Constipation: immediate remedy — what to do now to have a bowel movement + when to consult a doctor

When constipation strikes, you don't need a theoretical lesson: you're looking for an immediate remedy that works quickly , without aggravating cramps or causing further discomfort. This guide provides a practical, step-by-step protocol to relieve occasional constipation (often within a few hours) and prevent it from recurring.

1) First of all: check if you can manage at home (or if you need to consult a doctor)

Warning signs = prompt medical advice / emergency room

Check immediately if you have:

• Severe or worsening
• Vomiting , inability to keep down liquids/food
• Fever
• Red blood in the stool, or black stools
• Very distended abdomen , complete cessation of gas
• Weight loss , unusual fatigue, recent and persistent constipation
• No bowel movement for more than 7 days (or suspected fecal impaction ), especially in elderly people

2) “Immediate remedy” protocol (to be done now) – objective: to trigger a bowel movement

Step 1 — “Useful” hydration (30–60 min)

Objective: to soften stools and stimulate the gastrocolic reflex.

• Drink 1 large glass of water (250–300 ml), ideally lukewarm .
• If you are sweating / have drunk little: have 2 more drinks over 1 hour (without forcing yourself if you feel nauseous).

Common mistake: swallowing "dry" fibers (psyllium, bran, seeds) without drinking enough water → can worsen.

Step 2 — Trigger the gastrocolic reflex (within one hour)

The colon naturally contracts after a meal.

• Take a small snack :
  • 1 yogurt + 1 tablespoon of rehydrated
  • or 1 fruit rich in soluble fiber (kiwi, pear)
• Add a hot drink if you tolerate it (tea, herbal tea).

Step 3 — Movement + massage (10–15 min)

• Walk for 10 minutes (even within the apartment).
• Gentle abdominal massage (clockwise, from bottom right to top then left) 5 minutes .

Step 4 — “Anti-blocking” position in the toilet (immediate)

• Place a footrest to put your knees above your hips (almost squatting position).
• Breathing: inhale, then exhale slowly while relaxing the perineum (avoid pushing hard).

To avoid: pushing for a long time → increases the risk of hemorrhoids/fissures and can cause further blockage.

3) The fastest-acting natural remedies (and how to use them)

3.1 Prunes / prune juice (often effective in 6–12 hours)

• 3 to 6 prunes + a large glass of water
• or 150–250 ml of prune juice

Sorbitol + fiber can speed up intestinal transit.

If you are very bloated: start with a smaller amount (2-3 prunes), increase if necessary.

3.2 Kiwi (softening effect + regularity)

1 to 2 kiwis, ideally in the morning. A good option if you want a quick effect without irritation .

3.3 Olive oil: useful but not magical

One tablespoon may help some people (lubrication, stimulation), but the effect varies. If reflux/nausea occurs: avoid.

3.4 Coffee: yes, sometimes (if you can tolerate it)

Coffee can stimulate the colon in some people. If you suffer from anxiety, reflux, or palpitations, avoid it.

4) When you want a “really fast” effect: pharmacy options (with caution)

Quick comparison (speed of action)

The most frequent “immediate” choice

• If you feel that “it’s at the end” but blocked: glycerin suppository or micro-enema (occasional).
• If it's more like "everything is hard and high": macrogol (PEG) is often more logical (but not in 30 minutes).

Golden rule: if you have to use laxatives often (several times a week), it is no longer a temporary fix → you need to look for the cause.

5) If you are bloated or in pain: what to do (and what to avoid)

This helps

• Warm water + gentle walking
• Light meals (soup, compote, yogurt) rather than large, fatty meals
• Squatting position + breathing

This often makes it worse

• A lot of fiber at once (wheat bran, "high-fiber" cereals) if you're already blocked
• Soft drinks
• Excess of legumes/cabbage on the same day

6) Common causes (to prevent it from happening again tomorrow)

• Dehydration
• Changes in habits (travel, stress, "holding" in the toilet)
• Lack of activity
• Excessive consumption of ultra-processed foods, low fiber intake
• Common medications involved: opioid painkillers , iron, certain antidepressants, anticholinergics (consult a professional)

7) “24–72 h” plan to stabilize transit (without dependence)

Goal: regularity + easy bowel movements

• Regular hydration (clear urine)
• Progressive fibers:
  • Psyllium (if well tolerated): always with plenty of water
  • Fruits: kiwi, pear, prunes (appropriate quantity)
• Toilet routine: 5–10 minutes after breakfast, without straining
• Activity: 20–30 min walk/day

FAQ 

What is the most effective immediate remedy for constipation?

For an effect in less than an hour, the fastest options are often a glycerin suppository or a micro-enema (for occasional use). With natural remedies, the effect is generally less "immediate".

How to have a bowel movement quickly without laxatives?

Drink a large glass of lukewarm water, walk for 10 minutes, then go to the toilet in a squatting position (footrest) while breathing and without pushing hard.

How long does it take for prunes to take effect?

Often in 6 to 12 hours (varies depending on the person, hydration and severity of constipation).

Is macrogol (PEG) an immediate remedy?

No: it usually takes 12 to 48 hours , but it is often relevant if the stools are very hard and the constipation is more “high”.

When should you consult a doctor for constipation?

If you have severe pain, vomiting, fever, blood in the stool, a very distended abdomen, cessation of gas, or new constipation that persists, you should consult a doctor quickly.

Conclusion

For constipation: for an immediate remedy , start with the most cost-effective trio: water (ideally lukewarm) + walking + proper posture on the toilet . If you need a very quick effect, local solutions ( glycerin suppositories / micro-enemas ) are often the most immediate, while osmotic solutions ( macrogol ) are more effective over 24–48 hours. Afterward, stabilize with hydration, progressive fiber intake, and a regular routine: this is what prevents recurrence.