Constipation is the inability to have a bowel movement at least three times a week, leading to hard stools that can be painful to pass. It’s common and you can get it at any age.
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Constipation is when you pass stools less frequently than usual (technically less than three times a week). There are often other symptoms associated with it too, such as dry or hard stools, straining to pass stool, or experiencing pain when going to the toilet.
Lots of people get constipation from time to time. Softening your stools by changing your diet to include more fibre and drinking more fluids can sometimes help. But other times, treatment may be needed.
Who gets constipation?
Anyone can become constipated, but some people may be more at risk than others :
Women who are pregnant or recently post-partum;
Older people;
People who have a diet that’s poor in fibre;
People who take certain types of medication or dietary supplements, such as antacids, iron supplements, narcotic pain medication, anticonvulsants, diuretics, and others;
People with certain gastrointestinal disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome, commonly referred to as IBS;
People of Black or Asian ethnicity.
How common is constipation?
Constipation is a very common condition. Average rates can vary between countries and children and the elderly population tend to be the most likely to experience it.
It’s pretty likely that everyone will experience it at some point in their lives. An openness to discuss constipation is another complicating factor when treating it – it’s estimated that one in five adults are embarrassed to talk about it with their doctor.
There are many different treatment options that can help, and for those looking for discretion, then online may be a more appealing option.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy
Constipation treatment
What causes constipation?
Constipation can be caused by multiple things . There may be one single cause or a combination of many. These causes can include:
Dehydration;
Pregnancy;
Age, as you’re more likely to get constipated as you get older; Travelling can also affect your bowel movements;
Certain medical conditions such as anatomic problems of the digestive tract, intestinal obstructions, hypothyroidism, diabetes, spinal cord or brain injuries, and Parkinson’s disease;
The slow movement of the stools through the colon;
Gastrointestinal conditions such as IBS;
A diet poor in fibre;
A diet with too much fibre;
Following a sedentary lifestyle; and:
Taking certain medications and supplements such as antacids, diuretics, iron supplements, anticonvulsants, medicines used to treat Parkinson’s disease, narcotic pain medicines, and antidepressants.
There has also been a link between psychiatric conditions and constipation .
What are the symptoms of constipation?
The main symptom of constipation is not being able to go to the toilet to pass a stool. But it can come with other uncomfortable symptoms too. They can include bloatedness, nausea, straining, dry stools, pain and discomfort.
Can constipation lead to other problems?
Severe cases of constipation can lead to faecal impaction, which can cause diarrhoea and require medication to treat it. A doctor might even have to remove the impacted stools manually.
There’s also a link between constipation and haemorrhoids, a condition that is caused by high levels of pressure in blood vessels around the anus. It causes the tissue in and around the anus to swell, which can lead to bleeding, pain and discomfort. Haemorrhoids can be treated with medication or non-invasive hospital procedures, but in some severe cases surgery may be required.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy
Constipation treatment
What medications are there for constipation?
The most common treatment for constipation is laxatives, of which there are two types: osmotic and stimulant laxatives . The osmotic type draws water into the stools to make them softer and easier to pass, and stimulant laxatives induce bowel movements by making the intestinal muscles contract.
For mild constipation, over the counter treatment usually works well enough. These include senna, glycerin suppositories, and bisacodyl.
For more severe cases that result in faecal impaction, you might need an enema, strong laxatives, suppositories, or a manual procedure to remove the impacted faeces. If constipation leads to haemorrhoids, there are various ointments and suppositories available that can help reduce the symptoms and the discomfort associated with them.
Is there a ‘best’ treatment for constipation?
Each individual person has specific health needs, so the best constipation treatment for you might not be the same as what’s best for someone else. Increasing your fluid intake and the amount of fibre you eat on a daily basis can often ease constipation symptoms.
If making adjustments at home doesn’t help your constipation then there are plenty of treatments to choose from. You may prefer a treatment that’s taken as a drink or oral tablets may be easier for you. We have a variety of constipation treatments available at Treated and our clinicians should be able to help you decide on the best treatment for you.
If you use a constipation treatment and it does not help your symptoms then you should let the clinician know so that they can suggest an alternative.
If you’re severely constipated you should consult with a doctor and follow their instructions.
Does constipation always need treatment?
Not always, it’s quite possible for constipation symptoms to resolve on their own, but this can depend on what’s causing it. Simply adding more fibre to your diet and increasing your fluid intake can get rid of constipation in some cases. But if constipation continues to cause you problems, you should seek treatment instead of waiting for it to possibly disappear.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy
Constipation treatment
FAQ: Constipation treatment
Have something specific you want to know about Constipation treatment? Search our info below, or ask our experts a question if you can’t find what you’re looking for.
How is constipation diagnosed?
Answer:
Constipation should be fairly easy to identify and self-diagnose. If you’re not passing stools as often as you usually do, or if you are struggling to pass stools because they are hard and dry, then you’re likely to be considered constipated.
If you’re not sure what the issue is and you’re not being treated with over-the-counter medications yet, your doctor will ask about your symptoms to be able to diagnose your constipation.
If you’ve developed haemorrhoids the doctor will also be able to diagnose them by looking at the affected area and asking about your symptoms.
Can you get side effects from constipation treatment?
Answer:
Yes, you can get side effects from any medication, including constipation treatment. The most common side effects of laxatives are stomach upset and dependence, if they’re used more often than necessary.
Does constipation treatment always work?
Answer:
There’s no guarantee that the constipation treatment of your choice will work perfectly, but laxatives are usually effective in the treatment of constipation. The more constipated you are, or the longer you leave it to seek treatment, the stronger the laxatives may need to be so you might have to try different strengths until you find the one that works best.
Why should I buy constipation treatment online with Treated?
Answer:
Buying constipation treatment online with Treated is a convenient and easy way to get your medication, but it also provides you with a link to our doctors. They’re on hand to support you throughout your course of treatment.
If you get your treatment with us, we’ll stay in touch to make sure that any medication we prescribe is working as it should. And if you come across any bumps in the road or your health condition changes, we can adjust your medication or offer something different.
Barberio, B., Judge, C., Savarino, E.V. and Ford, A.C. (2021).
Global prevalence of functional constipation according to the Rome criteria: a systematic review and meta-analysis. The Lancet Gastroenterology & Hepatology. [online]
Egberts, T.C.G., Pijl, Y.J., Wilting, I. and Tenback, D.E. (2016). The Relation between Psychiatric Diagnoses and Constipation in Hospitalized Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study. Psychiatry Journal, 2016, pp.1–4.
Akobeng, A.K. and Thomas, A.G. (2016). Osmotic and stimulant laxatives for the management of childhood constipation. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews.
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any questions or concerns about your health, please talk to a doctor.
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