“I have frequent constipation, should I see a proctologist?”
I am a 53-year-old male with frequent constipation and I always feel stomach pains. Should I see a proctologist?
4 Answers
No, a proctologist is generally thought to be a colorectal surgeon. You don't need surgery. You only need to see a PCP or GI specialist to treat constipation.
Constipation can be caused by many different things (thyroid issues, celiac disease and even obstruction in the colon ie. polyps or cancer). If you haven't had a screening colonoscopy yet, I would definitely make an appt to get one done (every should have one at the age of 50).
Not at all! You must see your primary care physician first, and discuss some basic remedies which include diet, hydration and exercise, following which you should see a Gastroenterologist for a screening colonoscopy to make sure that your colon is free of precancerous polyps.
For constipation you could see a gastroenterologist or proctologist.
