A member asked:

I very rarely poop. probably a couple times a month, the only way i can is if i take lots of laxatives. please help!?

2 doctors weighed in across 2 answers

Laxative-dependent?: I am very concerned if your constipation is relatively acute, &/or associated with fever, nausea, vomiting, bleeding. Constipation (stooling less than every 4 days) that is chronic raises concern for partial obstruction, ileus, ischemic disease, tumors, dysmotilities, "cathartic colon", rectal dysfunction. Treatment depends on possible causes--please see a gastroenterologist for a directed work-up.

Answered 7/2/2015

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Dr. Christopher Dowd answered

Specializes in Internal Medicine

Reccomendations: Here's some general advice, but bm's that infrequently need an exam and eval by a physician. Eat a diet rich in ruffage, veggies, fruit, and drink plenty of water. Fiber can help soften stool, but it needs water to do this. Try foods known to have laxative-type effects (ie prune juice). Again, you should have a proper eval, possibly some testing, and then get some individualized reccomendations.

Answered 1/6/2017

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