Which people with constipation don't respond to laxatives? Learn the reason from your doctor.
- bySherya
- 01 Jan, 2026
Constipation is common, but if it persists for a long time, it's called chronic constipation. According to doctors, in many cases, laxatives don't work, which can be due to pelvic floor problems.

Constipation problem
We all often face the problem of constipation in our daily routine. Constipation is a common problem when we eat fried or heavy foods. However, when this problem worsens, we face significant difficulties in defecating. If this problem persists for a long time, it is called chronic constipation, which can make defecation very difficult and even painful. Due to our bowels not being properly cleaned, we experience problems like heaviness, pain, and gas in the stomach. We repeatedly feel the urge to defecate, but this is impossible due to constipation.
Why do laxatives not work?
According to doctors, when a patient suffers from severe or chronic constipation, they prescribe laxatives or antidiarrheal medications. Doctors explain that patients who have been suffering from constipation for a long time, or even years, regularly use laxatives. These medications induce diarrhea. However, according to doctors, even after years of taking antidiarrheal medications, only 30 to 40 percent of patients respond to them. The remaining 50 to 60 percent of patients do not find relief and continue to struggle with their severe constipation.
According to doctors, the main reason antidiarrheal medications are ineffective for chronic constipation patients is that during bowel movements, the muscles in the abdomen and lower hips, also known as the pelvic floor, and the anus, fail to relax. If a person needs to defecate, the anus must be loose so that stool can pass out of the body properly. However, chronic and severe constipation causes these muscles to contract, making bowel movements difficult. This condition is called dyssynergic defecation. This problem causes chronic constipation and makes bowel movements difficult.
The main causes of constipation
There are many reasons for constipation. If you pay attention to these reasons, you can get relief from constipation.
- Lack of fiber in your regular diet
- Not doing exercise or yoga
- Consuming too much fried food or junk food
- always feeling stressed or anxious
- drinking water in small quantities
- Not going to the toilet on time
- overeating






