Can stool softners cause BM to become soft?

Posted on Wed, 12 Mar 2014

Question: Can stool softners cause BM to become to soft? I have been taking stool softner, and this a.m. My BM was extremely soft.

Answered by Dr. Sudhir (27 minutes later)

Brief Answer: Yes.Stool softeners are meant stools soft. Detailed Answer: Hello Stool softeners are meant to make stools soft so that they can be passed easily.So this might be reason in your case for soft BM. Its advisable to stop stool softeners, if constipation no longer persists. Hope this helps.Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Sudhir (22 minutes later)

I know this, but can they become to soft not formed at all, and is there anything I can do to reverse this?

Answered by Dr. Sudhir (13 minutes later)

Brief Answer: Yes, they empty intestine early. Detailed Answer: Yes, they can empty intestine early before stools are formed. Just stopping stool softener and having regular diet can help to reverse this. Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar