You may not think much about your bowel movements until they change dramatically. When you start having far more or fewer bowel movements than you’re used to, or struggling to go about your life as usual because of these shifts, you may have a condition in need of treatment.
Thankfully, most conditions that impact your bowels are treatable.
Dr. Sreelatha Reddy and our team here at Houston Gastrointestinal & Liver Clinic, P.A. in Sugar Land, Texas, diagnose and treat constipation and other digestive conditions that can impact bowel movement frequency.
In this blog post, we explore what’s “normal” in the bowel movement department, as well as signs it’s time for medical care.
Bowel movement basics
After you eat, food reaches your bowels, where lingering salts and water are absorbed. Whatever digested food remains gets more solid, then your body releases it in a bowel movement.
A healthy bowel movement generally consists of brown, consistently formed stools that aren’t too loose, too hard, or painful to pass.
There’s no ideal number of bowel movements for everyone; the average, healthy range may involve 1-3 bowel movements per day or as few as three bowel movements per week.
Too few or too many bowel movements
If you’re experiencing a change in your bowel movement frequency, it may be a sign of a medical condition that needs attention. If you have fewer than three bowel movements per week or have difficulty passing stool, you’re dealing with constipation.
Constipation is common and can stem from:
- Certain medications
- Dehydration
- Digestive conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Eating too little fiber
- Enlargement of your rectum
- Poor coordination between your anus and pelvis
Frequent, loose bowel movements often indicate diarrhea, which can derive from:
- Bacteria or a virus
- Certain medications and supplements
- Digestive conditions, such as IBS, Crohn’s disease, or colitis
- Lactose intolerance
- Parasites
When to see a doctor about your bowel movements
If you’re struggling with significant changes in your bowel movements or chronic difficulties that interfere with your daily life, schedule an exam. Other signs that it’s time to see a doctor include:
- Accompanying abdominal pain
- Bloody stool
- Changes in stool volume, consistency, or appearance
- Mucousy stool
- Ribbon-like stools
- Watery stools
If you’re showing signs of constipation or IBS, your provider reviews your medical history and performs a physical. They may also perform a rectal exam and order tests, such as a blood test, imaging test, or colonic transit study.
Treatment for bowel problems often involves addressing any underlying condition and adjusting your lifestyle to improve bowel function.
For mild constipation symptoms, you may only need to drink more water and increase your intake of healthy foods, such as fiber-rich vegetables, legumes, and whole grains. For other digestive issues, medication may prove helpful.
To learn more about digestive health or to get the care you need, call Houston Gastrointestinal & Liver Clinic, P.A. today or request an appointment through our website.
