If you've ever experienced the discomfort of constipation perhaps from a change in your diet, I’m sure you’ve considered a good number of options for bowel relief. The frequency you have a bowel movement differs from person to person, but the normal amount ranges from as many as three a day to as few as two a week.Only your own body knows for sure but sometimes it does need a little help to have them. Due to circumstances such as poor diet, physical inactivity, pregnancy, illness or some medications, normal bowel function can be disrupted and cause constipation. There are a few good over-the-counter laxatives which will do the trick.There are bunch of different types of laxatives which are either taken by mouth, otherwise known as oral laxatives or through your rectum like enemas and suppositories. Oral laxatives are available in many different forms like liquids, tablets, wafer, gums, or powders that you dissolve in water which make them a more popular solution compared to rectal laxatives for your constipation needs.They both have the same effects but work in different ways, and the effectiveness of each laxative type is different from person to person. For example, bulk-forming laxatives, like Metamucil and Citrucel are the gentlest and safe to use long term, but stimulant laxatives, such as Ex-lax and Senokot, shouldn't be used long term since they are harsh on your colon. The following list contains some examples of common types of laxatives.    * Oral hyperosmotics – These are your Epsom salts and Phillips' Milk of Magnesia. They work by drawing water into the colon from the surrounding body tissues allowing for easier passage of stool.      Side Effects – Some of the side effects are bloating, cramping, diarrhea, nausea, gas, and increased thirst.    * Oral bulk formers – Citrucel and Metamucil are good examples of this type of laxative. These laxatives work by absorbing water in to the colon to form a soft, bulky stool, and then prompting normal contractions of intestinal muscles.      Side Effects – Some of the side effects include bloating, gas, cramping, choking and increased constipation if not taken with enough water.    * Oral stool softeners – These types of laxatives cab be sold in stores as either Colace or Surfak. They work by adding moisture to your stool allowing for a strain-free bowel movement.      Side Effects – Some the side effects are throat irritation and stomach or intestinal cramping.    * Oral stimulants – These are most popular style of laxatives on the market. Ex-lax and other brands such as Senokot can be found on any store shelf at your local drugstore. These oral stimulant laxatives work by triggering rhythmic contractions of the intestinal muscles to help with the elimination of excess stool.      Side Effects – Some of the side effects are excess belching, cramping, diarrhea, nausea, faintness, and sometimes urine discoloration.    * Rectal stimulants – These laxatives can be bought from companies such as Fleet Bisacodyl or Dulcolax. They work trigger rhythmic contractions of intestinal muscles to help eliminate stool.      Side Effects – Some of the side effects include rectal irritation, stomach discomfort, faintness, and cramping.