Question 1

can laxative abuse affect my fertility?

Accepted Answer

If it leads: to MALNUTRITION Y DEFINITELY YES! Menstration will often stop with even minor malnutrition and since anxiety is often associated with eating disorders this can also affect ovulation!!!
Furthermore you would NOT BE WISE in getting pregnant with an  unresolved eating disorder

Hope this is helpful!
Dr Z

Question 2

are there side effects of laxative abuse?

Accepted Answer

SideEffects of abuse: "irritant" purgatives cause: melanosis coli (reversible pigmenting of colon lining), cathartic colon ("floppy" colon with limited muscle tone), & soap or chemical colitis (acute inflammation within hours of "cleansing" enema). Abusers get chronic diarrhea, crampy abdominal pain, edema, nausea/vomiting, muscle weakness, bone pain, lassitude, kidney stones, skin changes, kidney disease, dehydration.

Question 3

can laxative abuse cause gastroparesis thanx?

Accepted Answer

No: Abuse of medications is not healthy, and laxative abuse can cause dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, potential colon damage, etc. But gastroparesis does not come from laxative use.

Question 4

how do you deal with dehydration with laxative abuse?

Accepted Answer

Stop the abuse: "irritant" purgatives cause: melanosis coli (reversible pigmenting of colon lining), cathartic colon ("floppy" colon with limited muscle tone), & soap or chemical colitis (acute inflammation within hours of "cleansing" enema). When laxatives are discontinued, edema develops that resolves in 3-6 weeks. Most laxative abusers don't wait 3-6 weeks & return to their purgatives to reduce weight & edema.

Question 5

what is laxative abuse vs necessary frequent laxative use?

Accepted Answer

How freq, necessary?: Why the need for frequent, necessary laxatives?  Check diet, meds, level of activity, gyn issues. Metabolic/hormonal issues. Anything reversible here? Abuse of laxatives occurs when it is used as a means for weight control (doesn't really do that), a response to binge eating, or when one is unable or unwilling to make the necessary and appropriate lifestyle changes. See md to exclude pathology.

Question 6

can laxative abuse or over use of laxative cause colitis.?

Accepted Answer

Not really: Laxative use should be directed by your doctor. Needing laxatives for more than two days should prompt a visit to your doctor.

Question 7

how long does it take to restore electrolyte levels after laxative abuse?

Accepted Answer

It varies: I would think it very much depends on the degree of losses, but our kidneys are very well suited in conserving the necessary ions provided the supply is adequate, my guess would be 2-3 days max, it is a guess though.

Question 8

how dangerous is laxative abuse? how fast does one see negative side effects?

Accepted Answer

Very: Dangerous. It can throw off your entire body chemistry. It can damage the lining of your colon. It can be linked to a deeper psychological problem that needs serious helpto overcome if being abused to lose or maintain weight.

Question 9

sister has a history of severe laxative abuse. she is being treated but she can't go to the bathroom on her own at all. how can this be treated?

Accepted Answer

Constipation: If the laxative abuse is due to poor colonic motility then she may need an alternative treatment such as Amitiza  or a fiber supplement. She may also have a dynamic obstruction of her colon secondary to pelvic floor dysenergia. If she has pelvic floor dysenergia biofeedback would be the treatment of choice.  Finally she should also be checked for abnormal motility due to a  hypothyroidism.

Question 10

what are the effects of laxative abuse?

Accepted Answer

Effects of abuse: "irritant" purgatives cause: melanosis coli (reversible pigmenting of colon lining), cathartic colon ("floppy" colon with limited muscle tone), & soap or chemical colitis (acute inflammation within hours of "cleansing" enema). Abusers get chronic diarrhea, crampy abdominal pain, edema, nausea/vomiting, muscle weakness, bone pain, lassitude, kidney stones, skin changes, kidney disease, dehydration.

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Doctor answers about:

Suppository laxative abuse

A member asked:

Can laxative abuse affect my fertility?

A member asked:

Are there side effects of laxative abuse?

A member asked:

Can laxative abuse cause gastroparesis thanx?

A member asked:

How do you deal with dehydration with laxative abuse?

A member asked:

What is laxative abuse vs necessary frequent laxative use?

A member asked:

Can laxative abuse or over use of laxative cause colitis.?

A member asked:

How long does it take to restore electrolyte levels after laxative abuse?

A member asked:

How dangerous is laxative abuse? how fast does one see negative side effects?

A member asked:

Sister has a history of severe laxative abuse. she is being treated but she can't go to the bathroom on her own at all. how can this be treated?

A member asked:

What are the effects of laxative abuse?

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