Constipation caused by medication...how can I combat it?

Hello. I started birth control for the first time  about a month ago. It has made me quite constipated :/. Basically, TMI, I wake up and when I go there is pretty much just a couple pebbles. Obviously I'm eating more than that lol. I've never had any issues with this. I eat 35-45 grams of fiber, I drink tons of water and tea and etc. I dunno how to combat something caused by medications. I just don't want to take ExLax because it can ruin your colon over time. Plus, even after I took a small amount of ExLax (not even a half dose) it did nothing.

Long story short, what can I do to combat this? I eat yogurt once a day and do all the veges and fruit  but are there safe meds that I should try?

Thank you!

Try psyllium husks - a natural remedy for this type of thing. You could also try eating tinned prunes, perhaps on your yogurt for breakfast. Good luck!

I had a similar problem with medications. I used Miralax.

I have never heard of birth control causing constipation, though of course everyone has a different experience with medications.  Are you still taking an anti-depressant? These are usually far more likely to cause digestive upset. Those and pain killers are some of the most egregious culprits.

Based on your previous posts, it seems like this is not the first time you've had digestive troubles.  With your history of ED, I would avoid laxatives for a number of reasons... Maybe try adding healthy fats--often if you're having hard, dry stools it can be an issue of sluggish bowel and poor lubrication.  Some people find black coffee in the morning helpful, though it only works well if you're well hydrated.

If I were you, I would talk to a doctor about the possibility of Irritable Bowel Syndrome.  This is fairly common in women and can alternate constipation/bloating/diarrhea.  The aggravators for IBS are stress and erratic diet and sleep schedules.  There are some medications to treat the symptoms, but no real cure--it just means you will always have to be vigilant about treating your body well...