constipation

  I am a 29 year old female. For several years I have been havind difficulty with constipation.  I move my bowels 1-2 times per week. The stools are veryi hard and huge. I am a vegetarian and drink several glasses of water a day.  I have tried bulk forming agents without success.  On days that I have bowel movements, I get a strong contraction/cramping in my gut and within minutes my bowels moves (almost at times of being incontinent--never but close).  I am really concerned regarding the increased risk of colon cancer.  I have never been evaluated for this problem--actually I am a bit embaressed by it.  Any suggestions or thoughts would be appreciated.
Dear lisa d,
Many people feel that it is important to have daily bowel movements. However, it is normal for individuals to have between 3
bowel movements per week to several bowel movements per day. On the other hand, infrequent bowel movements, hard, dry
bowel movements that are difficult to pass or the feeling of incomplete evacuation may indicate a problem. Constipation is
usually associated with one or more of the following: inadequate fiber intake, inadequate fluid intake, lack of exercise, stress
and anxiety, pregnancy, ignoring the urge to defecate, hemorrhoids or fissures or a side effect of medications. Simple things to
do to prevent constipation include: eating regular meals-chew food thoroughly and slowly, drink plenty of fluids, exercise daily,
establish regular toilet habits, don't strain, eat a high fiber cereal like FIBER ONE cereal by General Mills. If these simple
measures do not help I would recommend that you see your primary care physician for further evaluation and testing. I hope
you find this information helpful.
This response is being provided for general informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice or
consultation. Always check with your personal physician when you have a question pertaining to your health.
If you would like to be seen at our institution please call 1-800-653-6568, our Referring Physicians' Office and make an
appointment to see Dr. Muszkat, one of our experts in Gastroenterology.
HFHSM.D.-ym
*Keywords: constipation