Bowel movements every few days, each time unformed.

Under normal circumstances, having a bowel movement only once every few days with loose stool consistency may be caused by physiological factors, or it could result from pathological conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or chronic enteritis. A detailed analysis is as follows:

I. Physiological Factors

Frequent consumption of refined foods such as white rice, cakes, and donuts may lead to reduced food residue, resulting in infrequent bowel movements and poorly formed stools. It is recommended to increase intake of high-fiber foods such as oats, corn, and apples.

II. Pathological Factors

1. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Poor gastrointestinal digestion and absorption function can impair water reabsorption in the intestines, leading to increased water content in the stool, thereby causing infrequent defecation and unformed stools. Under medical guidance, patients may use medications such as mosapride capsules, montmorillonite powder, or amitriptyline tablets to relieve symptoms.

2. Chronic Enteritis

Intestinal infections can accelerate intestinal motility and disrupt gut microbiota balance, potentially leading to bowel movements only once every few days with poorly formed stools. Treatment may include medications such as cefixime granules, metronidazole tablets, or bifidobacterium triple viable capsules, taken as prescribed by a physician.

In addition to the above three causes, other possible factors include ulcerative colitis, diabetes, and Crohn's disease. If any of these conditions occur, patients are advised to seek timely medical attention.