Top Reasons Why Chronic Constipation Goes Untreated? and How Biofeedback Can Help?

Despite how disruptive the condition can be, many people do not seek proper care. Let’s examine why:

• Embarrassment and Social Stigma: One of the main reasons people avoid discussing constipation is embarrassment. Digestive and bowel problems are often considered taboo, particularly in conservative cultures. Patients may feel uncomfortable talking to even their doctors about such “private” problems, leading to underreporting and untreated symptoms.
• Misconception That It’s Normal: Many individuals, particularly older adults or women post-childbirth, believe constipation is a normal part of life or aging. While occasional constipation is common, chronic constipation should not be ignored as just another age-related nuisance. It’s a treatable condition that deserves attention.
• Over-the-Counter Reliance: Another common mistake is relying too heavily on over-the-counter laxatives or home remedies. While these may offer quick relief, they often mask the underlying cause and can create dependency. Chronic use may even worsen the condition over time, particularly if pelvic floor dysfunction is involved.
• Lack of Awareness About Pelvic Floor Dysfunction: Many people with chronic constipation suffer from a condition known as dyssynergic defecation—a form of pelvic floor dysfunction in which the muscles of the pelvic floor fail to coordinate properly during bowel movements. This is not something that can be corrected with diet or laxatives. Unfortunately, this cause often goes undiagnosed due to a lack of awareness, even among healthcare professionals.
• Inadequate Evaluation or Misdiagnosis: General evaluations may not involve specialized diagnostic tests such as anorectal manometry, balloon expulsion test, or colon transit studies, which are essential for understanding pelvic floor function. Without these, chronic constipation may be misdiagnosed or treated with a one-size-fits-all approach that fails to manage the root cause.