Constipation is a very common condition. Your GP will not usually need to carry out any tests or procedures, but will confirm a diagnosis of constipation based on your medical history and your symptoms.
Your GP will ask you some questions about your bowel habits. Do not feel embarrassed about describing your bowel pattern and stools to your GP. It is important that your GP is aware of all of your symptoms so they can make the correct diagnosis.
Your GP may also ask questions about your diet, level of exercise and whether there have been any recent changes in your routines.
Doctors define constipation in a number of ways:
- opening the bowels less than three times a week
- needing to strain to open your bowels on more than a quarter of occasions
- passing a hard or pellet-like stool on more than a quarter of occasions
Physical examination
If your GP suspects that you may have faecal impaction (when dry, hard stools collect in your rectum), they may carry out a physical examination. Read more about complications of constipation.
A typical examination will begin with you lying on your back while the GP feels your abdomen. You will then lie on your side while the GP performs a rectal examination using a lubricated, gloved finger. Your GP can feel for any stools that may have collected.
Your GP will rarely have to conduct an internal physical examination on a child. Instead, the diagnosis can normally be made by feeling their abdomen (tummy).
Further tests
If you are experiencing severe symptoms, your doctor may request further tests, such as blood tests or thyroid tests, to diagnose or rule out other conditions.
As there is an increased risk of colorectal cancer in older adults, your doctor may also request tests to rule out a diagnosis of cancer, including a barium enema or colonoscopy.
