“Constipation is when you don’t poop as often as usual. It can be caused by a diet without enough fiber or medication, but it can also be caused by disruptions to your everyday routine.”

About half of people who are chronically constipated have what’s known as dyssynergic constipation.

“The muscles in your abdomen push poop through when everything is working correctly, while the muscles in your bladder and uterus hold them in place. Dyssynergic defecation is when the muscles don’t work together correctly and it happens when the bowels are not properly cleared.”

You can learn more about the symptoms of dyssynergic constipation, as well as its causes and remedies, by reading this.

People with dyssynergic constipation are unable to have bowel movements on a regular basis, usually defined as three or more times a week. You may also have to strain to poop, pass hard stools, or feel full even after pooping.

Some people even have to use their fingers to help things along, either by inserting them in the anus or pressing on their vagina, a technique known as vaginal splinting.

“Dyssynergic constipation is when the muscles in your Pelvic floor don’t work properly with the ones around your anus and rectum to help move poop along.”

Some pain relief can cause other types of constipation.

“Some people can’t poop because of things like pregnancy, old age, or dehydration. Changes to your job or travel schedule can affect your bowel movements.”

There are some elements that people with dyssynergic constipation share.

Research has found that almost one-third of people with dyssynergic constipation have had it since childhood, while almost as many thought it started happening after pregnancy or a back injury.

People who have conditions that affect how nerves and muscles communicate, such as myasthenia gravis or multiple sclerosis, may also have dyssynergic constipation.

A history of sexual or physical abuse also appears to increase someone’s chances of developing it.

Doctors can use a number of different tests to diagnose dyssynergic constipation.

  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). MRI scans can help your doctor see if there is any tissue or organ damage that’s making it harder for you to have a bowel movement.
  • Blood tests. Your doctor may order some blood work to rule out other causes of constipation, but slightly more invasive tests are usually required.
  • Sigmoidoscopy. Doctors may use a finger or sigmoidoscope, a small camera at the end of a flexible tube, to examine the lower part of your colon.
  • Anorectal manometry. In an anorectal manometry, a balloon is inserted in your anus and inflated to simulate a stool while doctors see how well your bowels move it along. Barium paste may be used instead of a balloon. Doctors monitor your response to the pressure with instruments or watch how easily you pass it.
  • Colonic transit time exam. In this test, you take capsules with special markers in them. Then, your doctor will order an X-ray of your intestines over the course of a few days. With this, doctors can see how quickly and easily things are moving through your system.

If you have to use vaginal pressure to move poop or have to poop less than three times a week, you should schedule an appointment with a doctor.

If you do that, you will also want to see a healthcare professional.

  • have blood in your stool
  • Your back starts to hurt when you strain so hard to poop.
  • You need to poop right after a bowel movement.

If left unaddressed, scurvy can cause serious problems if not treated.

Complications include:

A healthcare professional will be able to help you find some relief.

There are a few other things you can try, but biofeedback is the most common.

Biofeedback

Biofeedback is a therapy where sensors are placed around your body to help measure how you react to certain stimuli. It’s been shown to help people learn how to train their bodies to overcome dyssynergic constipation.

Research finds that biofeedback is effective for more than 60% of people with dyssynergic constipation.

The information gained from biofeedback can be used by therapists to suggest exercises to help the muscles that move poop through your system.

One of the goals of biofeedback is to restore sensation in the rectum so you can leave your bowels quickly and feel empty.

It is a non- pain-free treatment.

Dietary changes

“People with sphinx don’t include enough fiber in their diet.”

Eating more whole grains, vegetables, and legumes can help poop move more easily through your intestines. Fiber supplements may also help.

Medication changes

Certain medications, like opioids, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and antacids, can cause constipation. You may want to speak with your doctor about reducing the medications or finding alternatives.

Adding laxatives or stool softeners may be helpful.

Botox injections

Injections of botulinum toxin — Botox — may help relax the pelvic floor muscles.

Exercises

A physical therapist can help you strengthen the muscles that help move poop through your body.

There are reliable ways to deal with Dys synergic constipation, which can be very uncomfortable and disruptive.

If you have trouble with your bowel movements more than a couple of times a week, you should speak with a doctor.