Alright, here's an awkward topic but I need advice/insight

Not all fiber is alike. Go for more fruit.

Consider making an appointment with a dietition. You can print and bring your food record from MFP and get direct input from someone who is qualified to help.

I saw something about this on Dr. oz not long ago... i'll try to find a link for you...

Thank you

Sorry, I looked and looked... can't seem to find it......wish i could help.

Once is day should be your goal. This is something my son has struggled with since he was a baby (he's 12 now). His doctor recommends higher fiber but when adding fiber you have to had more water as well. Exercise, and avoiding foods like dairy and rice are other things the Doc recommends. When my son is doing these things he's able to have a BM most days. Good luck.

Here's where I get all motherly: you should be moving your bowels at LEAST once a day. It's normal to be constipated every once in a while, but it sounds to me like you may have a chronic condition and I would highly recommend you see your doctor or ideally a specialist, although your GP would be a good place to start.

No offense to the people posting home remedies, but this is not a simple case of "Gee, I haven't pooped for a couple days."

Not trying to freak you out, but you want to be feeling your best, right!? Go see your doctor!

I had this problem. I actually had a bulge in my left abdomen so large that it has caused stretch marks on that side and it still looks misshapen even though I am regular now.

I was just really on a poor diet of processed foods and did very little activity. Once I started to lose weight and eat better, it cleared right up.

Increase your water intake and do something every day that will increase your heart rate.

Also GREEN TEA with a tablespoon of honey works wonders. Both are natural laxatives.

WebMd says the length of time between bowel movements varies, but if it's longer than 3 days it's considered unhealthy. And the fact that it hurts is a bad sign too. I'll add my vote to "see a specialist."

Agree with everyone else, it's not normal for it to be uncomfortable like that. At your age, real bad stuff is rare, but it can happen, so you should not ignore a change of bowel habits.

Many people are constipated because they're too busy to be regular. Your bowels depend on your brain. Normally they start moving when you start thinking about eating, and you go after eating. But if you grab a meal and rush out the door, if the bathrooms are too gross at work to sit down, if the kids won't let you have five minutes peace when you're sitting on the throne, your bowels "cooperate" by not moving under those circumstances. Most people don't move their bowels in unfamiliar places, and they often go as soon as they get home from things like shopping. If you've changed your diet and schedule, that can be enough to cause problems. Set aside a half hour a day after a meal when no one will interrupt you and just sit on the toilet. Read something you don't read other times of the day, so your brain starts to associate that with going poop.

Too-Much-Information Alert: In women, especially those who have had children, there can be something called a rectocele. It's basically when the tissues down there get stretched, so when the rectum is full, it bulges into the vagina. It means the poop can get in there sideways, and it won't come out until it gets lined up properly. The rectum naturally pushes the poop back up into your colon a couple times to roll the little balls into those big logs, but when you're too full, it can't. If it gets stretched enough, its muscles no longer have enough strength to push at all -- it's called an impaction. The easy answer? Put a finger in your vagina and push. If it's not too large, it may pop right out. If it is, you can at least give it some help.

Water plays a big part and 5 cups a day isn't enough. At least 8 is necessary. Also exercise can help a lot. So try walking and jogging some yoga positions are great for getting things moving. I think any exercise would help you if you don't already do some. See a doctor to make sure there is not something else going on that needs other treatment.

I would see a GI specialist

First let me say how sorry I am for what you're going through!

Normal, as you've seen in the responses here, is a relative thing. Most people void about once a day to every other day.
If it's been two weeks since you eliminated it certainly merits further investigation. I BET you're in pain!!

My suggestion is threefold:

#1: Most Important: I agree with folks here who suggest going to a GI doctor--honestly sooner rather than later. You're super young to get a lower endoscopy or a barium study but with your symptoms and inability to void it might be indicated. They might want to look inside and see if there is something going on.

#2: Helping the bowels evacuate is idealing a two-way job. Attack from above--with one or two of: water, fiber, laxative, prunes, apple etc etc whatever feels right. But also--attack from below. Use a suppository or an enema. If there IS a blockage nothing you put in your stomach is going to help. It has no where to go--and might only increase your pain and discomfort--all without effect.

#3: See the GI guy or a nutritionist about prevention. So hopefully it won't be a problem anymore!! Obviously natural solutions are better than pharmacutical--but hey--whatever gets you to go!!!

Cuz everyone loves a good poop!!

ps and bravo for being uncomfortable about bringing it up...and doing it anyway!!

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(From WebMD)
Constipation is usually caused by a disorder of bowel function rather than a structural problem. Common causes of constipation include:

* Inadequate water intake.
* Inadequate fiber in the diet.
* A disruption of regular diet or routine; traveling.
* Inadequate activity or exercise or immobility.
* Eating large amounts of dairy products.
* Stress.
* Resisting the urge to have a bowel movement, which is sometimes the result of pain from hemorrhoids.
* Overuse of laxatives (stool softeners) which, over time, weaken the bowel muscles.
* Hypothyroidism.
* Neurological conditions such as Parkinson's disease or multiple sclerosis.
* Antacid medicines containing calcium or aluminum.
* Medicines (especially strong pain medicines, such as narcotics, antidepressants or iron pills).
* Depression.
* Eating disorders.
* Irritable bowel syndrome.
* Pregnancy.
* Colon cancer.

In some cases, lack of good nerve and muscle function in the bowel may also be a cause.

Warning About Constipation

Call your doctor if:
Constipation is a new problem for you.
You have blood in your stool.
You are losing weight even though you are not dieting.
You have severe pain with bowel movements.
Your constipation has lasted more than two weeks.
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