references
  
      National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases: "Treatment for Constipation"
    
      Mayo Clinic: "Hemorrhoids"
    
      American Journal of Gastroenterology: "Exploratory Comparative Effectiveness Trial of Green Kiwifruit, Psyllium, or Prunes in US Patients With Chronic Constipation"

Is this an emergency? If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, please see the National Library of Medicine’s list of signs you need emergency medical attention or call 911.

Your bowels may get backed up post-operation, but there are ways to relieve constipation after surgery naturally.

Image Credit: gpointstudio/iStock/GettyImages

Image Credit: gpointstudio/iStock/GettyImages

  • Causes
  • Treatment
  • Prevention
  • When to See a Doctor

Bowel problems after surgery typically only last for a few days, Dr. Mendez says. If you’re taking prescription pain medications, the problem could persist until you stop.“These are a known cause of constipation and slow down the movement of the bowel,” she explains.

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      National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases: "Treatment for Constipation"
    
      Mayo Clinic: "Hemorrhoids"
    
      American Journal of Gastroenterology: "Exploratory Comparative Effectiveness Trial of Green Kiwifruit, Psyllium, or Prunes in US Patients With Chronic Constipation"