She or he will also use his stethoscope to listen to intestinal sounds in your abdomen.

In response, the anal sphincter should tightenthe absence of such a reflex may indicate a nerve problem.

Examples of other blood tests that may be ordered include:

Colonoscopyis not generally recommended for adults with constipation.

close-up woman with stomach pain

Grace Cary

For instance, if your healthcare provider is worried about intestinal obstruction, abdominal X-rays may be ordered.

Likewise,colonic transit studiesmay be ordered to evaluate how well stool moves through the colon.

This is why it’s important to not self-diagnose but rather see a healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis.

Early intervention is always key.

Often, though, there is no clear cause.

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Diagnosis of Constipation.

Gray JR.What is chronic constipation?

Definition and diagnosis.Can J Gastroenterol.

2011;25 Suppl B:7B-10B.

ASGE Standards of Practice Committee et al.

The role of endoscopy in the management of constipation.Gastrointest Endosc.

2014 Oct;80(4):563-65. doi:10.1016/j.gie.2014.06.018

Bharucha AE, Pemberton JH, Locke GR 3rd.

American Gastroenterological Association technical review on constipation.Gastroenterology.

2011 Aug 1;84(3):299-306.

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.

(2018).Diagnosis of Constipation.