: Stools are hard and difficult to pass completely.
• Slow bowel transit: Stool moves too slowly through the colon.
• Pelvic floor dysfunction: Difficulty coordinating muscles for evacuation.
• Holding back urges: Leading to harder, smaller stools later.
  Addressing diet, hydration, and toilet habits can help. If it persists, seek medical advice.

What is the best laxative that works in 30 minutes?

Glycerin suppositories are the most likely over-the-counter laxative to work within 30 minutes (typically 15-60 minutes). Most oral laxatives take several hours.

How do you get rid of poop that is too big to come out and hurts with home remedies?

When stool is very large, hard, and painful to pass:

• Soften the stool: Drink plenty of water. An oral osmotic laxative (like macrogol) can help soften the stool from higher up in the bowel.
• Lubricate from below: A glycerin suppository can help ease passage.
• Warm bath: Can help relax the anal sphincter muscles.
• Avoid straining: Try to relax and breathe; use a footstool.
  If home remedies don’t work or the pain is severe, consult a healthcare professional.

What is the best laxative for stuck poop?

For “stuck poop” (faecal impaction), a combination approach is often best:

• Glycerin suppositories for local relief and to help break up stool at the rectum.
• Oral osmotic laxatives (e.g., macrogol) taken over a few days can soften the entire mass of stool from above, making it easier to pass.
  Seek advice from a pharmacist or doctor if you suspect impaction.

Are bananas good for constipation?

The effect of bananas can depend on their ripeness.

• Ripe bananas (yellow with brown spots) are a source of soluble fibre, which can help soften stools and promote regularity for some.
• Unripe (green) bananas contain more resistant starch, which can be constipating for some individuals.
  In general, including a variety of fruits and vegetables in your diet is beneficial.

What is the best medicine for constipation?

The “best” medicine depends on your specific situation, symptoms, and any underlying conditions. Common types include:

• Bulk-forming laxatives (e.g., Fybogel): Add volume to stool. Good for long-term management.
• Osmotic laxatives (e.g., Movicol, Lactulose): Draw water into the bowel. Effective for softening stools.
• Stool softeners (e.g., DulcoEase): Add moisture to hard stools.
• Stimulant laxatives (e.g., Senokot, Dulcolax tablets): Speed up bowel movements. Best for short-term, occasional relief.
• Suppositories (e.g., Glycerin, Dulcolax suppositories): Provide fast relief for constipation in the lower bowel.
  A pharmacist can help you choose the most suitable option.

What is the fastest thing to take for constipation?

For the quickest results, glycerin suppositories are generally the fastest-acting option, often working within 15-60 minutes. Some oral stimulant laxatives may work within 6-12 hours.

What is the strongest remedy for constipation?

Stimulant laxatives are generally considered among the stronger over-the-counter options for prompting a bowel movement. Prescription-strength bowel preparations are the strongest but are reserved for medical procedures. However, the “strongest” isn’t always the “best” or most appropriate. It’s often better to start with gentler methods or consult a healthcare professional for severe or persistent constipation.

How to pass stool easily?

• Eat enough fibre: Aim for 25-30 grams daily from fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
• Drink plenty of fluids: Water is best.
• Exercise regularly: Promotes bowel motility.
• Adopt a good toilet posture: Elevate your feet with a stool.
• Don’t strain or rush.
• If stools are consistently hard, consider a stool softener or osmotic laxative.

Should I force hard stool out?

No, you should avoid forcing or straining hard stool out. Excessive straining can lead to problems like:

• Haemorrhoids (piles)
• Anal fissures (small tears in the anal lining)
• Rectal prolapse in severe, chronic cases.
  Focus on methods to soften the stool and make it easier to pass naturally.

What is the instant laxative for constipation?

While “instant” is an overstatement, glycerin suppositories offer the closest to an instant effect, typically working within 15 to 60 minutes.

Why do I keep passing gas but not pooping?

Passing gas but not stool can occur if stool is hard and impacted, allowing gas to escape around it. It can also be a sign of slow bowel transit where gas moves more easily than solid waste. If this is accompanied by pain, significant bloating, or you haven’t had a bowel movement for several days, it’s wise to consult a doctor to rule out a partial obstruction or other issues.

How to relieve constipation on the toilet immediately?

For immediate relief while on the toilet, especially if you feel stool is present but hard to pass:

• Adjust your posture: Use a footstool to elevate your knees above your hips.
• Relax: Try deep breathing to relax your pelvic floor muscles. Avoid tensing up.
• Gentle rocking: Some people find a gentle side-to-side or forward-and-back rocking motion can help.
• Don’t strain forcefully.
  If this is a recurring issue, a glycerin suppository taken before going to the toilet might help.

What pills help you poop?

Several types of laxatives come in pill or tablet form:

• Stimulant laxatives: Bisacodyl (e.g., Dulcolax tablets) and Senna (e.g., Senokot tablets) work by stimulating the bowel muscles.
• Stool softeners: Docusate sodium (e.g., DulcoEase capsules) helps to moisten and soften stools.
  These are available over the counter for short-term relief.

What is the best laxative for bad constipation?

For “bad” or severe constipation, a combination approach or a stronger laxative may be needed, but it’s important to use these appropriately:

• Osmotic laxatives like macrogol (e.g., Movicol, Laxido) are often recommended for clearing more significant build-ups of stool as they help soften and increase the volume of stool throughout the bowel.
• Stimulant laxatives can be used if bowel activity is very sluggish.
• Suppositories or enemas may be needed if there’s impaction in the lower bowel.
  If your constipation is severe, persistent, or causing significant distress, it’s best to consult a pharmacist or doctor.

Is it OK to take a laxative when constipated?

Yes, for occasional constipation, over-the-counter laxatives are generally safe and effective when used as directed on the product label. They are designed to provide relief when lifestyle measures alone aren’t sufficient. However, if you find yourself needing laxatives frequently, or if your constipation persists for more than a week despite using them, it’s important to see your doctor to investigate any underlying causes.

Dealing with constipation can be challenging, but understanding your options is the first step towards finding relief.

Ready to find a solution that works for you?

Explore our range of constipation relief treatments at My Pharmacy. If you’re unsure which product is best suited for your needs, our pharmacy team is available to provide confidential advice. Don’t hesitate to reach out.