Constipation is a common digestive symptom that can leave you feeling uncomfortable, bloated and frustrated. It usually involves infrequent bowel movements, hard stools, or difficulty going to the toilet. While most cases improve with simple lifestyle changes, ongoing constipation is worth investigating to help you understand what’s causing it and find the right treatment.
When to see a GP
When to seek urgent medical advice
Relevant diagnostic tests
Book a specialist consultation
If constipation is affecting your daily life, our experienced digestive health specialists at Clarity are here to help. With access to advanced diagnostic tests and personalised treatment plans, we can help you find answers and get back to feeling more comfortable.
Everyone’s bowel habits are different, so what feels normal for one person may not be normal for another. Constipation is often more than simply not going to the toilet regularly. Many people describe feeling uncomfortable, sluggish, bloated or unable to completely empty their bowels.
Constipation is generally defined as having fewer than three bowel movements per week or experiencing significant difficulty passing stools.
Common signs of constipation include:
Many people describe a sluggish bowel that feels slow, unresponsive, or difficult to empty.
Accompanying symptoms
Constipation often occurs alongside other digestive symptoms, including:
Chronic constipation symptoms can develop gradually over time and may start to affect daily comfort, confidence and quality of life.
Constipation can happen for many reasons, and often it’s linked to everyday factors such as diet, hydration, stress or changes in routine. Sometimes, however, persistent symptoms can be a sign of an underlying digestive condition that may benefit from specialist assessment.
Lifestyle & dietary triggers
The good news is that many of the most common causes of constipation can often be improved through small changes to lifestyle and diet. Common triggers include:
A diet low in fruits, vegetables, wholegrains and legumes is one of the most common hard stools causes. Some medications can also contribute to constipation, including:
Common digestive conditions
Several digestive health conditions can contribute to chronic constipation symptoms.
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
Some people with IBS experience constipation as their main symptom. This can lead to abdominal pain, bloating and irregular bowel habits.
Functional constipation
This occurs when the bowel moves more slowly than expected, without an identifiable structural cause. It is one of the most common reasons people experience long-term constipation.
Pelvic floor dysfunction
Problems coordinating the muscles involved in bowel movements can make passing stool more difficult, even when the bowel contains waste.
Coeliac disease
While coeliac disease is often associated with diarrhoea, some people experience constipation as one of their main symptoms.
Less common or serious conditions
Less commonly, constipation may be linked to an underlying medical condition.
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
Conditions such as Crohn’s disease can occasionally affect bowel function and cause constipation.
Bowel obstruction
A blockage in the bowel can prevent stools from passing normally and requires urgent medical assessment.
Neurological conditions
Conditions affecting the nervous system, such as Parkinson’s disease or multiple sclerosis, can sometimes affect bowel function.
Bowel cancer
Constipation alone is not usually caused by bowel cancer. However, a recent change in bowel habits, particularly when accompanied by weight loss or blood in the stool, should always be investigated.
Most cases of constipation are not caused by a serious condition and often improve with simple self-care measures. However, if symptoms persist, keep returning, or are accompanied by certain warning signs, it’s important to seek medical advice.
Seek urgent medical advice if constipation is accompanied by:
If you’re concerned about your symptoms, it’s worth speaking to a healthcare professional. Early assessment can provide reassurance and help identify whether any further investigation is needed.
If symptoms are severe, it’s important to contact NHS 111, seek emergency medical advice, or arrange an urgent medical assessment.
If constipation isn’t improving or keeps coming back, understanding the underlying cause is the first step towards effective treatment. A specialist can recommend the most appropriate investigations based on your symptoms and medical history.
Initial consultation
During your appointment, a gastroenterologist may ask about:
A physical examination may also be recommended.
Diagnostic tests & procedures
Depending on your symptoms, a specialist may recommend one or more investigations.
Colonoscopy
This allows your specialist to examine the bowel in detail and identify possible causes of your symptoms. The procedure can help provide reassurance and guide the most appropriate treatment plan moving forward.
Flexible sigmoidoscopy
This procedure examines the lower part of the bowel and may be recommended depending on your symptoms.
Blood tests
Blood tests can help check for:
Stool tests
These may identify infection, inflammation or hidden blood in the stool.
Abdominal ultrasound or CT scan
In some cases, imaging scans can provide additional information about your digestive health and help your specialist build a complete picture of what’s causing your symptoms.
The best treatment for constipation depends on what’s causing it. For many people, simple lifestyle adjustments can make a significant difference. When symptoms are ongoing, specialist assessment can help ensure you receive the most effective treatment for your individual needs.
Self-care & home remedies
Many people achieve effective constipation relief through simple lifestyle changes.
These may include:
Prunes, linseeds and high-fibre cereals may also help support regular bowel movements.
Many people notice gradual improvements within a few weeks of making positive changes to their diet and daily routine. Establishing healthy bowel habits can also help reduce the likelihood of symptoms returning.
Medical & prescription treatments
If lifestyle changes are not enough, medication may be recommended.
Treatment options can include:
If an underlying condition is contributing to your symptoms, treating that condition can often improve bowel function and provide longer-lasting relief.
Surgical or specialist interventions
Although most people won’t need specialist procedures, when symptoms are severe or linked to an underlying condition, additional treatments may help improve comfort and restore normal bowel function.
These may include:
Your specialist will discuss all available options and recommend the approach most appropriate for you.
Living with ongoing digestive symptoms can be frustrating, especially when you’re unsure what’s causing them. At Clarity, we’re committed to helping you find answers quickly, so you can move forward with confidence.
See a consultant gastroenterologist without lengthy waiting times and receive expert support when you need it most.
Our modern diagnostic facilities help identify the cause of your symptoms efficiently, allowing treatment to begin sooner.
Every patient is different. That’s why we take the time to understand your symptoms, concerns and medical history before creating a treatment plan tailored to you.
From your first appointment to ongoing care, our team is committed to providing a welcoming, supportive experience focused on your comfort and wellbeing.
As the first step in your private digestive health journey, Clarity Consult is an entirely FREE consultation.
This is designed to be a clear, consultant-led private pathway for patients experiencing digestive symptoms, with fast access, transparent costs and flexible appointments.
This content has been developed using guidance from: