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FAQs
Your Questions Answered
1. What are some of the characteristics of constipation?
Painful, difficult bowel movements and feeling gassy or bloated are well-known characteristics of constipation. Other signs include hard, dry stools or excessive straining to pass a bowel movement.
It's important to keep in mind that infrequent bowel movements alone do not necessarily indicate constipation. It depends on what is "normal" for you. In medical terms, constipation is diagnosed when a patient has fewer than three bowel movements a week, and/or stools are hard and dry.
2. What causes constipation?
Constipation occurs when the normal muscle actions in the
colon (large intestine) fail to work properly, meaning the contents
cannot be eliminated normally.
The causes of constipation are complex and for most people with long-standing constipation there is no identifiable cause.1,2 Recent review of available evidence has shown many previously held beliefs as to the causes of constipation, are unfounded.3 However, causes can include some of the following:
- Certain diseases
- Certain medications
- Unsuitable diet
- Changes in routine, such as holidays or travel
- Change in metabolism
- Suppressing the urge to go to the bathroom
- Hormonal changes; pregnancy
- Recovery from surgery
- In some cases, not getting enough exercise.
3. How often should someone have a bowel movement? What's normal?
When it comes to bowel movements, what is normal varies from person to person. Some healthy people have one bowel movement a day, some have more than one, and others have just three or four a week. It all depends on your individual digestive system, what you eat, and your own lifestyle. But if you have fewer than three bowel movements a week, or if having a bowel movement involves excessive straining and/or pain, or if your routine is less often than is usual for you, you may be suffering from constipation.
4. Is
there a reason why women suffer from constipation much
more often than do men?
Yes. Women suffer from constipation three times more frequently than men do. This could be connected with female reproductive hormones and the uterus. At different stages in the menstrual cycle, the body releases hormones that can slow the normal movement of the colon's muscles.
During pregnancy, also, the body produces special hormones to
immobilise the uterus, to avoid premature contractions. This
immobilisation of the uterus also affects the intestinal muscle,
which could cause
constipation. During the menopause, the body's hormone levels
are changing considerably; this could also influence the movement
of the intestines
and may lead to constipation.
References
1. Kamm MA. Constipation and its management. British Medical Journal 2003;327:460-462. http://bmj.com/cgi/content/full/327/7413/459
2. Tramonte SM, et al. The treatment of chronic constipation: a systematic review. Journal of General Internal Medicine 1997;12:15-24.
3. Müller-Lissner SA, Kamm MA, Scarpignato C, Wald A. Myths and Misconceptions About Chronic Constipation. American Journal of Gastroenterology 2005; www.amjgastro.com
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