Here's The Maximum Time Doctors Say It Should Take To Poop

Men seem, on average, to spend longer on the porcelain throne than women – one hour and 35 minutes to women’s 55 minutes each week, according to a UK survey. That’s despite the fact that women’s digestive systems are usually more complex than men’s, and our hormones might have a greater sway on our BMs, too. But what is the “right” amount of time to spend on the toilet to begin with – specifically, when you’re going “number two”?Well, speaking to Cleveland Clinic, GI surgeon Dr Michael Valente said: “If you have a proper diet with good fibre and enough water intake, your bowel movements should be a very short occurrence.”Bowel movements shouldn’t last more than five minutesDr Valente added, “Five minutes really should be the maximum time you spend in the bathroom”.He’s not alone. Gastroenterologist Dr Ellie Chen told SELF, “I usually tell my patients five minutes, tops.” Dr Trisha Pasricha, director of the Institute for Gut-Brain Research, meanwhile, stated in an interview with TODAY: “If the magic is not happening within five minutes, it’s not going to happen”. The NHS Milton Keynes University Hospital went even further: “Opening the bowels should take no more than two or three minutes,” they shared. Once you pass the five-minute mark, the experts reccomend getting off the loo and trying again later.Why shouldn’t you spend more than five minutes pooping? Dr David Westrich, a gastroenterologist, said that “Sitting on the toilet for a long time, especially sitting there and straining, is probably the main cause of haemorrhoids.” Haemorrhoids, or piles, are lumps in or around your anus that can be itchy or painful. They can cause bleeding and pain. Sometimes, Dr Chen told SELF, it can increase your likelihood of anal prolapse – where part of your rectum bulges out of your anus.How can I poop more quickly? A healthy diet, including eating around 30g of fibre a day, drinking plenty of water, and exercising, can all help. “The most common reason for difficulty having a bowel movement is a lack of fibre and fluids in an individual’s diet,” Dr Valente said. “Thankfully, difficulties in passing bowel movements are easily corrected by starting and maintaining good eating and drinking habits, as well as an active lifestyle.” Speak to your doctor about any persistent, significant change to your bowel habits.Related...So THAT's Why Dogs Make Eye Contact With You While PoopingThis Poop 'Cure' May Have Unintended Long-Term Effects, Study Finds'I Pooped Myself', And 6 Other Job Interview Disasters

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