An incomplete bowel movement is the feeling of still needing to poop after you’ve been to the toilet. Possible causes include irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and constipation.

Stools are typically soft and easy to push out. When stools are hard to pass, it can feel like you haven’t fully emptied your bowels. This could be a sign of irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C).

Incomplete bowel emptying is different from tenesmus. With incomplete bowel movements, there is still stool left to pass, whereas tenesmus is the feeling of needing to empty the bowel when it is empty.

Read on to learn more about why incomplete bowel movements can happen, how to empty your bowels, and when to contact a doctor.

Incomplete bowel movements happen for a couple of reasons, one of which is constipation.

There are a few possible causes of constipation, including:

  • a problem with the way stool moves through the intestines
  • a problem with messages from the brain to the intestines
  • taking certain medications, such as opioids
  • ignoring the urge to poop
  • the menstrual cycle
  • not getting enough physical activity
  • consuming a diet low in fiber

Straining to push can eventually damage the muscles and nerves that help with bowel movements, worsening the problem. Researchers are also investigating whether genes or immune system changes might also play a role in triggering IBS-C.

Pelvic floor dysfunction is another possible cause. The pelvic floor muscles support abdominal organs, such as the bladder, uterus, and rectum. These muscles need to relax to allow stool to pass. In people with pelvic floor dysfunction, the pelvic floor muscles tighten instead of relaxing.

Sometimes the rectum bulges forward. This is called a rectocele. The bulge can trap stool in the area between the vaginal wall and the rectum.

Sitting in the correct position on the toilet is one general way to help the bowels empty more easily. Try the following steps to achieve the correct position:

  • Lean forward with your forearms resting on your thighs and your feet propped up on a small stool.
  • Relax your body and breathe normally.
  • Use your belly muscles to push gently.
  • Stop after 10 minutes if you’re still unable to have a bowel movement. Try again when you feel the urge to go.

Muscle relaxants may help by preventing the pelvic floor muscles from contracting during bowel movements.

A combination of lifestyle changes and medications can help make stools softer and easier to pass, which helps prevent constipation and incomplete bowel movements.

Taking laxatives and stool softeners can help provide short-term relief. Dietary and lifestyle changes may also help.

Speak with a healthcare professional for advice on treatments specifically for IBS-C.

Diet and lifestyle tips

General tips that may help empty the bowels if you have constipation include:

  • getting enough physical activity or exercise, which can help speed up the movement of digested food through the intestines
  • consuming a diet rich in fiber, focusing on whole grains, fruits, and vegetables
  • drinking enough fluids
  • avoiding resisting the urge to poop

Medications for IBS-C

If you have IBS-C, your doctor may recommend medications to help manage the condition.

Prescriptions medications for IBS-C include:

  • linaclotide (Linzess)
  • lubiprostone (Amitiza)
  • plecanatide (Trulance)

These medications work by adding fluid to the stool and improving the movement of stool through the intestines.

It may be time to contact a doctor if your constipation doesn’t go away or you’re consistently experiencing incomplete bowel movements.

Let your doctor know if you have any of the following symptoms:

  • a change in your bowel habits that has lasted more than 3 weeks
  • a lump or pain in your belly or rectum
  • bleeding from your rectum
  • blood in your stool
  • unexplained weight loss

Some bowel changes can indicate conditions such as cancer. Your doctor can work with you to help determine the cause and advise on suitable treatments.

Constipation and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) can lead to incomplete bowel movements. This means that you still need to poop after you have been to the toilet.

Some remedies for encouraging bowel emptying include drinking plenty of fluids, consuming enough fiber, and getting enough physical activity. Toilet habits such as leaning forward and propping your feet up on a stool may also help.

If you have IBS or another medical condition causing incomplete bowel emptying, your doctor can advise on treatments to directly address the underlying cause and any symptoms.