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Constipation
Alternate Names : Irregularity of Bowels, Lack of Regular Bowel Movements
 See all Pictures & Images
What to Expect at your Health Care Provider's Office
Your doctor will perform a physical examination, which may include a rectal exam, and ask questions such as:
- How long have you had constipation?
- How many days between two bowel movements?
- Is it worse when you are stressed?
- What is the color, shape, and consistency of the stools?
- Is there any bleeding with bowel movements?
- Do you have any abdominal pain?
- What surgeries or injuries have you had?
- What medications do you take?
- Do you drink coffee or drink alcohol? Do you smoke?
- What other symptoms are also present?
The following tests may help diagnose the cause of constipation:
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Jump to another section
• Definition
• Constipation: Overview & Considerations
• Constipation: Common Causes
• Constipation: Home Care & Treatment
• Constipation: Prevention
• Call your Health Care Provider if
• What to Expect at your Health Care Provider's Office
• Pictures & Images
Topics that might be of interest to you Diseases & Conditions
• Anal Fissure
• Colon Cancer
• Cystic Fibrosis
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (Functional Bowel)
Tests & Exams
• Abdominal Film
• Barium Enema
• CBC
• Partial Thromboplastin Time (PTT)
• Prothrombin Time (PT)
• Sigmoidoscopy
• Upper GI and Small Bowel Series
Other Topics
• Abdominal Pain
• Bloody or Tarry Stools
• Weight Loss - Unintentional
Review Date : 8/8/2003
Reviewed By : Jacqueline A. Hart, M.D., Senior Medical Editor, A.D.A.M. Previously reviewed by Alan Greene, M.D., F.A.A.P., Chief Medical Officer, A.D.A.M., Inc.; Clinical Assistant Professor, Stanford University School of Medicine; Attending Physician, Packard Children's Hospital at Stanford (3/3/2002).
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