Gastroenterology Pearland, Houston, Bay City, Lake Jackson
Conditions
Chronic constipation affects millions of Americans, significantly impacting quality of life, work productivity, and overall well-being. At Your GI Center, our board-certified gastroenterologists provide expert diagnosis and treatment for constipation at three convenient Southeast Texas locations in Houston, Bay City, and Lake Jackson. With advanced diagnostic technology, evidence-based treatment approaches, and a commitment to understanding each patient’s unique situation, we help patients find lasting relief from constipation and restore normal bowel function.
Constipation is a common digestive condition characterized by infrequent bowel movements or difficulty passing stools. While occasional constipation is normal, chronic constipation—lasting three months or longer—requires medical evaluation and treatment. Constipation isn’t simply about frequency; it also involves the consistency and difficulty of passing stools. Normal bowel movement frequency varies widely among healthy individuals, ranging from three times daily to three times weekly. What matters most is change from your normal pattern, along with associated symptoms like straining, hard stools, or incomplete evacuation.
Fewer than three bowel movements per week, though some patients have even less frequent movements.
Stools that are hard, dry, and difficult to pass. The Bristol Stool Scale classifies these as Type 1 (separate hard lumps) or Type 2 (lumpy and sausage-shaped).
Excessive effort required to pass stools. Some patients spend prolonged time on the toilet attempting to have bowel movements.
Feeling that you haven’t completely emptied your bowels even after a movement.
Bloating, cramping, or pressure in the abdomen. Some patients experience significant abdominal distension.
Sensation of an obstruction in the rectum that prevents bowel movements.
Requirement to press on your abdomen or use a finger to remove stool from the rectum.
Hard stools can cause anal fissures (tears in the anal lining) leading to pain and bright red blood with bowel movements.
Chronic constipation can cause early satiety and reduced appetite.
Constipation has numerous potential causes. Identifying the underlying cause is essential for effective treatment:
Many medications can cause or worsen constipation, including:
Various diseases and conditions can cause constipation:
Our comprehensive diagnostic approach identifies the cause of your constipation:
We discuss your symptoms, bowel habits, diet, fluid intake, physical activity, medications, and medical conditions. Understanding your symptom pattern helps guide diagnosis.
We perform abdominal examination to check for masses, tenderness, or distension. Digital rectal examination assesses anal sphincter tone, identifies hemorrhoids or fissures, and evaluates pelvic floor function.
We may order tests to check thyroid function, blood sugar, calcium levels, and complete blood count to rule out underlying medical conditions.
For patients over 45, those with alarm symptoms (blood in stool, unintentional weight loss, family history of colon cancer), or constipation not responding to treatment, colonoscopy examines the entire colon for polyps, tumors, strictures, or other abnormalities.
For chronic constipation not responding to initial treatment, we may recommend:
We develop personalized treatment plans based on constipation severity and
underlying causes:
When lifestyle changes aren’t sufficient, medications can help:
For patients with pelvic floor dysfunction, specialized physical therapy teaches proper muscle coordination for effective bowel movements. This biofeedback
training can be highly effective.
We address medical conditions contributing to constipation, such as managing thyroid disorders, adjusting medications, or treating diabetes.
For severe constipation not responding to conservative treatment, options may include:
Seek evaluation from our gastroenterologists if you experience:
You can often prevent constipation through:
Why Choose
Our board-certified gastroenterologists have extensive experience identifying the many potential causes of constipation. We don’t just treat symptoms—we find the underlying cause to provide lasting relief.
We offer the full range of treatment options from lifestyle modifications through advanced therapies, tailoring our approach to your specific situation.
We take time to explain your condition and teach you strategies for maintaining regular bowel function. Our goal is to empower you to manage your digestive health.
With offices in Houston, Bay City, and Lake Jackson, expert care is accessible close to home throughout Southeast Texas.
If you’re struggling with chronic constipation, don’t continue to suffer. Our experienced gastroenterologists can identify the cause and develop an effective treatment plan to restore normal bowel function and improve your quality of life.
To schedule your appointment, call 1-888-292-0010 or contact your preferred location: