Changes in bowel habits, such as constipation, may indicate a
more serious condition. Your doctor may order tests to rule out
other conditions. Tests may include: - Physical exam - Blood
tests - Digital rectal exam—examination of the rectum with the
doctor's gloved, lubricated finger inserted into your rectum
x-ray—a test that uses radiation to take a picture of structures
inside the abdomen Barium enema—injection of fluid into the
rectum that makes your colon light up on an x-ray Flexible
sigmoidoscopy—a thin, lighted tube with a camera inserted into
the rectum to examine the rectum and the lower colon Copyright ©
Nucleus Medical Media, Inc. Treatment may include: Understanding
Normal Bowel Movements Talk to your doctor about what is a
normal frequency of bowel movements for you. The range of normal
is quite broad. Some people have several stools a day. Others
have one stool every several days. Making Lifestyle Changes Eat
a healthy, balanced diet that is high in fiber (such as
unprocessed bran, whole-wheat