Mechanisms of defecation, constipation in women

Frequent or chronic constipation is an unpleasant reality for many people ― more often women than men. If you experience constipation regularly or constipation that lasts longer than a week with symptoms of dizziness, cramps, spasms, or fatigue, see a doctor immediately. They can check for other conditions that may play a role in your constipation and prescribe medication for the relief of uncomfortable constipation.

Fortunately, constipation symptoms generally respond to dietary fibre supplements or over-the-counter laxatives. However, if these symptoms do not respond to OTC and home remedies, medical tests can determine the cause.

Sometimes contents move slowly through the colon, or patients can sometimes have a rectal disorder called defecatory disorder.

Read on to learn more about constipation relief for women using both OTC medication and home remedies to alleviate both short-term and long-term constipation.

What is constipation?

Constipation occurs when you pass fewer than three bowel movements per week or have bowel movements that are hard and difficult to pass. This can lead to excessive time spent on the toilet and straining when pushing which can cause haemorrhoids.

Some possible causes of constipation may include eating foods with too little fibre or dehydration. In other, more serious cases, constipation can result from stress, side effects from medication, hormonal changes, spinal injuries, muscle problems, cancers, and structural problems affecting the digestive tract.

 Treatment To Relieve Constipation for Women

If you’re experiencing constipation, the following treatments are some of the best ways to relieve constipation, in as little as a few hours.

1. Take a fibre supplement such as:

• FiberCon
• Metamucil, Konsyl
• Citrucel

2. Eat foods rich in fibre to relieve constipation, such as:

• oats
• whole grain bread or cereal
• whole wheat pasta
• fibrous fruits, such as apples and bananas
• fibrous vegetables, such as broccoli, carrots, and leafy greens
• brown rice
• beans and lentils
• split peas
• nuts, such as walnuts, pecans, and almonds

To keep yourself regular, there are certain foods that can cause constipation and should be avoided if you are prone to bouts of constipation. These include:

• potato chips and other low fibre snacks
• meat
• fast food
• prepared and processed foods, such as certain frozen meals, deli meats, and hot dogs

3. Take a laxative stimulant, osmotic laxative, or lubricant laxative

Laxatives are designed to force a bowel movement by squeezing the intestines and may take up to 6-12 (or 2-3 days depending on which laxative) to take effect. You can get laxatives over the counter (OTC) at your local pharmacy.

Some popular options include:

• Dulcolax, Ducodyl, Correctol
• Senokot
• Phillips Milk of Magnesia
• Miralax
• magnesium citrate
• Kristalose

4. Try natural remedies

Probiotics can be helpful in treating and preventing constipation as well as some herbal teas can also treat constipation, such as clover, fennel, and senna.

5. Other ways to relieve severe constipation

• Use a stool softener
• Try an enema
• Try a suppository
• Try colonic massage

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Lifestyle changes that can help prevent constipation

There are some easy lifestyle changes that can also keep your constipation under control more permanently.

Try to make these tips part of your daily habit to keep your bowel movements regular:

• Add more fibre-rich foods to your diet and take fibre supplements.
• Get regular exercise and stay active to maintain proper circulation and can keep the bowels healthy.
• Drink plenty of water each day, and drink at least eight 8-ounce glasses of clear liquids per day.
• Manage your stress.
• Avoid “holding in” your stool. It’s best to have bowel movements around the same time each day for regularity.

Check out Online4Pharmacy to shop for over-the-counter treatments for constipation. We have lots of products for women that can help alleviate constipation.