Irregular bowel movements

[sewood]

I am 23 years old and from the time that I was little I have had a problem going to the bathroom regulary.  I can go 2 weeks without having a bowel movement.  Sometimes my stomach hurts really bad because I need to go but I can't.  I recently had a baby, and when I was pregnant I told the doctor because my stomach was hurting really bad then, and they only gave me natural laxatives, and said that it was due to pregnancy.  I have tried taking the fiber tablets, but even that does not help.  I have also increased the amount of fiber I have been eating.  Is there something seriously wrong with me?  What can I do to help me go to the bathroon?

[nikilotta7]

Just wondering if you ever got any answers to your problems.

[boron]

Treatment of constipation depends on its cause. In long term constipation, slowed bowel motility may be a problem. You might want to have stomach emptying test, which shows how fast your stomach is emptying,and also defecation test, which shows how muscles work during defecation.

Basic reasons for constipation in "healthy people" are:
1. not drinking enough
2. not enough fibers
3. not enough activity - physical or psychical, or anxiety

Disorders, causing constipation:
1. Lazy colon
2. Hypothyroidism
3. Adhesions or other causes of bowel obstruction
4. Megacolon e.g. from Hirschprung's disease - colonoscopy with  biopsy is needed

Use your intuition, recall days where your digestion was regular - and what contributed to that. You may also have some basic blood tests done, to check for thyroxine levels and so.