BRITISH men are notorious for their reserve when it comes to discussing health matters, and Men’s Health Week (running until June19) is a perfect time to start talking.

A recent survey found that four out of five men (80 per cent) enjoy toilet humour and almost half (42 per cent) have joked about their toilet habits with friends.

But worryingly that’s where the conversation ends as most men (58 per cent) would never discuss concerns about their bowel health. While difficulties like constipation can be the result of stress, poor diet or certain medications, changes to bowel habits can sometimes be indicators of more serious problems so it’s very important that men take control of their health and are more open when it comes to talking about concerns.

Therefore I’m excited to share two short films that take a light-hearted and funny look at our bowel habits and how we describe them, which I hope will encourage men to overcome any embarrassment and start a conversation about their bowel health.

You can watch the films at myconstipationrelief.com/uk/, where there’s also lots of information and advice on treating constipation. If you experience any unusual or unexpected changes to your bowel movements, or if you’ve had constipation for more than a week, it’s very important to visit your GP or pharmacist.

They genuinely have heard it all before, so there’s really no need to be embarrassed.

Kate Arnold

Nutrition consultant