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Conditions

Constipation

Constipation

Constipation is extremely common and can affect a broad range of ages. It is generally defined as a problem in opening the bowels, but it can also mean opening the bowels less often than normal (perhaps less than three times a week) or passing hard or pellet-like stools on more than a quarter of occasions. Cases range from the acute (occasional and temporary) to the chronic (persistent), and can be triggered by poor diet; irregular mealtimes, and certain medication (particularly codeine-based painkillers and antacids containing aluminium). There are no long term complications for anyone suffering from constipation, although it can be a symptom of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). And with all the eye-bulging straining on the throne, you may also end up with a case of piles or an anal fissure. Still, it’s nothing that a high-fibre diet and lots of fruit and vegetables can’t sort.

If your child is suffering from constipation, then read our special guide for parents on the Embarrassing Bodies: Kids website.

What the Men in White Coats Say

Comments and Questions

The EB doctors have been looking at your comments and have answered some of the common questions below. Remember that it is always best to check with a health professional if you have any concerns about your health.

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Please note: Unfortunately Channel 4 cannot respond to individual inquiries. If you have any concerns, you can check out NHS Choices, but ultimately it is always best to check with a health professional.

is it normal to go number 2 1 a week may b less then that now ive had this problem since it feels like for ever but since i was about 2 i eat regular nd at good times been to the doctor months a go and he gave me movicol helped at first then stoped i kept takeing it till i finished it its really annoying me someone plz help





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I have been constipated for 7 days now. Through this time i have been to the doctors, nhs direct sent me to the hospital. I have been passing what can only be described as mucus and no stool.I have had laxido sachets and then hospital gave me micro enema and told me not to take medication from doctor. Now i been told by district nurse (as i couldnt actually get though to my doctors) to stop all medication as there could be underlying medical conditions. I have to go back to the doctors tomorrow morning but know i am just being messed around.





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I have been dealing with bad constipation since I was 3 I'm now 16 and only make a bowel movement once a week sometimes even less! I eat lots of fiber and take prescribed miralax every day but doesnt seem to help much I also take adderall for add and ADHD and was wondering if it might be from the adderall.





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I'm coming from exactly the same background as you. I was admitted to my local hospital a few months ago with constipation and the doctor prescribed me with movicol and said I should take it up to 8 times a day. Within 2 days of leaving the hospital it finally came out and apart from the litres of diarrhoea afterwards my body was fine :) Hope this kind of helps

it never used to happen, but now i get constipation when i am on my period, can anyone help me with info?





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When I need to poo. I need to really push out. If its a hard poo I could be in the toilet upto half an hour trying to get it out as I am a teen girl it's more embarassing to go to my doctor cos he is a man.





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hi I'm 13 and I suffer from constipation. It hard for me to poo most of the time I need to get paper towel and move it when it half way I do poo 1 from 4-5 weeks I've been to lot of doctors but they gave me a diet and it doesn't work help me . Paul xxx





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I'm sure this is TMI, but I'm not the most "regular" gal on the block. As a gastric bypass surgery patient, I am prone to constipation. I also take iron and calcium supplements which exacerbate things quite a bit. When I mentioned this to one of my doctor's nurses, she recommended the Fiber Cleanse from Lady Soma products. It was very easy to use; I just take with a glass of water once a day. Most importantly, this stuff works!! I find it's better to take it on a regular basis, rather than waiting to get constipated and then taking it. I feel good taking it every day because I know it is all natural, and it keeps me nice and regular.





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I have suffered with constipation for quite some time now. My stools are almost always hard and difficult to pass, and I tend to poo three or less times a week. I have recently become aware that before I need to relieve myself I can feel the stools through the back of my vaginal wall? Applying a gentle (painless) pressure to this helps me a lot in passing stools. Unfortunately because of my busy schedule at the moment I cannot go to the doctors for around another month, but I still want to try and solve this problem. Is there any way I can without being prescribed anything?





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Hi. I have exactly the same problem and am searching this site to see if its normal or not as Id hate to go to the drs only to be told its normal!! Susanne

my problem is complicated its a mixture of sorts, i do get constipated quite regularly, and with this i get terrible cystytis, having terrible period pains and a constant feeling like i m having sex while walking , i havent had a period for about12 years and i am on hrt as i started the menopause at the age of 36, i am now 50, i am put off sex because i get the same symptoms and the drs say its just the way im made?? can anyone give me any idea whats wrong





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does anyone know what causes lots of rounded stools (like golf balls) as opposed to "normal" colon shaped ones? I also get constipated. I don't suffer with pain or diarrhoea.





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I also am suffering from the same complaint. I have had lots of test including a Flexi Sigmoidoscopy and the results from that were "Even though I had 3 litres of a solution (that was perscrbed by the Hospital)that unfortunately the enema had not fully worked completely. There was still semi-solid stool reducing the exclusion value. The mucosal views were reduced at the sigmoid and in the desending colon". I do wish that some one would explain to me in simple terms what does all the mean as I am very conserned and confused. My Consultant has offered my a Stoma of which I have refused so I dont know what or where I can go next, so can anyone give me a suggestion?





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It looks like no one else has asked this question, so please fill in the rest of your details below.





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The information provided on this website (including any NHS Choices medical information) is for use as information or for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical care by a qualified doctor or other qualified healthcare professional. We do not warrant that any information included within this site will meet your health or medical requirements. This Embarrassing Bodies site does not provide any medical or diagnostic services so you should always check with a health professional if you have any concerns about your health.


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Content supplied by NHS Choices

Constipation is a very common condition that affects people of all ages. When you are constipated, you feel that you are not passing stools (faeces) as often as your normally do, or that you have to strain more than usual, or that you are unable to completely empty your bowels. Constipation can also cause your stools to be unusually hard, lumpy, large or small. Read More »

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