
The list of types of Constipation mentioned in various sources includes:
Common constipation - occasional constipation
Chronic constipation
Travel-related constipation
Age-related constipation
Pregnancy-related constipation
Chronic idiopathic constipation
Functional constipation
When should chronic constipation be evaluated?
If the main problem is straining to push the stool out, chronic constipation should probably be evaluated early. This difficulty might be due to pelvic floor dysfunction, and the treatment of choice is biofeedback training, not laxatives. If the constipation is not responding to the simple measures discussed previously with the addition of hyper-osmolar laxatives or milk of magnesia, it is time to consult a physician for an evaluation. If your primary doctor is not comfortable performing the evaluation or you do not have confidence in his evaluation, ask for a referral to a gastroenterologist. Gastroenterologists deal with constipation frequently and are very familiar with the evaluation techniques discussed previously.