Constipation is one of the most common reasons for consultation with a doctor. In most patients constipation may not require any intervention or may require only minimal intervention, while in some, it can be challenging to treat.¹ Constipation has a negative impact on the quality-of-life of the affected individual. It incurs significant individual healthcare expenditure, and poses a large economic burden on the society and healthcare services.²

While constipation is a common complaint at all ages,³ its prevalence increases with advancing age.² The incidence of constipation is higher in women, and women are more likely to schedule physician visits for constipation.⁴

There is strong evidence that constipation occurs more frequently in women.5

1. Data from a Canadian study show that in persons aged 65 years or older, the prevalence of constipation was 26% for women and 16% for men. This rate increased to 34% for women and 26% for men in those older than 80 years of age.6
2. A longitudinal survey of self-reported bowel habits in the United States found a higher prevalence of constipation in women than men, 20.8% versus 8.0%, respectively.5,7
3. In the Epidemiology of Constipation (EPOC) study, 16% of women and 12% of men met symptom criteria for constipation and 2.0% of women reported laxative use at least every other day compared to 1.4% of men.5,8
4. Women were more likely than men to experience lower gastrointestinal symptoms in a study by Hunt et al. More than 60% women reported experiencing abdominal pain, abdominal discomfort, bloating and constipation at least weekly and more than 90% reported these symptoms at least monthly. More than 60% of women had constipation for more than 10 years.5,9
5. Another study investigating gender differences in self-reported constipation characteristics, symptoms and bowel and dietary habits among patients attending a specialty clinic for constipation reported that women experienced a number of constipation symptoms and abnormal bowel habits more frequently than did men. They were more likely than men to have infrequent bowel movements, hard or pellet-like stools and a longer duration of symptoms.10

References

1. Lembo AJ, Ullman SP. Constipation (Chapter 18). In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ (Eds.). Feldman: Sleisenger and Fordtran’s Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 9th Edition, Saunders: Elsevier; 2010.
2. Gallegos-Orozco JF, Foxx-Orenstein AE, Sterler SM, et al. Chronic constipation in the elderly. Am J Gastroenterol. 2012;107(1):18-25; quiz 26.
3. Ghoshal UC. Review of pathogenesis and management of constipation. Trop Gastroenterol. 2007;28(3):91-5.
4. Jamshed N, Lee ZE, Olden KW. Diagnostic approach to chronic constipation in adults. Am Fam Physician. 2011;84(3):299-306.
5. Sanchez MI, Bercik P. Epidemiology and burden of chronic constipation. Can J Gastroenterol. 2011;25 Suppl B:11B-15B.
6. Schuster BG, Kosar L, Kamrul R. Constipation in older adults: stepwise approach to keep things moving. Can Fam Physician. 2015;61(2):152-8.
7. Everhart JE, Go VL, Johannes RS, et al. A longitudinal survey of self-reported bowel habits in the United States. Dig Dis Sci. 1989;34(8):1153-62.
8. Stewart WF, Liberman JN, Sandler RS, et al. Epidemiology of constipation (EPOC) study in the United States: relation of clinical subtypes to sociodemographic features. Am J Gastroenterol. 1999;94(12):3530-40.
9. Hunt RH, Dhaliwal S, Tougas G, et al. Prevalence, impact and attitudes toward lower gastrointestinal dysmotility and sensory symptoms, and their treatment in Canada: A descriptive study. Can J Gastroenterol. 2007;21(1):31-70.
10. McCrea GL, Miaskowski C, Stotts NA, et al. Gender differences in self-reported constipation characteristics, symptoms, and bowel and dietary habits among patients attending a specialty clinic for constipation. Gend Med. 2009;6(1):259-71.