Constipation: is it normal to have a bowel movement once a week?

Question

Hello For the past few months I have been having a bowel movement once a week, is that not enough? I am told that I should take something but I don't know what. I don't have any abdominal pain but when I have a bowel movement, it is difficult to evacuate and it is still painful. I have been taking Pantoprazole for 1 month and I have another 2 months of it. I eat well. I was very sick for 7-8 months and lost 50 pounds because I didn't eat anymore but now it's all back since November. Thank you Thank you very much! I have little things to improve I will work on it. 😊

Stéphane Villeneuve · Accepted Answer

Hello, someone is said to be constipated when they have less than 3 bowel movements per week for a period of more than 8 weeks. Although each person has his or her own habits, having a bowel movement only once a week doesn't seem to be enough! First of all, you need to make sure that you drink enough water (about 1.5 to 2L of liquids per day), that you eat a lot of fiber (fruits, vegetables, whole grains, etc.) and especially that you do regular physical activity! If you are already doing these things, we could actually suggest an over-the-counter product that could help you get back to a better frequency of stools. Medications such as Relaxa (Lax-A-Day), taken once a day, could greatly help you! Come see us at the pharmacy so that we can determine if this medication is right for you! Hoping to have answered your questions, Stéphane Villeneuve, pharmacist My pleasure. Don't hesitate if there is anything! Have a nice day!