Chronic Constipation

Overview

Chronic constipation is a condition of infrequent bowel movements — typically fewer than three stools a week — and difficult passage of stools which does not go away (persists). In some cases, chronic constipation may be caused by an underlying medical condition.

Why choose Mayo Clinic

• Expertise. Mayo Clinic specialists have extensive experience and expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of chronic constipation.
• Advanced diagnostic resources. Specialists at Mayo Clinic have access to a wide variety of tests to identify the cause of constipation, including tests to assess movement of material through your gastrointestinal tract (scintigraphy), muscle contractions in your colon (motility tests) and function of your rectal and pelvic floor muscles.
• Teamwork. Doctors in gastroenterology, along with specialists in colon and rectal surgery, gynecology and physical medicine and rehabilitation, work together to make an accurate diagnosis and to develop a treatment plan for your needs.
• Novel treatments. Mayo Clinic is actively involved in research on new therapies for chronic constipation, and you may have access to experimental treatments not available elsewhere.

Read more about constipation.