How effective are stool softeners?

Depends...: Stool softeners come in many forms (fiber, chemical and 'natural'), all trying to increase the water content of your stools, as opposed to laxatives that stimulate the bowels to go by various actions, some of which may be quite uncomfortable. Beware of the so-called 'natural' softeners, unregulated by the dea, many of which contain harmful laxatives that can damage your colon cells, worsening it.