An expert guide to keeping you regular

Constipation & hard stools

When you’re constipated you may have symptoms that relate to the frequency of going to the loo (going less often) and/or symptoms that relate to the consistency of your stools (ie hard and dry and uncomfortable when going to the loo). Some symptoms are more bothersome than others.

Hard Stools

You may also notice your stools are smaller (or larger) than usual. They may sometimes resemble pea-like lumps or rabbit droppings.

These are sometimes known as painful poo symptoms (PPS). It may sound quite trivial but a survey has shown that around 6.3 million people in the UK suffer from this type of constipation at some point in their lives. PPS can become a problem because it can cause you to start avoiding going to the loo and waste can start to build up in your bowel and make the problem worse.

Straining when going to the loo after not going for longer than normal may be painful and difficult. Complications associated with chronic/severe constipation include:

• Haemorrhoids (piles)
• Anal fissures
• Faecal impaction
• Prolapse

For these reasons it makes sense not to ignore hard stools and to take steps to try and soften them by:

• Eating more fibre: Many constipation sufferers can improve or prevent the condition by eating more dietary fibre. Aim for five portions of fruits and vegetables a day, and eat fibre-rich foods such as whole grains, brown rice, pulses etc at every meal.
• Taking more exercise: Exercise stimulates regular bowel movements, and inactivity and lack of exercise are key risk factors for constipation. Aim for 30 minutes a day – try brisk walking, jogging, swimming or any activity that raises your heart rate and leaves you slightly breathless.
• Drinking more fluids: You need to be drinking 6-8 glasses (1.2 litres) of fluid a day (including clear soups, herbal teas etc) to keep hydrated and ease the passage of food and waste through the gut. It is best to avoid too many fizzy drinks, caffeine and alcohol.
• Try a stool softener: These medicines work in different ways. For example Dulcoease^® is a treatment which works as a stool softener, softening the contents of your bowel which makes it easier and more comfortable to go. Dulcoease^® contains docusate sodium. Always read the label.

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