Ball Python Constipated?

[hollycadle]

Hi!
I think my ball python is constipated as when I bathe him he strains to go, plus he hasn't gone for a poo like he usually does in a while. Also, when he strains to go there is a noticeable bulge just before his vent, which has made me come to the conclusion he is constipated. It's also quite red when you bend his tail back a little to look just under the vent, and I know it's not the normal colour as it's never been like that.

I've searched online to find ways to help him poo properly again, but before I try that I was looking for help from people whose actually been through this with their snakes, or some experts who can give me information that I trust.

All help welcome though!