Chronic Constipation: How long to spend in toilet

[Fellow111]

I am 25 year old and suffer from chronic constipation. The general advice is to visit toilet when you have an urge. But there is no guidance how long should i spend in the toilet every time i visit. I can spend up to 30 minutes at times. So spending 2-3 hours a day in the toilet.

[AnnieW55]

I don’t think there is guidance on how long in one go. The main thing is not to spend time straining which can be harmful. I’m assuming you are including plenty of fibre and liquid especially plain water in your diet as this should help. I personally have a few dried prunes chopped not plain yoghurt everyday (actually to help with my bones) but the side effect is useful.

[KateTheBiscuit in reply to AnnieW55]

Hi there, I would advise getting some advice from your Health professional. As constipation can be dealt with. You don’t need to suffer. It is truly awful. In the meantime. Know you are not alone. Kind regards.

[Fellow111 in reply to AnnieW55]

Thanks for the advice. I have been investigated. No abnormality found. given general advise on fibre, water, exercise and mild laxatives. Not want to take laxatives life long. Confused if i should just stay in loo until the feeling of incomplete emptying goes or just leave if nothing happens after 5-10 minutes.

[AnnieW55 in reply to Fellow111]

Personally I would leave after a few minutes if nothing is happening (unless you have a good book 😀). I suppose, that as you have been investigated and all is ok the feeling might have become something that you are unintentionally focusing on. Perhaps if you leave it as long as you can when you get the urge you might have action a little more quickly.

[Activity2004 Administrator]

Hi and welcome to the group, Fellow111 . Thank you for introducing yourself.

Please feel free to continue posting and asking questions, commenting, participating in the polls, take your time to go through the Pinned Posts and the Topic Section for suggestions and ideas.

Have you talked to your doctor about the issues with the restroom? Can you set up an appointment either in person or have one on the cellphone/Video Chat?

[vonniesims]

Sounds like you need to be taking some medication. Have you seen a GP about this as it is not usual for someone of your age . Good luck

[Nimrod2]

Hi I agree you should contact the GP for advice. My GP suggested I try having linseeds on my cereal. I find chia seeds help too. Also plenty of water during the day.

[Cooper27 Administrator in reply to Nimrod2]

I've also heard this but it's better to use ground linseeds/flaxseeds

[PandQs in reply to Cooper27]

That’s interesting- I’ve taken to putting ground linseed into my breakfast concoction and I think I can vouch for the efficacy of it 🤣

[Cooper27 Administrator]

Try taking magnesium supplements. Magnesium citrate helps to draw water into the intestines, which may help to make your toilet visits go a little easier.

[sortofoutdoorsman]

What's your position when you're trying to go? Have you heard of/use a "squatty potty?" Human's evolved to poop in a squatted position, so a lot of it could have to do with how toilets are generally manufactured to be like a seat and less like a squat. If I have trouble sometimes (I know it's weird, but give it a run), I'll very carefully squat on top of the toilet seat. Works like a charm every time.

[Dukesy]

Half hour I'd stay for as I suffer badly aswell.its no life on laxatives believe me.its in you're diet eat loads of fibre or husk should help.