What is Constipation

Constipation refers to infrequent bowel movements (often fewer than three per week), hard stools, or difficulty passing stools. It is a common complaint and can be acute or chronic. Chronic constipation may result from slow colonic transit, pelvic floor dysfunction, medications, or conditions like hypothyroidism.

Causes of Constipation

• Low fiber intake or inadequate hydration.
• Sedentary lifestyle.
• Medications such as opioids, iron supplements, and GLP-1s.
• Hormonal disorders like hypothyroidism or during pregnancy.
• Neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s disease.

Evaluation and Management

Evaluation includes a thorough history, physical exam, and sometimes colonoscopy, imaging, or motility studies. Management focuses on lifestyle modifications (fiber, fluids, exercise) and medications to increase the water content of stools or make the colon contract faster. Pelvic floor physical therapy can help patients with pelvic floor dysfunction, and sometimes pelvic floor prolapse needs to be treated with surgery.

Our clinicians evaluate and manage chronic constipation, working to identify the underlying cause and tailor an effective treatment plan.