How Long Can You Go Without Pooping?

You don't have to have a bowel movement every day. However, constipation happens when people have fewer bowel movements than normal, possibly three or fewer times a week.

If constipation is pooping less than normal, you may wonder: "How long can you go without pooping?" The short answer is that it depends on your regular poop schedule—but also if it's been more than three days since your last bowel movement.

Here's what to know about the frequency of your bowel movements and when to get medical attention.

How Often Should You Poop?

There's no one correct answer to this question. A "normal" pooping schedule is based on the individual. Being "regular" can mean pooping twice a day for some people. Meanwhile, pooping three times a week can be normal for others.

Also, how often you have a bowel movement within a day will vary based on how old you are and what you've eaten.

This means an abnormal pooping schedule can vary depending on how often you usually have bowel movements.

When To Reach Out to a Healthcare Provider

When you should see a healthcare provider about constipation depends on your normal bowel movement schedule. For example, if you usually go once daily, not pooping for five days could cause concern.

Still, seeing a healthcare provider before that point would be a good idea. You may need to speak to a medical provider if it's been three days since your last bowel movement.

If You Are Having Other Symptoms

You may need emergency medical help if constipation occurs with other symptoms. Get emergency medical help right away if you have constipation with any of the following symptoms:

• Bleeding from your rectum
• Blood in your stool
• Constant abdominal pain
• Fever
• Lower back pain
• Not being able to pass gas
  
• Unexplained weight loss
• Vomiting
  

If You Have a Family History of Colorectal Cancer

If you are experiencing constipation symptoms and have a family history of colorectal cancer—meaning cancer in the colon or rectum—you should see a healthcare provider.

One in three people who develop colorectal cancer has family members who have had it too. Any change in bowel habits (including constipation) can be symptoms of colorectal cancer. Other symptoms can include:

• Abdominal cramping or pain
• Blood in the stool
• Rectal bleeding
• Unintended weight loss
  
• Weakness and fatigue
  

If You Started a New Diet or Medication

Any recent lifestyle habits can cause constipation if you don't have the above symptoms.

If you went on a new diet on Sunday and did not poop until Thursday, it might be a sign you are not getting enough fiber.

It would be best to consider whether you started new medications within the past few days. Many medicines can cause constipation, including medications for:

• Anesthesia
• Antacids containing aluminum or calcium
• Anticonvulsants
• Antihistamines
• Blood pressure medications
• Diuretics
  
• Iron supplements
• Medicines that treat Parkinson's disease
  
• Painkillers
  

If Your Symptoms Don’t Go Away

If you haven't changed anything in your normal routine and can't figure out the behind your constipation, it may be time to contact a healthcare provider. You can discuss what may have caused your constipation at your appointment and the best treatment option.

How to Prepare for Your Visit

You may also want answers to the following questions for an office visit. The healthcare provider will likely want to know these answers to help figure out what is going on:

• How often do you poop? Once or more a day? Several times a week?
• How long have you had symptoms?
• What kind of stools do you have? What do they look like? Do they float or sink?
• What color are your stools? Do they have red streaks in them?
• Is there blood on the toilet paper when you wipe?
  
• What types of foods do you eat?
• How much physical activity do you get?
• What medicines or supplements are you taking?

It can help to record your bowel movements and take this to your visit. It's also nice to know your regular schedule for your own purposes. Use the questions above to help get you started tracking your bowel movements.

What Can Happen if You Go Too Long Without Pooping?

Several dangerous scenarios can play out if you ignore your constipation and don't seek medical help.

Bowel Perforation

Untreated constipation could cause bowel perforation, which occurs when stool is so backed up that it pokes a hole through your bowel wall. Bowel perforations as a result of constipation are rare.

Intestinal Obstruction

Being constipated can also result in an intestinal obstruction, also known as a bowel obstruction. This condition can cause:

• Abdominal swelling
• Bloating
• Severe pain
  
• Vomiting

If the obstruction is complete, meaning nothing can get through the intestines, it is a medical emergency and may require surgery.

Home Remedies for Constipation

If you don't have any symptoms besides constipation, you can try several at-home treatments for constipation.

Adjust Your Medications

You might want to try some over-the-counter laxatives. Since there are several different laxatives, including Metamucil, Dulcolax, and Colace, consult a healthcare provider for which laxative is best for you.

If you've noticed changes in your pooping schedule after taking a new medicine or starting a new dose, contact a healthcare provider to ask about your medications.

Change Your Diet

Consider changing your diet to include foods that can help you poop. Some examples include high-fiber foods like:

• Apples (with the skin on)
• Beans
• Berries
• Broccoli
• Chickpeas
  
• Green peas
  
• Nuts like almonds, peanuts, and pecans
• Oranges
• Prunes
• Whole grains, such as whole wheat bread and pasta

It's also important to steer clear of foods that can cause constipation. These can include:

• Chips
• Fast food
• Meat
• Prepared foods such as frozen meals and snack foods
• Processed foods like hot dogs
  

Get Treatment From a Healthcare Provider

Constipation with severe pain needs emergency medical care. A healthcare provider may suggest changing medicines if you suspect your medication caused your constipation.

Alternatively, they may indicate an enema, a treatment that involves inserting a tube into your anus and flushing out your bowels. You may need surgery if you have a bowel injury or disorder caused by constipation, such as the ones mentioned above.

Go for a Walk

Another thing to remember is your activity level—being sedentary can cause constipation. Therefore, if you're having difficulty using the bathroom, consider going for a walk or taking the stairs to get things moving.

Stay Hydrated

Drinking plenty of water is also important. If drinking plain water doesn't excite you, try adding a squeeze of lime or lemon or cucumber slices. It'll give your water some flavor and is better than sugary beverages. Sugary beverages can contribute to type 2 diabetes and obesity.

A Quick Review

The number of bowel movements varies with each person. Some people may only poop once a day; others may only poop three times a week—it all varies.

If you are concerned about constipation—or are experiencing symptoms like blood in your stool, fatigue, or abdominal pain—you should talk to a healthcare provider. They can help identify the cause and determine the best course of treatment so you can avoid any complications of untreated constipation, like a perforated or obstructed bowel.