What are the causes of chronic constipation?

The inability to have a bowel movement is caused by the poorly coordinated pelvic floor muscles (puborectalis plays a major role). When the puborectalis muscle is relaxed- the anal sphincter is open and allows stool to be evacuated. When the puborectalis muscle is contracted, the sphincter is closed and prevents fecal incontinence. There are many factors that can result in conditions that may cause this dysfunction.

Can chronic constipation be treated?

Yes, most underlying conditions that cause chronic constipation can be treated. With our multimodal treatment approach, patients can experience increased pelvic function and decreased pain.

How can chronic constipation be prevented?

While we know that many causes of chronic pain are not related to what patients eat or drink, it is still helpful to drink plenty of water and eat foods that are rich in fiber. Not holding stool when you feel an urge to go can also help prevent the muscles in your pelvic floor from becoming tense. Habitually holding stool can cause chronic constipation to become worse and more frequent over time.

Why should I see a pelvic pain specialist for my chronic constipation?

Chronic constipation is often the result of a pelvic floor health condition such as a hypertonic pelvic floor. Pelvic pain specialists are the experts in diagnosing and treating conditions that relate to the pelvic floor nerves and muscles. At PRM, we use a multimodal approach to treatment, so we are looking into all of the potential causes of your symptoms.

When should I seek treatment for chronic constipation?

Because chronic constipation is not normal (although after a long time, it may seem normal for you) and may be a symptom of a more severe condition, we recommend booking an appointment with a pelvic pain specialist if you have been experiencing chronic constipation that is not temporary.

Chronic Constipation Treatment Options & Specialists

Understanding Constipation & Bowel Movements

What is Chronic Constipation?

Chronic constipation is described as having less than three bowel movements a week or having difficulty with bowel movements. With chronic constipation, straining and difficulty in evacuating bowel movements can be very painful, before, during, and after the bowel movement. Many times, you may feel the need to have a bowel movement but are unable to do so, and some patients with chronic constipation will also develop hemorrhoids. Chronic constipation and straining on the toilet over time puts stress on your pelvic floor and will lead to pelvic floor muscle dysfunction.

We Provide Chronic Constipation Treatment.

Our pelvic pain specialists are experts in recognizing the symptoms of and diagnosing pelvic pain conditions. With The PRM Protocol, we go further than addressing the symptoms on the surface – we treat the underlying causes of pelvic pain.

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In the News & From Our Providers

Woman’s World

Featured in Woman’s World: Dr. Shrikhande on Why Pelvic Floor Health Matters (Alternate: Dr. Shrikhande Featured in Woman’s World for Pelvic Floor Health)

Dr. Allyson Shrikhande, PRM’s Co-Founder and Chief Medical Officer, served as medical reviewer and expert source…

Rosy

Understanding Constipation & Bowel Movements

What is Chronic Constipation?

We Provide Chronic Constipation Treatment.

In the News & From Our Providers

Featured in Woman’s World: Dr. Shrikhande on Why Pelvic Floor Health Matters (Alternate: Dr. Shrikhande Featured in Woman’s World for Pelvic Floor Health)

Dr. Shrikhande Answers the Question, What is Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome (CPPS)?: Featured in Rosy

Dr. Allyson Shrikhande And Dr. Melanie Carminati of Inspira Physical Therapy Discuss Pelvic Pain And Physical Therapy

Pelvic Rehabilitation Medicine Founders Honored for Revolutionizing Pelvic Pain Treatment and Creating National Impact

Pelvic Rehabilitation Medicine Releases State of Endometriosis Survey Data

A Comprehensive Approach To Vulvodynia & Vulvar Pain with Dr. Allyson Shrikhande