Constipation (men) can make bowel motions difficult, incomplete, uncomfortable, or less frequent than usual. In many cases, symptoms relate to stool consistency, bowel habits, hydration, activity levels, medications, or pelvic floor coordination. As part of men’s health physiotherapy, a physiotherapist may assess the factors contributing to constipation and guide a practical plan to improve bowel emptying, comfort, and routine.

Although occasional constipation is common, ongoing symptoms should not be ignored. A proper assessment can help identify whether the issue is more likely to relate to diet and lifestyle, bowel habits, pelvic floor dysfunction, pain, medication effects, or another condition that needs medical review.

What Is Constipation?

Constipation usually describes bowel motions that are infrequent, hard, dry, difficult to pass, or feel incomplete. Some men also notice bloating, straining, abdominal discomfort, or a sense that the bowel does not empty properly.

What Causes Constipation in Men?

Constipation can develop for many reasons. Often, several factors combine rather than one single cause.

Lifestyle Factors

• Not drinking enough water
• Not eating enough fibre or a sudden change in diet
• Lack of regular exercise
• Delaying bowel motions
• Change in daily routine
• Stress
• Ageing
• Overweight or obesity

Medical, Pelvic Floor, and Other Factors

• Mental health conditions such as anxiety or depression
• Neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s disease or multiple sclerosis
• Endocrine conditions such as diabetes or hypothyroidism
• Digestive conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome
• Blockage or obstruction affecting the colon or rectum
• Slow bowel transit
• Pelvic floor dysfunction or difficulty relaxing the pelvic floor muscles
• Injury affecting the pelvic floor, abdomen, anus, or rectum
• Previous abdominal or pelvic surgery
• Some medications, including opioid pain relief
• Illness or reduced mobility

What Are the Symptoms of Constipation?

Symptoms vary from person to person, but common features include:

• Less frequent bowel motions
• Hard or dry stools
• Straining to open the bowels
• Taking a long time on the toilet
• A feeling of incomplete emptying
• Abdominal discomfort or bloating
• Feeling blocked during bowel emptying

How Is Constipation Diagnosed?

A physiotherapist can often identify useful patterns from your history and symptoms. Assessment usually looks at what happens before, during, and after bowel motions, along with factors that may be slowing bowel emptying or making straining more likely.

• Discussion of bowel habits, stool consistency, straining, urgency, and incomplete emptying
• Review of diet, fluid intake, exercise, medications, and daily routine
• Assessment of posture and toileting habits
• Pelvic floor muscle assessment when indicated
• Referral to your doctor for medical investigation if red flags or non-physiotherapy causes are suspected

How Can Physiotherapy Help Constipation in Men?

Physiotherapy may help when constipation is linked to poor bowel habits, pelvic floor dysfunction, reduced activity, post-surgical changes, or difficulty coordinating the muscles used to empty the bowel. Treatment aims to improve emptying mechanics and reduce the need for excessive straining.

• Education about bowel function and triggers
• Advice on fibre and fluid habits
• Exercise recommendations
• Toileting posture and bowel routine advice
• Pelvic floor retraining where appropriate
• Strategies to improve relaxation and coordination during bowel emptying
• Guidance on when to seek medical review

Other Treatment Options

Some men also need medical treatment alongside physiotherapy. Your doctor may review medications, investigate underlying causes, or recommend other treatments such as stool softeners or laxatives when appropriate.

What Results Can You Expect?

Many men improve when the main contributing factors are identified and addressed. Results depend on the cause, how long the symptoms have been present, and whether pelvic floor dysfunction, medication use, or an underlying bowel or medical condition is involved.

If constipation is left untreated, symptoms may continue to build and can sometimes affect pelvic floor function, comfort, confidence, and bladder control.

Will You Need Surgery?

Most men with constipation do not need surgery. However, surgery or specialist medical care may be required if symptoms relate to structural problems, significant obstruction, or a condition that physiotherapy alone will not resolve.

Related Men’s Health Physiotherapy Articles

Related reading may help you better understand bowel and pelvic floor concerns:

• Male Pelvic Floor Exercises
• Faecal Incontinence (Men)
• Urinary Incontinence (Men)
• Pre & Post Prostatectomy Rehab

What to Do Next

If constipation is becoming frequent, uncomfortable, or difficult to manage, a physiotherapy assessment may help clarify what is contributing to the problem. This is particularly useful if you are straining regularly, feel blocked, or have symptoms that are not improving with general advice alone.

Scott Schulte consults in men’s health physiotherapy at PhysioWorks Ashgrove and may help guide the next step in your management plan.

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References

1. Ihara E, Manabe N, Ohkubo H, et al. Evidence-Based Clinical Guidelines for Chronic Constipation 2023. Digestion. 2025;106(1):62-89. doi:10.1159/000540912

2. Hojo M, Shibuya T, Nagahara A. Management of Chronic Constipation: A Comprehensive Review. Intern Med. 2025;64(1):7-15. doi:10.2169/internalmedicine.2867-23

3. Chang L, Chey WD, Imdad A, et al. American Gastroenterological Association-American College of Gastroenterology Clinical Practice Guideline: Pharmacological Management of Chronic Idiopathic Constipation. Am J Gastroenterol. 2023;118(6):936-954. doi:10.1053/j.gastro.2023.03.214

4. Chiarioni G, Whitehead WE, Pezza V, Morelli A, Bassotti G. Biofeedback Is Superior to Laxatives for Normal Transit Constipation Due to Pelvic Floor Dyssynergia. Gastroenterology. 2006;130(3):657-664. doi:10.1053/j.gastro.2005.11.014

Constipation (Men) FAQs

Can physiotherapy help constipation in men?

Yes, physiotherapy may help when constipation relates to bowel habits, pelvic floor dysfunction, reduced activity, or difficulty coordinating the muscles used during bowel emptying. A physiotherapist may assess these factors and guide a targeted management plan.

What symptoms suggest constipation is more than occasional?

Signs include repeated straining, hard stools, incomplete emptying, bloating, blocked sensations, or symptoms that keep returning. Ongoing symptoms deserve assessment, especially if they affect comfort, confidence, or daily routine.

How is constipation assessed in men’s health physiotherapy?

Assessment usually includes your symptom history, bowel habits, diet, fluid intake, activity levels, medications, and toileting routine. When appropriate, pelvic floor muscle function may also be assessed.

When should I see a doctor for constipation?

You should seek medical review if symptoms are persistent, severe, worsening, linked to bleeding, unexplained weight loss, marked pain, or a major change in bowel habit. A doctor can investigate causes that may need medical treatment.