Synopsis: This is a randomized controlled trial (RCT) to evaluate the efficacy of anorectal biofeedback therapy for functional constipation secondary to pelvic floor dyssynergia.

Participants will be patients who were referred to the UCSF Center for Pelvic Physiology for evaluation of their constipation, and who have been recommended to undergo anorectal biofeedback. Seventy-six participants will be randomized to either six sessions of anorectal biofeedback at the Center for Pelvic Physiology or to six sessions of generalized biofeedback at the Osher Center for Integrative Medicine, immediately followed by six sessions of anorectal biofeedback at the Center for Pelvic Physiology.

Participants will complete questionnaires at baseline, at completion of randomized treatment (12 weeks), and six month follow-up to measure change in bowel habits, constipation severity, constipation-related quality of life, and constipation-related disability. An examination of psychosocial factors will also be conducted prior to treatment to distinguish which ones are predictive of biofeedback success for functional constipation.