Can’t Poop? Shoppers Say This $20 Constipation-Relieving Tool Helps Them Go ‘Quickly and Painlessly’

Related videos

Not everyone loves to talk about pooping. But as someone who constantly deals with stomach problems, I can’t help but talk about it. Because let’s be real—even if it’s awkward, it’s a natural bodily function. And if you’re someone with self-diagnosed IBS (like me) or you’re always straining, your bowel movements may be in need of a little assistance.

It turns out, though, that the answer may just be the way you sit. Robynne Chutkan, M.D., an integrative gastroenterologist, previously explained to Shape that our bodies are designed to squat to poop. “When we squat, the knees press up against the abs, which increases intra-abdominal pressure to help stool evacuate. When we sit on a toilet, our legs are at a right angle and that doesn’t accomplish that,” explained Dr. Chutkan.

Her fave tool? The Squatty Potty Toilet Stool. She’s not the only one who’s a fan of it. This best-seller has more than 43,900 five-star ratings at Amazon and more than 10,000 shoppers have bought it in the last month.

Squatty Potty Simple Bathroom Toilet Stool, White, 7" — AMAZON

Buy on Amazon$20

This toilet accessory is designed to reduce time spent in the bathroom as well as straining, which can lead to various issues like hemorrhoids or a stretched-out sphincter, per Dr. Chutkan. It positions your body in a squatting position (a preferred 30 to 35 degree angle) to fully loosen the puborectalis muscles, which allows the colon to expel your feces quickly. This sturdy, plastic tool is made to fit most toilets with its 7-inch height and features foot grips to prevent slippage—but note that this product is not suitable to stand on.

Many reviewers agree the Squatty Potty Toilet Stool makes pooping easier. “There’s less straining and discomfort, and I leave the bathroom feeling lighter and more refreshed,” said a reviewer who also called the product “life-changing.” A second shopper said that they do their “business quickly and painlessly now,” while another similarly shared that they’re “pooping with ease.” Other users raved that this product “gives you a seven-second poop” and it makes “everything just flow more naturally.”

Fortunately, you no longer have to push with all your might to get relief from your rear. This simple yet effective tool eases constipation, straining, or any other bowel trouble. Shop the Squatty Potty’s 7-inch Toilet Stool for $20 at Amazon, as well as these other options, below.