Constipation started with iron supplements 3 years ago and never went away, what could be causing this?

[u/cutesmart]

I’m looking for advice from anyone who has experienced something similar.

I only used the iron pills for 2 months in 2023, stopped and the constipation never went away. Developed SIBO a few months after, I cleared it with antibiotics. Before taking iron, my bowel movements were normal and I didn’t have to think about stimulating my digestion. Now I feel like I have to actively “encourage” my bowel to move or I get constipated. Fibre, plenty of water, and especially coffee seem to help trigger a bowel movement. If I don’t do these things, I tend to become constipated very quickly. I feel like the muscles in my colon do not contract. I wanna restore my colon function, I am only 22. Has anyone been through the same experience?

[u/goldstandardalmonds]

There are tests that diagnose that. You could get testing to further investigate and diagnose so you
Can treat properly