Constipation can be treated in several ways depending on the causes and exam findings.

Diet changes - Increasing dietary fiber is the most common way of treating constipation.  Eating high fiber foods (with whole grains, fruits, vegetables, or high fiber cereals) or over the counter fiber supplements can sometimes help make stools more formed, softer, and more frequent.  It is important to drink enough water, especially when using fiber, to help keep the stools soft.  Avoiding starchy foods such as white rice, pasta, or white bread can help prevent constipation.

Medications - When fiber supplementation isn’t enough, your doctor can recommend medications such as stool softeners or osmotic laxatives to help.  For patients with irritable bowel syndrome, prescription medications are available.  Medications that cause constipation as a side effect should be discussed with your doctor because they can often be switched to others that don’t.

Biofeedback - Specialized physical therapists can perform biofeedback to improve the pelvic muscle strength, tone and endurance.In the difficult cases of fpelvic muscle spasm working with a trained physical therapist may yield better results.  See your doctor for a referral.

Surgery - For patients with rectoceles or other bowel disorders who don’t improve with the treatments listed above, surgery can sometimes lead to improved bowel emptying.