To prepare for your appointment, see the topic Making the Most of Your Appointment

You can help your health professional diagnose and treat your condition by being prepared to answer the following questions:

• Is constipation an ongoing (chronic) problem for you, or is this a new or different problem? If it is chronic, when did it begin?
• When did this episode of constipation begin?
• When was your last normal bowel movement?
• Have you recently changed your diet or fluid intake, decreased your activity level, or started a new medication?
• Have you recently changed your daily routine, such as a change in your job, school, or travel?
• What have you tried to correct your constipation? Did it work?
• Do you have any rectal bleeding?
• Do you have rectal pain before, during, or after a bowel movement? If so, how long does the pain usually last?
• Do you have any health risks?