Constipation treatment, diagnosis & prescriptions

Yes. In most cases, a doctor from Maple can diagnose constipation by asking about your symptoms and the frequency of your bowel movements. Once they have made a diagnosis, your doctor will make recommendations for management of constipation.

If the doctor suspects that your constipation is a symptom of a more serious problem, they may suggest that you go to a clinic for thorough physical examination.

Yes, our physicians can prescribe medications online during your consultation. Once you accept a prescription, you’ll have the option to pick it up from any pharmacy or to have it delivered right to your door at no additional cost.

You can visit our How it Works page to learn more.

Constipation is categorized as an inability to have or difficulty in having a bowel movement. Typically, the average person will have between three a day and three per week, depending on their age, diet, daily activity and digestive health.

Occasional constipation in adults is normal, and constipation in kids is very common, especially when their bodies are adjusting to digesting new foods.

However, chronic bouts of constipation could be a symptom of a more serious condition. Treatment for chronic constipation will depend on what your doctor believes to be the underlying cause.

Common constipation symptoms include:

• Hard or lumpy stools
• Feeling as though there is a blockage in the rectum or colon
• Being unable to completely empty the rectum, or feeling as though there is more stool that won't come out
• Needing to press on your abdomen or requiring additional assistance in order to have a bowel movement
• Having fewer than three bowel movements in a week
• Staining or pushing hard in order to have a bowel movement

The most frequent constipation causes are not drinking enough water (dehydration) and not including enough fibre in your diet. Not getting enough exercise, as well as holding back the urge to have a bowel movement for too long are also commonly recognized causes of constipation.

Some medications also cause constipation, such as:

• Narcotics
• Iron supplements
• Blood pressure medications
• Antidepressants
• Medications to help prevent seizures
• Diuretics
• Antacids

In some cases, a doctor may request additional testing, if they believe your constipation is a result of a more serious underlying cause.

Some common underlying issues include:

• Depression
• Multiple sclerosis
• Diabetes
• Colorectal and abdominal cancers
• Parkinson's disease
• Underactive thyroid gland
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Anal fissures
• Bowel obstructions
• Bowel stricture (narrowing)

In most cases, constipation can be treated with changes to daily routines, diet and laxatives. However, occasionally, it can become more severe and require immediate emergency medical attention.

In addition to constipation, if you begin to experience severe bloating, uncontrollable vomiting, intense or long-lasting abdominal pain or find blood in your stool you should seek immediate medical attention.

Maple is a virtual care platform that connects you with our network of Canadian-licensed doctors, nurse practitioners and specialists via secure text, audio or video call. Sign in to your Maple account to start a visit. Learn more about how Maple works here.

A visit works a lot like an in-person appointment. A doctor or nurse practitioner will ask about your symptoms, review your health history and recommend a treatment plan that's right for you. Not every visit leads to a prescription. Sometimes, you might need to see someone in person. When that happens, we'll help you figure out what comes next.

As a Maple member, you get 24/7 access to care online. Connect with our network of Canadian-licensed doctors and nurse practitioners in minutes via secure text, audio or video call.

Membership is $85/month. One membership. Care for your whole family. In eligible provinces, membership includes:

• Daily visits: one visit a day with a doctor or nurse practitioner for each family member in your household
• Pediatric care: covered pediatric primary care visits, available by appointment
• Second Medical Opinion: when you're unsure about a complex diagnosis, like cancer or MS, or want to understand all your options, you and your family can access an expert Second Medical Opinion
• Personal Health Check-Ins: personalized, evidence-based proactive care screenings to help you stay on top of your health
• iCBT courses: internet-based cognitive behavioural therapy self-assessments and courses
• Specialists: see a specialist in days, not months. No referral necessary.
• Specialist referrals: a referral to a physician specialist for in-person care, if needed

Membership can't be combined with other offerings, such as private insurance coverage and provincial programs, where available. A Healthcare Spending Account (HSA) may cover your membership fees. Check with your HSA provider for details.

Your Maple monthly membership covers virtual care for you, your spouse and your dependents under the age of 18 who share the same primary residence. Full disclaimer and refund policy here.

We accept all major credit cards, including AMEX, plus Google Pay and Apple Pay.

Privacy is at the core of how we deliver care. We follow Canadian privacy and healthcare laws, including PIPEDA and PHIPA, to protect your personal and health information.

Our policies and consent processes are simple and easy to understand, so you stay in control. Strong security infrastructure and strict data policies protect every session. You keep control of your personal health information, medical records and test results at all times. We also work with privacy and security experts and review our policies regularly.

All doctors and nurse practitioners who deliver care through Maple are licensed in Canada and governed by their regulatory colleges. They must follow the telemedicine policies set by the medical regulator in each province.

Regulators across Canada recognize the value of virtual care. It helps improve access to care for patients and makes care delivery more efficient for practitioners and Canada's healthcare system.