Constipation

Constipation is a common problem that affects people of all ages – but that doesn’t mean you have to live with it. At the Rapid Access Bowel Clinic, we understand how uncomfortable and frustrating constipation can be. Whether it’s a new issue or something you’ve been dealing with for years, our specialists can help you get to the root of the problem and find relief.

What is constipation?

Constipation means passing stools less often than usual, or having hard, dry, or difficult-to-pass bowel movements. You might also feel bloated, sluggish, or as though you haven’t fully emptied your bowels. For some people, constipation comes and goes. For others, it’s a long-term issue that affects daily life.

You don’t have to have a bowel movement every day to be healthy – but if your routine changes and you’re going fewer than three times a week, it could be a sign of constipation.

Common causes of constipation

There are many reasons why constipation can develop. These include:

Low-fibre diet – not eating enough fruit, vegetables, or wholegrains
Dehydration – not drinking enough fluids can make stools dry and hard
Lack of exercise – physical activity helps stimulate bowel movements
Ignoring the urge – regularly delaying trips to the toilet can worsen symptoms
Medications – including certain painkillers, antidepressants, and iron supplements
Hormonal changes – such as during pregnancy or the menopause
Underlying conditions – like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), underactive thyroid, or bowel narrowing

When to see a bowel specialist

Constipation is very common, but if it becomes frequent, painful, or is accompanied by other worrying symptoms, it’s time to speak to a specialist.

See a consultant if you experience:

Ongoing constipation that doesn’t improve with diet or lifestyle changes
Abdominal pain or bloating
Blood in or around the stool
Unexplained weight loss
A feeling of incomplete emptying after going to the toilet
New bowel symptoms if you’re over 50

It’s especially important to get checked if there’s a family history of bowel conditions such as bowel cancer or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

How we investigate constipation

At the Rapid Access Bowel Clinic, we’ll start with a detailed consultation to understand your symptoms, lifestyle, and any existing medical conditions. We may recommend:

Blood tests to check for thyroid issues, coeliac disease or signs of inflammation
Stool tests to rule out infection or assess bowel function
Colonoscopy or flexible sigmoidoscopy to examine the bowel lining
Imaging such as MRI or CT scans if needed
Specialised tests to assess how your bowel moves (e.g. transit studies or anorectal physiology)

Treatment options

Once we’ve identified the cause of your constipation, we can develop a personalised treatment plan. This may include:

Dietary advice – increasing fibre intake and improving hydration
Medication – such as gentle laxatives, stool softeners or newer treatments that help bowel movement
Pelvic floor physiotherapy – if your symptoms are linked to muscle control or function
Management of underlying conditions – like IBS, thyroid problems, or structural issues

Our goal is to help you regain regular, comfortable bowel movements and improve your quality of life.

Contact the Rapid Access Bowel Clinic

Get in touch to make a private appointment request with the Rapid Access Bowl Clinic. Either fill out the form below with a brief nature of your request, or call our team on 0161 495 7046 who will be happy to help.