Preparing questions in advance can help patients to have more meaningful discussions with their physicians regarding their conditions. Patients may wish to ask their doctor the following constipation-related questions:

1. How often should I have a bowel movement? (What is normal for me?)
   
   
2. If I don’t have a bowel movement that often, does that mean I have constipation? How else can I tell if I am constipated?
   
   
3. At what point should I seek treatment for constipation?
   
   
4. What is the cause of my constipation?
   
   
5. Do I have any other medical conditions related to my constipation?
   
   
6. What type of treatment do you recommend?   
   
   
7. What diet or lifestyle changes to prevent constipation would be most effective for me?
   
   
8. When should I consider laxative use to relieve my constipation? Which type do you recommend?
   
   
9. Are the medications I am taking contributing to my constipation? Are there alternatives that do not have this side effect?
   
   
10. Are there any symptoms related to constipation that I should immediately report to you?
    
    
11. I take Zelnorm for constipation associated with irritable bowel syndrome, but heard that it was recently discontinued. What are my options?