Constipation lasting 37 weeks: what to know

Such a long change in bowel habit deserves a review of stool pattern, medicines, food and fluid intake, activity, and other symptoms. Treatment can then address the likely cause instead of relying indefinitely on the same remedy.

Constipation may involve hard or infrequent stools, straining, a sense of incomplete emptying, or needing manual help to pass stool. A clinician will want to know what changed from your normal pattern and whether symptoms began after a new medicine, illness, diet change, reduced mobility, or pregnancy.

Low fluid intake can contribute, while conditions such as hypothyroidism or irritable bowel syndrome can include constipation among their presentations. These possibilities cannot be separated by duration alone. An examination and, when indicated, targeted tests help guide the next step.

Book a primary-care appointment and keep a brief record of bowel movements, stool consistency, pain, bloating, bleeding, foods, fluids, and products already tried. Bring a complete medicine and supplement list because some pain medicines, iron products, and other treatments can slow the bowel. Do not stop prescribed medicine without advice.

Unless a clinician has restricted your fluids or fibre, increase them gradually, move regularly within your ability, and allow unhurried toilet time after meals. A footstool may make passing stool easier. Ask a pharmacist or clinician which laxative type fits your symptoms and health conditions; repeated or combined use without guidance can cause problems.

Seek urgent medical care for severe or steadily worsening abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, a swollen abdomen with inability to pass stool or gas, black stools, substantial rectal bleeding, fainting, or marked weakness. These features can signal obstruction, bleeding, or another problem needing prompt assessment.

Arrange an earlier clinic review if constipation comes with unexplained weight loss, fever, persistent abdominal discomfort, a new narrow stool pattern, blood mixed through the stool, or alternating constipation and diarrhoea. Mention any family history of bowel disease and any previous abdominal surgery.

Ask whether a medicine or health condition could explain the change, whether an examination or tests are appropriate, which fibre or laxative approach is suitable, and how to adjust treatment if stools become loose or painful. Also agree on which new symptoms should trigger urgent care.