(HealthDay News) -- An illness or injury can affect the nerves that help control your bowels, sometimes resulting in diarrhea, constipation or incontinence. Your doctor may recommend a daily bowel-care routine.
The U.S. National Library of Medicine offers these suggestions:
- Schedule a time each day to try to have a bowel movement. Opportune times may include just after a meal, or after your morning shower.
- Don't rush the process. Relax and be patient, and make sure you wait up to 45 minutes, if necessary.
- Gently rubbing your belly may help stools pass through the colon.
- Always use the toilet as soon as you feel the need to move your bowels. Don't wait.
