What should I do if I haven't had a bowel movement for several days?
Dec 12, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Huang Yuhong
Introduction
Constipation lasting for several days can be improved by monitoring physical condition, adjusting diet, maintaining moderate exercise, developing regular bowel habits, and using laxatives appropriately. If severe abdominal pain, vomiting, significant bloating, or no bowel movement for over a week occurs, prompt medical attention is necessary. Pay attention to the interval between bowel movements, stool characteristics, and whether symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, or nausea are present.
Constipation lasting for several days can be improved by monitoring physical condition, adjusting diet, maintaining moderate exercise, developing regular bowel habits, and using laxatives appropriately. If severe abdominal pain, vomiting, significant bloating, or no bowel movement for over a week occurs, prompt medical attention is necessary.
1. Monitor physical condition: Pay attention to the interval between bowel movements, stool characteristics, and symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, or nausea. Record changes in diet and physical activity to determine whether constipation is functional or caused by an underlying disease, providing a basis for further management.
2. Adjust diet: Increase dietary fiber intake by consuming more vegetables, whole grains, and fruits. Ensure daily fluid intake of 1500–2000 mL, and avoid long-term consumption of spicy, greasy, or dry foods to promote intestinal motility.
3. Maintain moderate exercise: Engage in aerobic activities such as brisk walking, jogging, or swimming for about 30 minutes per session, 3–5 times weekly. Abdominal massage may also be performed to stimulate intestinal movement and relieve defecation difficulties.
4. Develop regular bowel habits: Set a fixed time each day—preferably upon waking or half an hour after meals—to attempt defecation. Persist even without a strong urge, helping the intestines develop a conditioned reflex, and avoid suppressing the urge to defecate.
5. Use laxatives appropriately: Under medical guidance, select mild laxatives such as polyethylene glycol or lactulose. Avoid self-medicating with potent laxatives or long-term reliance on drugs to prevent intestinal dysfunction.
Improving constipation requires long-term lifestyle adjustments. Gradual improvements can be achieved through diet and exercise modifications. Mild laxatives may be used short-term when necessary. Additionally, maintaining a positive mood and minimizing mental stress are essential to support normal intestinal function and restore regular bowel movements.
