Do not use stimulant laxatives or enemas. Milk of magnesia should be your most powerful laxative. And remember, laxatives and enemas empty out about three days worth of stool. Some physicians recommend sitting on the toilet routinely every day until the urge comes, even if it takes quite a while, and doing some exercise like walking beforehand. Points to remember Constipation is rarely a serious problem.
Treatment usually causes more problems that the condition itself.
Simple measures can produce softer, more frequent bowel movements. Your goal should be to have two natural, soft movements a day without using laxatives. Bleeding or a significant change in your bowel habits of any kind should prompt a search for colon cancer. Then check out these articles in our Condition Forum. The text presented on these pages is for your information only.