DEAR DR. GOTT: What defines “changes in bowel habits”? Is there anything beyond the typical having frequent diarrhea or constipation? I am a 52-year-old women who seems to have trouble completing a bowel movement at one time therefore leading to two or more in one day.
DEAR READER: “Changes in bowel habits” refers to any change from what is normal. Normal can range from three times a day to three times a week and each person is different. What’s normal for me may not be normal for you.
If your current issue is different from what you consider to be your normal, then I urge you to speak with your physician. Changes in bowel habits are often caused by benign conditions, such as hemorrhoids, changes in diet or exercise, or aging. Women, especially those who have given birth, may experience a condition known as a rectocele which is a weakening and bulging of part of the colon into the vagina which can cause difficulty completing a bowel movement. Often, you can feel the bulge at the vaginal opening and by pushing on it (known as splinting), can push the colon back into a more normal position allowing for completion of the bowel movement. Uncommonly, more serious conditions such as cancer, certain health conditions (stroke, Parkinson’s, etc.), spinal cord injury, and more may lead to bowel changes.
Because you don’t give any background or medical history other than your age and gender, I cannot begin to guess what the cause of your difficulty may be. I urge you to speak to your physician. He will likely recommend simple lifestyle and dietary changes such as increasing your water and fiber intakes, including less proteins, more veggies and fruits and exercising more. He will also likely order some testing to determine if you have blood in your stool, as well as standard blood work to determine if anything else might be going on. He may even suggest a colonoscopy, especially given your age, which is when physicians usually begin recommending screening colonoscopies.
If you are concerned enough to write me, you are concerned enough that you should be speaking to your physician. I can never say it enough. Don’t be embarrassed to speak with your doctor about anything. He or she has probably heard just about everything. Your physician can’t help you if you aren’t honest.
Readers who are interested in learning more can order my Health Report “Constipation and Diarrhea” by sending a self-addressed, stamped number 10 envelope and a $2 US check or money order to Dr. Peter Gott, PO Box 433, Lakeville, CT 06039. Be sure to mention the title or print an order form from my website, www.AskDrGottMD.com.
