Dear Doctors: I’m a 77-year-old man and was having trouble with hard stools. My doctor suggested a stool softener. It worked for about a week, but then I developed diarrhea. Over-the-counter diarrhea ...

Chronic constipation is more than just the occasional “off” day in the bathroom. It’s when going becomes difficult, ...

Water is often dubbed the elixir of life, and for a good reason. It is a crucial component of our bodies, making up about 60 percent of our total body weight. Every cell, tissue and organ in our body ...

Constipation is a very common problem that affects millions of people worldwide, but it is not something that has to be lived ...

The gallbladder is an important part of digestion. If you’re experiencing issues, they may affect your bowel movements and cause symptoms like constipation. Your gallbladder is an important organ that ...

Blood in stool isn’t always piles. A doctor explains hidden gut problems in young adults, warning signs to watch, and when to seek medical care.

How often should we poo? If you Google this question, you’re likely to find an answer along the lines of three times a day to once every three days. But this leaves room for substantial variation. The ...

Without treatment, long-standing constipation can lead to bowel problems such as anal fissures. Some can lead to serious problems, such as fecal impaction, which could lead to hospitalization, surgery ...

Splinting is a technique people may use to relieve constipation. It involves using a finger to press against the perineum or vaginal wall to help move a stool out of the rectum. There is little ...

"Medical Journeys" is a set of clinical resources reviewed by doctors, meant for physicians and other healthcare professionals as well as the patients they serve. Each episode of this journey through ...

Dear Doctors: I’m a 77-year-old man and was having trouble with hard stools. My doctor suggested a stool softener. It worked for about a week, but then I developed diarrhea. Over-the-counter diarrhea ...