Notice: Users may be experiencing issues with displaying some pages on stanfordhealthcare.org. We are working closely with our technical teams to resolve the issue as quickly as possible. Thank you for your patience.
New to MyHealth?
Manage Your Care From Anywhere.
Access your health information from any device with MyHealth. You can message your clinic, view lab results, schedule an appointment, and pay your bill.
ALREADY HAVE AN ACCESS CODE?
DON'T HAVE AN ACCESS CODE?
NEED MORE DETAILS?
MyHealth for Mobile
Get the iPhone MyHealth app »
Get the Android MyHealth app »
Complications of Constipation
Complications of Constipation
The most common complications associated with constipation are discomfort and irritation that can lead to:
- Hemorrhoids
- Rectal bleeding
- Anal fissures (tears in skin around the anus)
Sometimes, the difficulty passing a bowel movement can cause more serious complications, such as:
- Rectal prolapse (the large intestine detaches inside the body and pushes out of the rectum)
- Fecal impaction (hard, dry stool is stuck in the body and unable to be expelled naturally)
Managing Complications of Constipation
If you suspect that you or someone you know is suffering from rectal prolapse or fecal impaction, it is important to see a doctor. Both rectal prolapse and fecal impaction can have serious side effects and require intervention from a medical professional.