how long can a person go without having a bowel movement
1 It depends on the individuals diet (lots of fiber and 8 - 8 ounce glasses of water per day) should be taken. 2  If a person is not having a bowel movement by the third or forth day it can be considered 'impacted' and you may have to go to the ER. In a healthy system, there should be a bowel movement shortly after every meal. 2  As for how long a person can go without a bowel movement and when this becomes life-threatening, that I do not know.