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    3. Gastroenterology
    4. Constipation

    Constipation

    At Mayo Clinic Healthcare in London, our constipation clinic takes a collaborative, patient-centred approach to identifying the underlying cause of constipation. Using advanced diagnostic techniques and specialist expertise, we assess your symptoms, medical history and lifestyle factors before developing a personalised treatment plan tailored to your individual needs.

    • Constipation is a common digestive condition that can affect people of all ages. It is typically defined as having fewer than three bowel movements a week, passing hard or dry stools, or needing to strain during bowel movements.

      Occasional constipation is common and may resolve with simple lifestyle adjustments. However, persistent or worsening symptoms may require specialist assessment at our constipation clinic, particularly if constipation lasts longer than two to three weeks or begins to affect your quality of life.

    • Symptoms associated with constipation may include: 

      • Hard or lumpy stool
      • Difficulty passing stool
      • Feeling of incompleteness after a bowel movement
      • Abdominal pain
      • Bloating
      • Nausea
      • Having bowel movements less than 3 times a week

      If left untreated, chronic constipation can occasionally lead to complications such as haemorrhoids, anal fissures or faecal impaction. 

    • If your symptoms are lasting for 2 to 3 weeks, we recommend visiting our constipation clinic. 

      If your symptoms are alongside: 

      • Weight loss
      • Rectal bleeding
      • Blood in stool
      • Severe abdominal pain

      Then seek medical advice urgently, as these are signs for more serious underlying conditions.

    • Constipation can develop for many reasons and is often linked to lifestyle, dietary or medical factors.

      Common causes include:

      • A low-fibre diet
      • Dehydration
      • Lack of physical activity
      • Ignoring the urge to open the bowels
      • Changes in routine or travel
      • Certain medications
      • Stress or anxiety

      In some cases, chronic constipation may be associated with conditions affecting bowel function, pelvic floor muscles or the digestive system itself.

    • At Mayo Clinic Healthcare in central London, our gastroenterology specialists begin with a detailed consultation to understand your symptoms and overall health. This may include discussing:

      • Your usual bowel habits
      • Stool consistency and frequency
      • Whether you experience straining or incomplete emptying
      • How long symptoms have been present
      • Your diet, lifestyle and fluid intake
      • Current medications and family medical history

      A physical examination may also be performed to assess abdominal tenderness, pelvic floor function, muscle coordination or signs of fissures or prolapse.

      Where appropriate, further investigations may be recommended, including:

      Our multidisciplinary team works closely with diagnostic specialists to identify the underlying cause of constipation and guide the most appropriate treatment approach.

    • Treatment for constipation depends on the underlying cause, severity of symptoms and your individual health needs. In many cases, symptoms can be improved through lifestyle and dietary changes. 

      Home remedies may include: 

      • Increase fluid intake
      • Gradually increase fibre into your diet
      • Exercise regularly
      • Practice good posture on the toilet

      Your specialist may recommend: 

      • Laxatives (osmotic, stimulant, stool softeners)
      • Constipation medications
      • Pelvic floor physiotherapy

      In severe cases, your doctor may refer you to:

      • Bowel cleanout regimens
      • Transanal irrigation
      • Advanced motility-directed medications

      Surgery is extremely rare, however you may need a colectomy in some cases.

    • At Mayo Clinic Healthcare in London, patients benefit from internationally recognised expertise delivered within a highly personalised private healthcare setting.

      Our patients have access to:

      • Experienced gastrointestinal and colorectal specialists
      • Advanced diagnostic technology
      • A multidisciplinary approach to digestive health
      • Personalised treatment plans tailored to individual needs
      • Convenient access to world-class care in central London

    Private health insurance

    We work with all major private health insurers, including AXA PPP, Aviva, Bupa, Health Partners Group, Vitality Health and WPA. Self-pay options are also available, offering flexibility for both UK-based and international patients. 

    Private assessment

    If you are experiencing persistent constipation or ongoing digestive symptoms, our constipation clinic specialists are here to help. To arrange a private consultation at Mayo Clinic, fill out our online consultation form or call +44 (0) 207 871 2575.

     

    Medically Reviewed by

    Dr Sarmed Sami, Consultant Gastroenterologist

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