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Chronic constipation
Long-term constipation (faecal impaction) can be painful and uncomfortable. Find out how we can help.
About
Prolonged constipation can lead to a build-up of dry, hard poo in your rectum (the part of your large intestine where poo is stored). This is called chronic constipation (also known as faecal impaction). It can often lead to a leaking of diarrhoea-like stools, as well as other symptoms, like nausea and stomach cramping.
Need to know
Because the constipated poo is too hard to push out, your bowel begins to leak out watery stools, which may look like diarrhoea. Other symptoms of chronic constipation may include:
- A feeling of needing to poo even after having you've gone to the toilet
- Excessive straining when pooing
- Stomach pains and cramping
- Pooing less frequently
- Bloating
- Nausea
At our advanced neurogastroenterology diagnostic centre, your consultant will discuss your symptoms with you to help make a diagnosis. Using advanced methods, they may also carry out a study of your bowel to find out what is causing your constipation. By doing so, we'll be able to come up with treatment options (if required) which are tailored to you.
Your consultant will discuss your treatment options with you. This may range from laxatives and special bowel stimulants to biofeedback therapy and pelvic floor exercise.
Patient stories
Yvette's story: From back pain to hip replacement surgery
Yvette (54) a journalist from Kent, started experiencing pain in her hip seven years ago in 2015. An ex-national gymnast who had been incredibly active and flexible her whole life, Yvette felt concerned about the growing discomfort impacting her quality of life, and so sought help from her GP.
A new hip and straight back into the spin of things
David's gym video shows him repeatedly pushing up to 100kg on a single leg press – not particularly unusual for this keen cyclist former competitive squash player and all-round fitness enthusiast. What is unusual is that 52-year-old David had hip surgery just 12 weeks earlier.
Michael's MAKO hip surgery to treat his arthritis
73 year-old Michael, an avid walker and charity worker, was diagnosed with arthritis in January 2021. After facing long waiting times and increasing pain that was becoming more frequent, he started to look elsewhere for treatment.
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.