NOTE: The following giveaway is open to Canadians only.
Disclaimer: This is not my bathroom. If it was, I’d be blogging from there. #bathroomblogging
I truly believe there’s a general shift in attitudes when it comes to girls and “toilet talk”, and it goes something like this:
Ages 6-12: The Funny Phase. This is when it’s okay to laugh at your older brother’s crude jokes, talk about semi-gross things with your friends, and giggle unabashedly at potty humour in g-rated comedies. Poops and toots followed by LOLs. Because it’s funny.
Ages 13-19: The “It Wasn’t Me” Phase. Also known as the phase you wouldn’t be caught dead discussing tummy troubles or owning up to them, even in a comical way. I mean, come on, the teenage years are awkward enough without putting a spotlight on bathroom behaviour – especially topics like constipation, yikes!
Ages 20-29: The “I Don’t Even Use the Bathroom” Phase. You’ve likely moved in with a certain someone or spend increased amounts of time “coupling”. And if you have your way, he’ll never, ever, ever consider the fact that you even use the bathroom. Shh!! Don’t talk about it. Wait until he’s left for work or falls asleep. Be stealth and he’ll never catch on. Move back home for a few days in times of tummy trouble. (<< I actually did that. I swear.)
Ages 30+: The Whatever I’ve Seen it All Phase. So maybe you’ve had a kid or two and have actually been peed on while changing a diaper. Or perhaps you’ve been with the boyfriend from phase 3 long enough that he’s cottoned on to the fact that your body does go through a process of digestion. And most likely, you’ve matured and realize that tummy troubles are not a taboo subject! In fact, you may even find yourself beginning conversations like this: “I haven’t pooped in three days! THREE DAYS! For the love of God I just want to poop.” And if you’re not there yet, trust me – it’s never too late to own the throne.
Ladies, it’s time to open the bathroom door wide open. You don’t need to feel alone with bowel health issues and should feel empowered to take control! But if you feel uneasy chatting about it, you’re not alone: according to the Dulcolax® Bowel Health Poll, seven in ten Canadians feel comfortable discussing their bowel movements with their doctor, but only two in five feel comfortable discussing the subject with their partner, and even fewer would discuss it with a close friend, parent or co-worker.
In fact, nearly three quarters of Canadians actively avoid ‘going’ in public places – proof that it’s not something we’re comfortable with even though everyone does it, and most Canadians think bowel health is important.
The stigma around bathroom habits needs to be addressed.
Canadians who do experience difficulty or delays when it comes to bowel movements are looking for predictable relief. The Dulcolax® Bowel Health Poll indicates that half of Canadians say that having control around, or predictability with their bowel movements, is important to them. The following three steps can help Canadians maintain regular bowel movements so they can own the throne:
• Open Up: Canadians need to speak up when it comes to bowel movements because not only is it something we all experience, but it can be a good indicator for overall health.
• Healthy Lifestyle Choices: One in six Canadians feels their bowel movements are inconsistent and one in nine feel their bowel movements are uncomfortable. When you are constipated, you may feel bloated and not like yourself. To promote good bowel health, it’s important to get regular exercise, have plenty of water and caffeine-free fluids and always drink alcohol and caffeine in moderation. In addition, eating a diet rich in fibre is helpful.
• Don’t Delay Relief: Treatment options exist – but you need to make the right choice to get the relief you need. For example, for occasional constipation, a product like Dulcolax® Laxative tablets can be taken at bedtime and will produce a bowel movement the next morning in the comfort of your own home. It provides gentle, predictable relief, something the vast majority of Canadians are looking for.
Are you ready to own the throne? Join @besthealthmag for the #BHOwnTheThrone Twitter Chat on June 18th from 1-2pm EDT. Dulcolax is giving away six prizes, including one grand prize!
And in the meantime, enter to win a Dulcolax prize pack, valued at $100, here! The prize pack includes product coupons, an “Own the Throne” branded t-shirt and notebook, plus an in-shower speaker and water bottle. Simply fill the form below with your qualifying entries. Good luck!
Not taboo, everybody does it :)
I think it is normal to talk about bowel movements. Because of colon cancer etc we need to create dialogue. It may save someone’s life.
Everyone has bowel movements human or animal and we need to be more open and talk about it.
Colon health is important for our well being and the more we talk about bowel movements openly, the better educated we’ll be.
I’ve been talking toilet my whole life, why stop now? Plus I can’t wait to talk about BM’s on Twitter! :) “What happens in the toilet, stays in the toilet” ;)
It is a normal thing and we should talk about it. We all do it and it shouldn’t be a taboo subject.
As a survivor of Stage 4 colon cancer, the biggest lesson I learned from my oncologist is that we need to talk about cancer and our bowels so that people don’t die from ’embarassment’! BTW — I discovered Dulcolax in my recovery stage (when things were just starting to work right again) and for any tough periods, I go back to it! Truly is gentle overnight relief!
Its something nobody talks about. But it’s not taboo.
Not “taboo.” but not everything needs to be talked about with friends and coworkers.
It’s not taboo, most people do talk about it.
Not “taboo.” but not everything needs to be discussed with friends and coworkers.
My husband definitely wants to talk about it more than I do!
Not taboo, but it can be a personal thing for some people.
HAHAHAHA this had me in stitches. I was TOTALLY that “I don’t even use the bathroom” girl until I got sick on our honeymoon and trust me, Mister and I have now discussed it all. We could both relay the other’s full digestive issues to the doctor if need be.
Meh… such is life. He’s my hubby and he’s stuck with me!
BUT for the record, princess do not toot – and don’t you dare say the “other-4-letter-F-word” around me. Nay nay!
Not taboo, but not discussed enough.
It is a normal thing and we should talk about it. We all do it and it shouldn’t be a taboo subject.
I don’t think it’s so much a taboo subject anymore but it used to be in my household. It’s just not talked about enough though.
No, we all have to go!
I thought it was taboo in high school but now as an adult I’m completely opposite. Now I’m an extremely open person. Everybody does it…even the queen.
Once I had a child it was no longer taboo! We are very open lol
the bathroom was my last hope for a sanctuary, but even that the kids have penetrated…they have no qualms about barging in on my moms private toilet time even my husband does it…but they dont like the favour repaid lol
I don’t think it is taboo like it used to be. You have to know your audience and if it seems to make them uncomfortable. As a mom you get used to talking about bathroom habits with your children as you are concerned about all aspects of their health.
I try not to talk about it but if I talk about it with you, it means we are good friends haha
Its not something that I really talk about ,but its not taboo
It’s not taboo, but definitely not a favourite topic of conversation
It’s not taboo because colon health is very important.
Definitely not taboo. Everybody goes.
Nothing taboo about it. As the children’s book is titled, “Everyone Poops” :).
It’s not taboo to talk about within my own home and family but it’s still a sensitive topic that is not widely discussex among co-workers and friends.
I dont think its taboo but aside from talking to your doctor about any issues you may have, I dont openly discuss these matters with just anyone..family and close friends are ok
Definitely not taboo. Everyone has to go! lol
In I don’t think it’s a taboo topic for me. This comes from age, spending way too much time in hospitals (nurses are obsessed with your BMs) and having a child!! But I do remember my 20s and yes, you nailed it! :-)
Not a Taboo subject , when you gotta go you gotta go , we all say we need to poop lol , my kids still tell me they need to poop lol , i guess we brain washed then to tell us when they had to go pee for poop , hahaha … :)
It’s definitely not taboo for me, and I don’t feel uncomfortable talking about it.
I think its taboo because noone wants to talk about ‘dirty’ things, that are completely natural.
No, i dont think we talk a lot about that
I think if you want to talk about it then go ahead everyone foes it after all
Definitely not taboo. I just spent a month(mother’s day visit that got extended) with my 85 year old mom who never went in 5 days. Need I not say more.
It should not be taboo
I think it’s an uncomfortable topic for everyone but it shouldn’t be!
I don’t think it’s taboo, but it can be an “awkward” subject/topic.
I think it’s perfectly fine!
I don’t think it’s taboo but I am not really comfortable with this subject.
I don’t think it’s taboo at all.
Not taboo! It’s a natural thing!
No, it’s fine.
Taboo…some things I don’t need to know!
Not taboo. Everyone has to go.
I don’t think it is taboo because it is a natural process but I do think there is a time and place for the discussion.
No not taboo but it depends on what your discussing!
it is not taboo, bowel health is important
It is not Taboo in my opinion, i feel comfortable talking about it. It is something everyone does!
I have had a major illness that required tons of hospital time. After the first few days of having complete strangers ask about my bowel movements several times a day, I got over any awkwardness about the subject. Everybody poops!
not taboo, I feel comfortable talking about it but some don’t
It is a normal thing and we should talk about it.
Its not taboo because everyone does it. Its a normal bodily function.
I think it’s a subject that should be talked about more.
I think it’s uncomfortable for many to talk about, but it really shouldn’t be….it’s a normal function. Wish more people would be open to discuss.
Not taboo but there’s a time and place and only certain people I would discuss it with.
No it’s not taboo here
It certainly isn’t taboo for me, but it is for others in this house. Oh well.
Not taboo here..
Not taboo but best not at the dinner table : )
Not taboo, as everyone does this although probably not good to discuss when eating a meal.
I think it depends who you’re talking to, but on the whole I think it’s just fine!
It’s not something I really talk about.
BTW, this is such a great post – so well-written and made me laugh!
Toilet talk is not taboo, its a way of life, you are what you eat
Toilet talk is not just for 4th grade boys, but it is the height of hilarity for 4th grade boys… ;-)
not really a taboo topic like it used to be when I was a kid but something people are uncomfortable to talk openly about for the most part!
Probably not something I’d bring up at a dinner party, but we all gotta go!
No it’s not taboo
Depends on who I’m with…and who we’re talking about lol if it’s about me, I’d obviously be having a problem of some sort.. if it’s about a child, nah Mom’s do that.
It isn’t taboo for me.
Depends where and when you’re having that conversation! Hopefully not during mealtime. :)
I think it depends on who I am talking to and where I am whether or not it is taboo.
I do think it tends to be a taboo subject because it’s very personal, and kinda gross…
Not taboo, but it can be something people don’t talk about.
nope, i always have toilet talks with my sisters lol
Nope because everyone goes
I’m a nurse, so talking about a good poop is normal for me.
depends on the company, environment; normal function of our bodies – should be discussed if there’s something to discuss. thanks
Depends where and with who it’s being discussed. Some ppl may not want to hear about it.
“toilet talk” is so normal in this house. Gotta keep it real, no fauxpas or else people develop shame “issues”
It is a normal thing and we should talk about it
It depends on where you are, don’t talk about it at the dinner table.
It is normal to talk about but there is a proper time and place!
I don’t think “toilet talk” is a taboo subject but more of an embarrassing topic of conversation especially when discussed in an appropriate setting.
It’s taboo in the sense that I don’t want to talk about it to total strangers nor do I want them to talk to me. Thank you Lena.
I think it depends who you are talking too…it’s probably not something you’d want to share with just anyone, but I dont think it is a taboo subject, especially with GI health conditions being so common these days.
Not taboo but not dinner table talk either!
Great post Lena, I laughed like crazy. It’s funny how women don’t want to talk about something that’s the most natural and everyone does it.