You may want to track your bowel movements and what your stools look like for several days or weeks before your doctor’s visit. Write down or record the information so you can share it with your doctor.
If you’ve been constipated a long time, your health care professional may ask whether anyone in your family has a history of conditions that may cause long-lasting constipation, such as
Your doctor may perform an endoscopyNIH external link to look inside your anus, rectum, and colon for signs of problems in your lower digestive tract. Endoscopies for constipation include
During these two tests, your doctor may also perform a biopsy. A biopsy is a procedure that involves taking small pieces of tissue and examining them under a microscope. A doctor can use a biopsy to look for signs of cancer or other problems.
Colorectal transit studies
Your doctor may use bowel function tests called colorectal transit studies to see how well your stool moves through your colon.
Radiopaque markers—an x-ray that tracks radioactive markers while they pass through your digestive system. You swallow capsules with the markers, which take about 3 to 7 days to come out with a bowel movement.
Scintigraphy—a test that involves eating a meal with a small dose of a radioactive substance. Your doctor tracks the substance using special computers and cameras as the substance passes through your intestines.
Other bowel function tests
Your doctor may also use one or more of the following tests to look for signs of certain diseases and conditions that may be causing your constipation
defecography—an x-ray of the area around the anus and rectum to see how well you can hold and release stool
anorectal manometry—a test to check how sensitive your rectum is, how well it works, and how well the anal sphincters work
balloon expulsion test—a test that involves pushing a small water balloon from your rectum to see if you have a problem pushing out stool
Imaging tests
To look for other problems that may be causing your constipation, your doctor may perform an imaging test such as