Constipation ICD-10 Coding in Women’s Health Care

Constipation is a frequent concern in women’s health care—often surfacing alongside pelvic floor dysfunction, pregnancy, postpartum recovery, menopause, and chronic pelvic pain. For clinicians, these presentations raise more than treatment questions. They also require precise diagnosis, clear documentation, and accurate coding to support coordinated care and appropriate reimbursement. The constipation ICD-10 code set provides a standardized framework for capturing these clinical realities. But in women’s health, selecting the right code often depends on understanding why constipation is happening, not just that it is happening.

In this article, we outline how constipation is classified under ICD-10-CM, how these codes apply in women’s health contexts, and why specificity matters when constipation is associated with pelvic floor disorders or functional bowel issues. To bring these concepts to life, we also included a practical coding example that highlights how classification plays out in everyday clinical practice.

Understanding constipation within ICD-10-CM

To apply constipation ICD-10 codes effectively in women’s health, it helps to first understand how constipation is classified within the broader ICD-10-CM framework.

Constipation falls under Chapter 11: Diseases of the Digestive System (K00–K95). The primary category used in clinical documentation is K59.0-, which includes constipation and related subtypes.

Primary constipation ICD-10 codes

Commonly reported codes include:

• K59.00 – Constipation, unspecified

• K59.01 – Slow transit constipation

• K59.02 – Outlet dysfunction constipation

• K59.09 – Other constipation

In women’s health care, K59.02 (outlet dysfunction constipation) is frequently applicable because of its close association with pelvic floor muscle coordination impairments, rectocele, and defecatory disorders. These presentations are commonly linked to pregnancy- and childbirth-related pelvic floor changes and are frequently addressed in pelvic floor rehabilitation settings.¹

ICD-10-CM guidance supports selecting the most specific diagnosis supported by documentation—particularly when neuromuscular contributors are identified.

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Constipation and pelvic floor dysfunction in women

Constipation in women is commonly multifactorial. Hormonal influences, anatomical changes, childbirth-related injury, and altered pelvic floor muscle coordination may all contribute. Research consistently shows that functional bowel disorders and defecatory dysfunction are more common in women than in men—making accurate assessment and documentation especially important in women’s health care.²

Outlet dysfunction constipation (K59.02)

Outlet dysfunction constipation describes impaired evacuation related to inappropriate pelvic floor muscle activity. In women’s health contexts, this presentation may be associated with:

• Pelvic floor muscle overactivity

• Impaired relaxation during defecation

• Rectocele or perineal descent

• History of vaginal delivery or pelvic surgery

When documentation reflects impaired pelvic floor coordination rather than delayed colonic transit, K59.02 is typically the most appropriate constipation ICD-10 code.

Functional constipation in women’s health care

Functional constipation refers to chronic bowel symptoms without an identifiable metabolic or structural cause. In women’s health settings, this diagnosis often overlaps with pelvic floor muscle dysfunction and chronic pelvic pain.

Although ICD-10-CM does not classify “functional constipation” as a standalone diagnostic label, presentations consistent with this pattern are commonly reported using K59.00 or K59.09, depending on documentation detail.

Hormonal and life-stage influences

Bowel function may be affected by:

• Pregnancy-related changes in gastrointestinal motility

• Postpartum pelvic floor muscle impairment

• Menopausal hormonal shifts influencing stool frequency and consistency

When pelvic floor findings are documented, constipation coding should reflect neuromuscular contribution rather than bowel frequency alone.

Documentation considerations for accurate coding

Accurate use of constipation ICD-10 codes starts with documentation that tells the full clinical story—not just symptoms, but contributing factors and functional impact.

Key elements to include

Clinical documentation should address:

• Bowel movement frequency and stool form

• Presence of straining, incomplete evacuation, or manual assistance

• Pelvic floor muscle coordination findings

• Relevant obstetric or gynecologic history

Clear linkage between constipation symptoms and pelvic floor dysfunction supports more precise coding and improves longitudinal tracking across episodes of care.

Common co-occurring diagnoses in constipation ICD-10 coding

Constipation codes may be reported alongside related diagnoses when documented and addressed, such as:

• N81.6 – Rectocele

• M62.89 – Other specified disorders of muscle

• R10.2 – Pelvic and perineal pain

Constipation frequently overlaps with pelvic pain presentations, particularly when pelvic floor dysfunction, rectocele, or chronic muscle tension are present. In these cases, accurate coding helps reflect both the bowel-related and pain-driven components of care. For guidance on documenting pain-centered presentations, see our pelvic pain ICD-10 coding guide.

Case example: applying constipation ICD-10 codes in practice

Clinical scenario

A postpartum patient presents to pelvic health physical therapy six weeks after vaginal delivery with concerns about ongoing constipation. She reports frequent straining, a persistent sense of incomplete evacuation, and regular reliance on manual perineal support during bowel movements. Despite increasing fiber and hydration, her symptoms have not improved.

During pelvic floor assessment, the clinician observes paradoxical pelvic floor muscle contraction during attempted defecation, along with difficulty coordinating relaxation of the pelvic floor. The patient also reports associated pelvic pressure and discomfort that worsens with prolonged sitting.

Clinical interpretation

Rather than delayed colonic transit, the patient’s symptoms point to impaired pelvic floor coordination as the primary contributor to constipation. This distinction is clinically important—not only for treatment planning, but also for accurate diagnosis and documentation.

Appropriate ICD-10-CM coding

Primary diagnosis: K59.02 – Outlet dysfunction constipation

This code reflects the documented neuromuscular impairment affecting defecation mechanics, rather than unspecified constipation.

Additional diagnoses (when evaluated and addressed):

• N81.6 – Rectocele, if pelvic organ support deficits are identified

• M62.89 – Other specified disorders of muscle, to reflect pelvic floor muscle dysfunction

• R10.2 – Pelvic and perineal pain, if pain is a treated component of care

Each code represents a distinct clinical finding supported by assessment, not simply a list of symptoms.

Using K59.02 in this case ensures that documentation aligns with the patient’s true presentation and supports a care plan focused on pelvic floor retraining rather than generalized bowel management alone. It also improves continuity of care across providers and strengthens outcomes tracking for pelvic health interventions.

Why constipation ICD-10 specificity matters

Precise constipation ICD-10 coding supports more than administrative accuracy. It strengthens communication across care teams, improves outcomes reporting for pelvic health interventions, and helps ensure that clinical records reflect the patient’s full presentation.

Specific coding supports:

• Clear communication across interdisciplinary teams

• Reliable outcomes reporting for pelvic health programs

• Data consistency for quality improvement initiatives

• Continuity across episodes of care for individuals managing chronic pelvic health conditions

Supporting coordinated women’s health care

Constipation is a common and clinically meaningful concern in women’s health—especially when tied to pelvic floor dysfunction and life-stage changes like pregnancy, postpartum recovery, and menopause. Understanding how constipation is classified within ICD-10-CM helps clinicians document more accurately, communicate more clearly, and align care with what patients are truly experiencing.

Distinguishing between unspecified constipation and outlet dysfunction constipation allows clinical records to reflect underlying pelvic floor coordination challenges—not just symptoms. That clarity supports better continuity of care, more targeted interventions, and stronger outcomes tracking across episodes of care.

Delivering this level of consistency takes more than accurate coding—it takes connected, compassionate care that meets women where they are. Medbridge supports women’s health delivery through Women’s Health Pathways, offering structured digital programs for pelvic floor dysfunction, pelvic pain, bowel and bladder concerns, and postpartum recovery. These pathways extend in-person care into the home, helping providers expand access, reduce burden, and support women with personalized, evidence-based care at every stage of life.

References

1. Sadeghi A, Akbarpour E, Majidirad F, Bor S, Forootan M, Hadian MR, Adibi P. Dyssynergic Defecation: A Comprehensive Review on Diagnosis and Management. Turk J Gastroenterol. 2023 Mar;34(3):182-195. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10152153/

2. Narayanan, S. P., Oh, J., Bhatia, S. J., & Camilleri, M. (2021). Sex- and gender-related differences in common functional gastroenterologic disorders. Mayo Clinic Proceedings, 96(4), 1071–1089. https://www.mayoclinicproceedings.org/article/S0025-6196(20)31182-4/fulltext