The most common problems and strategies to help are explained below.
Constipation
Constipation is infrequent passage of stool/poo (less than three times in a week), pain or straining on passing stool, and/or the passage of hard, lumpy stools.
What can you do?
- Read POGP Improving Bowel Function and NHS Fife Constipation leaflet
- Try to drink 1.5 - 2 litres of water based fluids every day.
- Ensure you are getting enough fibre, aiming for 30g per day for adults. See the British Dietetics Association Fibre Fact Sheet- BDA. Or the NHS Fife Increasing your fibre intake leaflet.
- Improve the way you sit on the toilet. This is a simple but very effective way of helping your bowels to move easily. Read our NHS Fife Toilet Positioning Leaflet.
- Watch the Toilet Positioning video for more information on this
- Try some of the dietary tips in this leaflet from the British Dietetics Association (BDA) Feeling bunged up? Don’t let poo be a taboo - BDA
- Try milled golden linseeds in your diet (do not use this if you are on blood thinning medication eg Aspirin and Warfarin).
- Try these 8 Remedies To Relieve Constipation - Bladder & Bowel Community (bladderandbowel.org)
Faecal Incontinence
Please note: If you have had a sudden change in your bowel habit lasting more than 3 weeks, you must see your GP first to rule out other conditions.
Faecal Incontinence is a distressing condition which means stool leaks from the back passage. This can happen without warning or can be associated with an urge to move your bowels but being unable to make it to the toilet on time.
What can you do?
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If you have loose stool the most important thing is to see your GP first. They can
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investigate why you have loose stool
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give you dietary advice to help bulk your stool
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prescribe medication to help bulk the stool
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- After seeing your GP you can strengthen the muscles around the back passage by training your pelvic floor muscles - NHS Fife pelvic floor exercises
- Empty your bowel properly by improving stool structure and sitting properly on the toilet. See the Toilet Positioning video for more information on this.
- Read our NHS Fife toilet positioning leaflet
- Sometimes medication can be used, talk to your healthcare professional about this.
- Order a Just Can't Wait card to use when out and about. This allows you quick access to toilets.
