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What Causes Constipation While Suffering From Enlarged Prostate?
My father is 84 years old. He has an enlarged prostate and is taking medication to help in urination. Recently he is complaining of being constipated. He mentioned that he feels there is some kind of blockage about 6 to 7 inches from the anus. When he tries to defecate, there is no stool, but gas does pass through. I am thinking whether his enlarged prostate is impinging on his lower colon and rectum, which in turn blocks the normal flow of his stools.
Wed, 12 Oct 2016
Hello.
You are right in thinking that the enlarged prostate might be causing his constipation.
It depends on the size of the prostate and also which lobe is affected. According to me, he needs a rectal examination to rule out any other characteristics of the prostate like whether it is benign or has become malignant and is spreading.
He also needs a blood test called PSA (prostate specific antigen) which is done before a rectal examination, hence you can get it done before consulting his surgeon as it may be helpful.
There are other causes too which may cause constipation - like long standing diabetes causes changes in the gastrointestinal motility, inflammatory bowel diseases like crohn's or ulcerative colitis or even a colonic polyp. He may be advised sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy if his prostate is normal.
Hope this helps. Wishing him a speedy recovery.
Regards,
Dr Geeta
You are right in thinking that the enlarged prostate might be causing his constipation.
It depends on the size of the prostate and also which lobe is affected. According to me, he needs a rectal examination to rule out any other characteristics of the prostate like whether it is benign or has become malignant and is spreading.
He also needs a blood test called PSA (prostate specific antigen) which is done before a rectal examination, hence you can get it done before consulting his surgeon as it may be helpful.
There are other causes too which may cause constipation - like long standing diabetes causes changes in the gastrointestinal motility, inflammatory bowel diseases like crohn's or ulcerative colitis or even a colonic polyp. He may be advised sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy if his prostate is normal.
Hope this helps. Wishing him a speedy recovery.
Regards,
Dr Geeta
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