Do you have a hard time discussing and asking questions about your colorectal health with your doctor?

“It’s normal for patients to be embarrassed to talk about their bowel regimen or movements,” says Dr. Ravi Prakash, a gastroenterologist with Advocate Medical Group in Aurora, Ill. “But having these conversations with both your clinician and even family members can help in early diagnosis.”

Dr. Prakash answers four questions you may feel too uncomfortable to ask your doctor.

How often should you have a bowel movement?

“It’s normal to have bowel movements anywhere from 2-3 times a day to a few times a week. What we need to be conscious of is any changes in the frequency of bowel movements, as this can be a sign of an underlying issue. I talk with my patients about developing a bowel regimen and training their body to have a bowel movement at the same time of day.”

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