SHW/MedicalNewsToday

The frequency of bowel movements varies from person to person. While some may have a bowel movement twice daily, others might only have one three times per week. Typically, having fewer than three bowel movements a week is considered constipation.

What may be typical for one individual could be atypical for another. A 2023 study examined the link between stool frequency and all-cause mortality over a five-year period, analyzing the bowel habits of 14,573 adults in the United States.

The study authors identified the following habits from that population:

Stool frequency	Percentage of people
1–2 times a week	3.3%
3–6 times a week	12.1%
7 times a week	53%
8–21 times a week	30.4%
More than 21 times a week	1.2%

Within each group, individuals reported varying types of stool consistency.

The United Kingdom’s National Health Service (NHS) suggests that due to the wide range of bowel habits, healthcare professionals should refrain from making comparisons between individuals when diagnosing issues.

Rather, they should focus on any deviations in stool frequency relative to an individual’s usual bowel patterns.

What is abnormal

Healthy bowel habits typically include regular bowel movements without discomfort. What constitutes “normal” can differ greatly among individuals.

Watery or loose stools suggest rapid transit through the colon, often due to irritation from an infection or inflammation.

Persistent loose, watery stools extending beyond two weeks may signify chronic diarrhea. This condition could stem from various health issues, including Crohn’s disease or irritable bowel syndrome, potentially leading to complications.

• dehydration
• electrolyte imbalances
• malnutrition

Stool that is small and pellet-shaped may suggest constipation or incomplete bowel evacuation. A person who has fewer than three bowel movements a week may be constipated. Possible complications of constipation can include:

• hemorrhoids
• anal fissures
• urinary retention
• damage to the pelvic floor

Factors that affect bowel habits

How often a person goes to the bathroom can vary a lot and depends on a range of factors, including:

Fluid intake

The absorption of excess water by the large intestine can result in hardened stools due to insufficient fluid intake, thus complicating bowel movements.

For those experiencing constipation, it is recommended to increase fluid intake to ensure the softness of stools. Moreover, adequate hydration is essential to prevent dehydration during episodes of diarrhea.

Age

Constipation is more to affect older adults, although anyone can experience it.

As people age, they may experience health conditions and changes to their lifestyle that contribute to constipation. Older adults are also more likely to be taking medication that can interfere with their usual bowel habits.

Healthcare professionals can help older adults manage symptoms of constipation and any underlying causes.

Activity

Staying active helps the colon work better and move poop through the intestines more efficiently. When someone is experiencing constipation or slow digestion, exercising can help get things moving more regularly.

Diet

What a person consumes can greatly influence their bowel habits. Fiber is essential for maintaining regular bowel movements.

Fiber, a type of carbohydrate, is not easily broken down into smaller molecules by the small intestine. Consequently, it moves to the colon as an undigested mass that eventually forms feces, also referred to as stool.

An adequate fiber intake in one’s diet can help ensure regularity and prevent constipation.

Medical history

Some medical conditions and medications can affect bowel health and cause a person to poop more or less often than usual.

Health conditions that can contribute to constipation and diarrhea include:

• inflammatory bowel diseases, such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis
• celiac disease
• lactose intolerance
• chronic pancreatitis
• hypothyroidism
• diabetes mellitus
• irritable bowel syndrome

Hormones

Some hormones, such as progesterone and estrogen, can affect how often a person goes to the bathroom.

For example, a 2020 observational study involving 78 women ages 18–35 found that the frequency of self-reported diarrhea and constipation varied significantly depending on the day of a person’s menstrual cycle.

Social factors

Some people may have difficulty pooping in a public bathroom, at work, or when other people are nearby. This can cause someone to “hold it in” longer than necessary.

Over time, the body may not be able to respond as quickly to signs that it needs to poop, which can cause someone to feel constipated or uncomfortable.