Constipation in Adults

Since you have difficulty moving stool through your pelvis, it is possible that you have poorly coordinated muscle function in this area as a cause of your constipation. It may be worth your while to undergo specialized testing of your pelvic muscle function.

A video study called "defecography" can observe whether your pelvic and anal muscle movements are appropriately coordinated during a "practice" bowel movement. A thick liquid called barium is used to fill the rectum for this test, or a small balloon may be inflated in your rectum. Rectal pressures can be measured.

These tests usually require an evaluation by a specialist.

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