Related conditions

Constipation is a condition in itself but it can sometimes be related to other conditions, commonly Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and stomach cramps. If you have a specific medical query, you should always contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): This is the medical name for a group of symptoms involving abnormal bowel habits including diarrhoea and constipation (sometimes alternating between the two) as well as abdominal pain, bloating, abdominal swelling and a feeling of incomplete emptying of the bowels. For more information go to www.ibs-relief.co.uk
Stomach cramps: Constipation can sometimes lead to cramping stomach pains. For more information go to www.stomach-cramps.co.uk
Haemorrhoids (piles): These are swollen enlarged veins in the rectum that sometimes protrude and cause pain and bleeding when going to the loo. If you start avoiding the urge to go because you are anticipating pain this can lead to constipation and in turn make the haemorrhoid worse. Stool softeners such as Dulcoease^® can help by softening the contents of your bowel which makes it easier and more comfortable to go.
Anal fissures: These are tears in the skin caused by straining to pass stools. You may find that stool softeners such as Dulcoease^® make it easier for you to go.
Periods: Some women find they get constipated around the time of their monthly menstrual period due to hormonal changes which affect the gut.
Peri-menopause/menopause: Older women who are approaching or going through the menopause can also experience constipation due to hormonal changes.

Other underlying causes: Occasionally constipation can be a sign of something more serious. This is unusual but in some cases constipation can be associated with:

Diverticular disease: This is a common condition caused by small pouches or bulges developing in the lining of the small bowel. Once recognised, this can usually be controlled by a change in eating habits and ensuring you have a healthy balanced diet.
Underactive thyroid: Constipation can be a symptom of an underactive thyroid gland. The thyroid gland controls the rate of metabolism and if it doesn’t produce enough of certain hormones that the body needs, your metabolism can slow down causing a range of symptoms including constipation, lethargy, feeling cold, thinning hair and a croaky voice. If you think you might have this, you should speak to your doctor.
Bowel cancer: If constipation has occurred as a change in your normal bowel habit and you’ve had it for more than six weeks and have other symptoms such as blood in your stool, unexplained weight loss or extreme tiredness it is important you get checked by your doctor.
Parkinson’s disease: This is a neurological condition which affects the co-ordination of body movements.
Multiple Sclerosis (MS): This is a degenerative condition which affects the nervous system.
Damage to the spinal cord: Injuries to the spinal cord can affect the nerves leading to the bowel.