My wife and I just recently had a baby(she did most the work) and around the same time I was constipated. Now, I noticed that when she went into labor the doctor pulled out some stirrups so she could get that extra little push to help get the baby out. I was thinking to my self (notice, this was after 14 hours with almost no food and standing the whole time) why can't I have that in the bathroom so I could get rid of my constipation?

I was thinking that if the stalls had swing around stirrups built into the walls and maybe a little handle that could be used for pushing, we would all be a little happier. Lots of people would have the broom handle pushed out by now. The handle I was thinking of could be placed on the front lip of the bowl, or even modify the bowl a bit so that it could be the handle too. I don't know, what do you think?
-- barnzenen, Dec 28 2000

just when you thought it was safe..... http://www.breathin...salvas-maneuver.htm
[po, May 21 2002, last modified Oct 06 2004]

Rocking Horse Toilet http://www.elseware...s/rocking_horse.htm
This recently cropped up on a blog I read. [ry4an, Oct 06 2004]

Constipation = civilization http://archive.salo...06/22/constipation/
"...some of our great thinkers, from Martin Luther to Ben Franklin and beyond, have been afflicted with clogged bowels." [horripilation, Oct 06 2004]

Squatty Potty https://www.youtube...watch?v=YbYWhdLO43Q
It is commercial now [barnzenen, Oct 08 2015]

"Yee-haw"?
-- absterge, Dec 29 2000


That sounds like a dark road indeed.
-- Monkfish, Dec 29 2000


What about a giant centrifuge, to add some G-force?
-- rmutt, Dec 29 2000


What about the other "labour-saving" devices - like forceps?
-- Skybird, Dec 30 2000


Try Epsom Salts. Much easier
-- rjswanson, Apr 07 2001


I know most of you thought this idea was dead, but I just had to mention something. My son is learning to use the potty, so we have a step stool for him to use when he has to pee. Well, I just had Mother Nature tell me something and I decided to use his bathroom instead of mine (it was closer) and I put my foot up on his stool. Let me tell you, with the added benefit of the stool I shot that turtle head straight down the pipe and I saw no more of it. Really made a difference. I still think this idea has some merit.
-- barnzenen, May 21 2002


[barnzenen] Try a phone book. Works just as well and it's easier to explain.
-- phoenix, May 21 2002


restrooms for the handicapped have those handrails which are nice.
-- destro, May 21 2002


This brings to mind the increased popularity of caesareans - a "way out" for the chronically constipated?
-- FarmerJohn, May 21 2002


see link bob. (hermoroids are the very least of your problem)
-- po, May 21 2002


Actually the throne type toilets are very unphysiologic. For thousands of years folks crapped by squatting down. They still do, in Italy - I found the toilets there are holes in the floor with a place to put your foot on either side. I am still not clear what you do with your pants during this - maybe hang them on the wall. Bringing up the knee is a good way to increase intra-abdominal pressure. This realization led to things like birthing stools, squatting deliveries etc. But nothing for the toilet ... yet.

The device could be a toilet seat with the stirrups built in. It could be an add-on to the normal toilet.

Straining at the stool (or baby) can indeed cause hemorrhoids. But it has got to come out somehow.
-- bungston, Oct 29 2002


So, bungston, you with me or against me?
-- barnzenen, Oct 30 2002


http://NaturesPlatform.com has the only true squatting device for an ordinary toilet.

It also has a wealth of information on the health-benefits of squatting. Doctors are really going to be embarrassed when they realize how many operations they have performed unnecessarily.
-- jon5674, Dec 05 2002


If only they had these in Luther's day. Take the idea to the Vatican, they may want to bake it.
-- Ludwig, Dec 06 2002


The Squatty Potty ad deserves much praise.
-- tatterdemalion, Oct 08 2015



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