Chronic constipation affects nearly 15% of adults in the United States and can greatly reduce quality of life. For many, it’s not just an occasional nuisance; it’s a constant, frustrating condition that affects daily comfort, confidence, and overall well-being. Although there are many causes of constipation, identifying the exact reason can be challenging. That’s why finding the underlying cause is essential for selecting the most effective treatment. One innovative new tool that makes this process easier is the Rectal Expulsion Device (RED), which is now available in our office.
As a gastroenterologist in Lubbock, TX, dedicated to helping patients feel better and live healthier, I’m excited to offer RED testing for these reasons:
- It’s a simple in-office test that helps patients know why they are constipated.
- There is no downtime or prep required for this test.
- It can play a crucial role in determining the root cause of the problem, which in turn leads to the use of the most effective treatment option.
Why Getting an Accurate Diagnosis Matters
Constipation can mean different things to different people: infrequent bowel movements, difficulty passing stool, straining, or a feeling of incomplete evacuation. If you’ve tried fiber supplements, diet changes, or medications without relief, it might be because your pelvic floor muscles, the muscles responsible for helping you have a bowel movement, aren’t functioning correctly.
Research indicates that only 2% of patients with constipation undergo testing of these muscles (known as anorectal testing). Consequently, many individuals with pelvic floor dysfunction do not receive an accurate diagnosis and continue experiencing symptoms that could often be effectively treated with physical therapy.
This is where RED comes in.
What Is the Rectal Expulsion Device (RED)?
The Rectal Expulsion Device (RED) is a quick, non-invasive test conducted right in our office to evaluate how your pelvic floor muscles work during a bowel movement. The device mimics the natural sensation of stool in the rectum with a specially designed, self-inflating foam balloon. This allows your body to respond as it would during a normal bowel movement, providing a more accurate and comfortable test than traditional methods that use air or water-filled balloons.
The test only takes a few minutes and requires no bowel prep, enema, fasting, or special medications. You’ll simply be asked to expel the RED device while seated in a private, comfortable setting.
What Can RED Reveal About My Constipation?
RED is designed to give your doctor fast, actionable results. There are three possible outcomes:
- Normal Expulsion (between 5 and 120 seconds): This shows your pelvic floor muscles are working properly. In this case, constipation might be caused by slow transit or other factors. Your doctor could suggest adjusting your current medications or trying new treatments.
- Immediate Expulsion (less than 5 seconds): This may indicate weak pelvic floor muscles that fail to maintain proper control during bowel movements. Pelvic floor physical therapy can help strengthen the muscles in this area.
- Delayed or Failed Expulsion (more than 2 minutes or inability to expel): This indicates pelvic floor dyssynergia — poor coordination of the pelvic muscles, which is a common yet underdiagnosed cause of chronic constipation. Pelvic floor therapy can help retrain these muscles for better coordination and function.
RED and Rectal Hypersensitivity: Another Piece of the Puzzle
RED not only evaluates how the pelvic muscles function, but also detects rectal hypersensitivity, a condition where the rectum becomes excessively sensitive to pressure. Patients with this condition may experience a strong urge to defecate even when the rectum is only slightly stretched. This can lead to constipation or symptoms similar to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
With a simple yes-or-no question: “Do you feel like you have to poop right now?” RED can help determine whether hypersensitivity contributes to your symptoms. If so, pelvic floor therapy can include sensory retraining and education to improve your comfort and control.
What Happens After the Test?
One of the best features of RED is how quickly it provides us with insights. Based on your test results, we’ll customize your treatment plan. That may include:
- Referral to a specialized pelvic floor physical therapist.
- Adjusting or stopping medications that aren’t helping.
- Pursue additional testing only if necessary.
Studies show that patients who undergo RED testing are more likely to stick to their recommended therapy and see real improvement. In fact, up to 71% of patients with abnormal RED results respond positively to pelvic floor therapy.
A Smarter, Simpler Step Toward Relief
At Lubbock Gastroenterology, we understand that chronic constipation can be very frustrating. We also recognize that each patient is unique and deserves a personalized, accurate diagnosis. The RED test offers an effective and affordable way to begin that journey.
You don’t have to suffer in silence or keep guessing what might help. With RED, we can analyze your pelvic floor muscles more thoroughly and make smarter treatment decisions, often right after your first visit.
Ready to Discover the Root Cause of Your Constipation?
If constipation is impacting your daily routine, don’t hesitate to seek answers. Ask us about the Rectal Expulsion Device (RED) and if this innovative test might be suitable for you.
Contact our office today to schedule a consultation. Let’s find a solution, starting with the right diagnosis. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Sameer Islam by calling 806-696-4440 or online.
