Why Can’t I Poop? Constipation Causes and What to Do About It

Written by WebMD Editorial Contributors

Can’t go? You’re not alone. About 20% of Americans have occasional constipation — bowel movements less than three times a week. Or if they do poop, the output is hard, small, and painful to produce.

Sometimes, a medical disorder like irritable bowel syndrome can cause constipation. Those issues often need care and treatment from your doctor. But for many people, the problem will be short-term and easy to fix. To figure out what has you stopped up, ask yourself these questions:

Is it time to fiber up? Moving your bowels regularly takes fiber — lots of it. We’re talking about 3 to 5 cups of fruits and vegetables every day. Go easy on meat and dairy and load up on produce. Just be sure you add it to your diet gradually. Skip fast and prepared foods. They may be quick and easy, but they’re almost always low in fiber.

How are my fluid levels? To move waste through your intestines, you gotta drink up! If you don’t drink enough water, you can get backed up.

Am I active? It’s as simple as this: Moving your body helps move your bowels, so too much time sitting can lead to trouble on the throne.

Are supplements the problem? Iron or calcium supplements can cause constipation in some people. It’s more likely with calcium carbonate supplements than with calcium citrate. If you take calcium or iron supplements, take extra care to eat enough fiber, drink plenty of water, and stay active. If that doesn’t help, talk to your doctor about other options to get you going or whether you can get these nutrients through your diet instead.

Am I stressed? When your brain’s stress response systems get flipped on, it causes changes in your body. The digestive system is especially sensitive to stress, and constipation can be one response.

Whether it’s for business or pleasure, travel is stressful. When it disrupts your regular routines, especially eating patterns, your pooping can get off-schedule as well.

Do I ignore the urge? Maybe you’re too busy to stop every time your body signals it’s time to poop. Maybe you don’t like using public restrooms, or any except your own at home. Here’s the problem with ignoring the urge: Sooner or later, you may stop feeling the signals.

Does pregnancy play a role? Overall, women get constipated more often than men. That’s especially true during pregnancy, when hormone changes can easily throw off your digestive system. Add the pressure a growing baby puts on your plumbing, and it’s no surprise you have trouble going. Problems with pooping are also common after childbirth.

What about my age? The chance of having trouble moving your bowels goes up as you get older, so make a point to get more exercise, drink more water, and eat more fiber.

Are my medications part of the problem? Pain relievers, iron supplements, some antidepressants, and diuretics are just a few common drugs that can have this effect. Also on the list are meds for diabetes and Parkinson’s disease, plus some blood pressure treatments. Over-the-counter medications like antacids can also stop things up.

Could it be a more serious problem? It’s rare, but possible. Discuss it with your doctor. If you’ve ruled out other causes, they may want to explore:

• Problems with the muscles that squeeze your colon.
• Hormone diseases like diabetes or an over- or underactive thyroid gland.
• Diseases that affect the nerves around your colon or rectum, including multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, stroke, and spinal cord injuries.
• Colon trouble. Tumors and other things that block your colon or rectum can prevent poop from moving out of your body.

Top Picks

Why Can’t I Poop? Causes & Ways to Relieve Constipation

Though we rarely talk about it, going to the bathroom is essential for our health and well-being.

Struggling to have regular and easy bowel movements can be frustrating and uncomfortable.

But thankfully, there are several options that can help, including over-the-counter (OTC) supplements and lifestyle changes. 

Understanding the signs and possible causes of constipation can help you identify the most effective solutions. 

This article will explain the symptoms and causes of constipation and some of the most effective remedies.

Finally, it will cover when it’s important to seek advice from a healthcare professional.

What is Constipation?

Constipation is the difficulty to pass easy and frequent bowel movements.

It is often defined as having fewer than three bowel movements a week.

Though uncomfortable and sometimes embarrassing to talk about, the condition is very common: An estimated 2.5 million Americans are affected.

Additional symptoms of constipation can include:

• Having lumpy or hard stools
• Straining to have bowel movements
• Feeling like there’s a blockage in the rectum
• Feeling like you’re unable to empty the stool from your rectum completely
• Needing help to have a bowel movement, like using your hands to press on your stomach

Most people will experience constipation at some point in their lifetime.

But a smaller percentage of people may experience chronic constipation, a condition marked by difficulty passing bowel movements for several weeks or longer.

For some, chronic constipation can interfere with their quality of life and daily responsibilities.

Though anyone can get chronic constipation, there are some factors that can increase your risk:

• Age: Older individuals are more at risk for chronic constipation.

• Sex: People with vaginas are more likely to get chronic constipation.

• Lifestyle: How you eat, drink, and general lifestyle can affect your risk. Eating a diet low in dietary fiber, low in fluids or water, and not getting adequate physical activity can increase your risk.

• Medical conditions: Certain mental health conditions, like depression and eating disorders, can increase the risk of chronic constipation. Some prescription medications, including some antidepressants, opioids, and medications used to lower blood pressure, can also cause chronic constipation.

Talk to a doctor from home.

Start my visit

Causes of Constipation

The most common cause of constipation is when waste moves too slowly through the colon, making fecal matter harder, drier, and more difficult to pass.

This is also referred to as “functional constipation.” 

However, additional causes are also possible. Other possible causes of constipation include:

• Blockage or obstruction: Several things can cause a blockage in the colon, rectum, or intestines. Certain cancers, including colon, rectal, or abdominal cancer, can press on the colon, blocking stool movement. Another condition that can cause obstruction is anal fissures. Anal fissures are tiny tears in the thin, moist tissue that lines the anus, which causes constipation, pain, and bloody stools. A bowel stricture, or narrowing of the colon, can also create blockages or obstructions that cause constipation. Rectocele (when there’s a rectum bulge through the back wall of the vagina) can also cause a blockage.

• Nerve problems: Several neurological conditions can affect the nerves and muscles in the rectum and colon, making it harder to facilitate bowel movements. These conditions include multiple sclerosis (MS), stroke, and Parkinson’s disease. 

• Pelvic muscle problems: Conditions that affect the pelvic muscles can cause chronic constipation. These conditions include weakened pelvic muscles, anismus (the inability to relax pelvic muscles to have a bowel movement), or dyssynergia (when pelvic muscles don’t properly coordinate contraction and relaxation).

• Dietary choices: Certain foods can cause constipation or make the symptoms of constipation worse. Specifically, eating foods low in fiber, like ultra-processed grains, red meat, fried or fast foods, and milk and dairy products, can cause constipation. Dehydration can also cause and worsen constipation.

• Hormonal diseases and conditions: Conditions like diabetes, overactive parathyroid gland (hyperparathyroidism), pregnancy, and underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) can affect the balance of hormones in the body, which can also cause constipation.  

How to Make Yourself Poop

There are several treatment options and lifestyle changes that can help to treat constipation.

The best option for you will depend on how mild or severe your constipation is, as well as several individual health factors. 

Dietary changes

Many cases of mild constipation can be relieved with simple dietary changes.

To start, you may decide to keep a food diary to keep track of which food choices may be causing or exacerbating your constipation.

If your diet is low in fiber, you should gradually increase your fiber intake by including high-fiber foods in your daily diet, such as:

• Vegetables
• Fruits (dried fruits can be especially high in fiber)
• Whole grains, cereals, and bread

Increasing your fiber intake will help to increase the weight of your stool and speed up its movement through your digestive tract.

However, it’s important to increase fiber intake slowly to avoid unwanted side effects like gassiness and bloating.   

Stay hydrated

Staying hydrated throughout the day can help to prevent constipation and help treat mild cases of constipation caused by dehydration. Limiting dehydrating beverages, like those that contain large quantities of caffeine and alcohol may also help.

Exercise

Living a sedentary lifestyle can cause constipation or make symptoms worse. Getting some form of daily exercise can help. But if you’re incorporating daily movement into your routine for the first time, reach out to a health professional to ensure you’re incorporating exercise in a safe and sustainable way for your body. 

Bowel retraining

In cases of moderate to severe constipation caused by nerve and muscle problems, overuse of laxatives, or poor bathroom habits, bowel training may help you retrain your muscles to have easy and regular bowel movements. Exercises may include going to the bathroom whenever you feel the “urge” and getting up from the toilet when the urge has passed.  

Avoiding long periods on the toilet while reading or looking at your phone can also help to retrain your muscles to make efficient use of your time. Before starting bowel retraining, reach out to your doctor to see if this option is right for you. 

Laxatives

When lifestyle changes aren’t enough to relieve your constipation, there are several types of laxatives that may help.

Please discuss with your provider to determine if any of these options are recommended for you, as some may be prohibited.:

• Bulk-forming laxatives: Bulk-forming laxatives work by drawing water into stool and making it easier to pass. They’re generally safe to use, but they can take anywhere between 12 hours to several days to take effect. Keep in mind that some mild side effects are possible when taking bulk-forming laxatives, including gas and bloating. 

• Stool softeners: Stool softeners also work by adding moisture to stools and making them softer and easier to pass.  

• Lubricants: Your provider may recommend using a lubricant like mineral oil if you’re experiencing constipation caused by anal fissures or if you’re experiencing pain from hemorrhoids. A lubricant can help your stool to pass more smoothly in these cases. 

• Osmotics: Osmotic laxatives work by drawing and holding water in stools to soften and increase bowel movements. They come in many forms, including those that contain magnesium (magnesium citrate, milk of magnesia), polyethylene glycol (MiraLAX), sodium phosphate (Fleet Phospho-Soda), and sorbitol or lactulose.

• Stimulants: Stimulants work by triggering contractions in the intestines to move stool along. However, because there is a risk of becoming dependent on them, many health professionals don’t recommend this option. 

Talk to a doctor from home.

Start my visit

When to See a Doctor

Occasional constipation can be a bother. But in most cases, a change to your diet or lifestyle will help to relieve symptoms.

But if you’re experiencing chronic constipation that won’t go away, it’s important to reach out to your doctor for help.

It’s also important to reach out to your provider as soon as possible if you experience any of the following more severe side effects:

• Blood in stool
• Black, tarry stools
• Nausea
• Slow reflexes
• Severe, persistent stomach pain

How K Health Can Help

Did you know you can access online urgent care with K Health?

Check your symptoms, explore conditions and treatments, and if needed, text with a healthcare provider in minutes. 

K Health’s AI-powered app is HIPAA compliant and is based on 20 years of clinical data.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make myself poop instantly?

Some laxatives can work quickly, taking between 30 minutes to 3 hours to take effect. Enemas and suppositories can also work quickly, depending on the individual. However, if you try one supplement or enema and it still doesn’t work to help you have a bowel movement, reach out to your provider as soon as possible.

Why can’t I poop even though I have to?

Everyone can get constipated from time to time. There are several possible causes of constipation, including not eating enough fiber, not drinking enough water, not getting enough exercise, and some medical conditions and medications. If you’ve been having trouble going to the bathroom for several weeks or longer, reach out to a provider for guidance.

K Health articles are all written and reviewed by MDs, PhDs, NPs, or PharmDs and are for informational purposes only. This information does not constitute and should not be relied on for professional medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of any treatment.

K Health has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions,
and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references.

• American Gastroenterological Association Technical Review on Constipation. (2014).
  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3531555/

• Bowel retraining. (2020).
  https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003971.htm

• Concerned About Constipation? (2013).
  https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/concerned-about-constipation

• Constipation. (2021).
  https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/constipation/symptoms-causes/syc-20354253

• Don’t bomb the bowel with laxatives. (2019).
  https://www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/dont-bomb-the-bowel-with-laxatives

causes, symptoms and treatments for the condition

Contents

• 1 Causes, symptoms and treatment of constipation: features of the condition
  • 1. 1 What is constipation?
  • 1.2 Causes of constipation
  • 1.3 Symptoms of constipation
  • 1.4 How to diagnose constipation
  • 1.5 Prevention of constipation
    • 1.5.1 Proper nutrition
    • 1. 5.2 Regular exercise
    • 1.5.3 Avoid bad habits
    • 1.5.4 Regular health checks
  • 1.6 Constipation diet
    • 1.6.1 Key recommendations
    • 1.6.2 Good foods
    • 1.6.3 Unwanted foods 90 008
  • 1.7 Medicines for constipation
  • 1.8 Exercise for constipation
  • 1.9 Traditional treatments for constipation
  • 1.10 When should you see a doctor for constipation?
  • 1.11 Related videos:
  • 1.12 Q&A:
    • • 1.12.0.1 What is constipation and how does it occur?
      • 1.12.0.2 What are the symptoms of constipation?
      • 1.12.0.3 How can constipation be prevented?
      • 1.12.0.4 What role does diet play in the treatment of constipation?
      • 1. 12.0.5 What medicines can be taken to treat constipation?
      • 1.12.0.6 When should I see a doctor if I have constipation?

Find out why constipation occurs, what symptoms accompany this pathological condition, and how to treat them. Read the article on our website and get useful information for the health of your body.

Constipation is one of the common problems faced by people of all ages and genders. This is a pathological condition characterized by difficulty or retention of stool for more than 48 hours. In some cases, the stool may be empty, hard, and large. This condition can become quite problematic and cause discomfort, soreness and even depression in some people.

Constipation can be caused by various reasons. Some of these include lack of physical activity, lack of fluid in the body, changes in regular diet, stress, and even certain medications. However, sometimes constipation can be associated with serious conditions such as colon cancer or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

The symptoms of constipation can vary from person to person. However, the most common symptoms are difficult or infrequent bowel movements, a feeling of incomplete bowel movement, abdominal pain, and malaise.

It must be remembered that constipation is an issue in dire need of attention, and if you suffer from the corresponding symptoms, it is best to see a specialist for diagnosis and treatment of this problem.

What is constipation?

Constipation is a pathological condition when there is a slowdown in intestinal motility, which leads to the fact that the feces become denser and difficult to excrete from the body.

The frequency of bowel movements varies from person to person, and may be twice a day or twice a week. However, if emptying occurs less frequently, and the process itself becomes difficult, they speak of a violation – constipation.

Constipation can occur for many reasons, from malnutrition to the presence of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. The main symptom of constipation is infrequent (most often less than once every two days) and difficult bowel movements.

Causes of constipation

Constipation can be caused by various factors. One of the main reasons is malnutrition, when an insufficient amount of fiber does not contribute to normal intestinal motility. Inadequate fluid intake can also lead to constipation. It is important to remember that the consumption of large amounts of fatty and fried foods also affects the functioning of the intestines.

Constipation can also be caused by certain medications, such as antidepressants, magnesium and calcium sulfates, antihistamines, and others. Acute psycho-emotional overload and stress can also affect bowel function and lead to constipation.

Finally, constipation can also be caused by certain diseases, such as diabetes, thyroid disease, colitis, and others. In such cases, a passenger approach to treatment and selection of prescriptions is necessary.

Symptoms of constipation

Constipation is a disorder of the gastrointestinal tract characterized by difficult and infrequent passage of feces through the intestines. The main symptom of constipation is the absence of stool for more than 48 hours. But besides this, patients may have other signs of this pathology.

• Abdominal pain – often occurs with constipation, especially when a large amount of stool accumulates in the intestines and the large intestine is distended.
• Abdominal distension – the intestines may become dilated due to the accumulation of feces, resulting in an unnatural bulge on the abdomen.
• Heartburn and nausea – When constipated, the contents of the stomach can be pushed back up the esophagus, causing heartburn and nausea.
• General weakness – occurs due to the constant feeling of heaviness in the abdomen, the inability to carry out the normal movement of feces and the lack of vitamins and nutrients that the body does not have time to absorb.

If you have one or more of these symptoms, see your doctor to find out the cause and prescribe the necessary treatment.

How to Diagnose Constipation

Constipation is a common condition in people of all ages and genders. However, in order to properly treat any pathological condition, it is necessary to properly diagnose it. There are several methods for diagnosing constipation:

1. Interview. The doctor should ask the patient questions about the type of bowel movement and other symptoms such as abdominal pain and stool leakage.
2. Physical examination. The doctor may examine the abdomen and proctal opening to assess the condition of the anal canal and rectum.
3. Intestinal transfusion. This is a procedure in which aqueous solutions or oil are injected into the intestines to more accurately determine the location of the obstruction in the intestines.
4. Intestinal examination. Examination methods may include colonoscopy, rectosigmoidoscopy, and other tests that can see the bowel inside.

The results of the diagnosis will help determine the causes of constipation and prescribe appropriate treatment.

Prevention of constipation

Proper nutrition

One of the main factors affecting bowel function is nutrition. To prevent constipation, you need to eat more fresh fruits and vegetables, including those rich in fiber and dietary fiber. You should also include cereals and liquids in the diet.

Regular exercise

Exercise helps speed up and improve bowel movements. Constant training and exercise also contribute to a positive effect on the functioning of the large and small intestines. Particularly useful among physical exercises are yoga and swimming.

Quitting bad habits

Smoking, alcohol and some medications can affect intestinal motility, which can cause constipation. Therefore, to prevent constipation, it is necessary to abandon bad habits and limit the use of drugs that can affect the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract.

Regular health check-ups

To prevent constipation, it is necessary to have regular check-ups with a doctor and follow his recommendations for maintaining the health of the body as a whole. Early detection and treatment of gastrointestinal disorders can prevent or reduce the risk of constipation.

Constipation Diet

Key Recommendations

A constipation diet should be high in fiber, contain adequate fluids, and avoid foods that may cause constipation. Key Recommendations:

• Eat fiber-rich vegetables and fruits
• Drink at least 1.5 liters of water a day
• Increase your protein intake
• Limit your intake of foods containing animal fats and simple carbohydrates

Also desirable eat food in small portions, but often, so that the food lump does not linger in the stomach and intestines.

Healthy Foods

Constipation diet should include fiber rich foods such as:

• Vegetables: broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, pumpkins, cucumbers, tomatoes and other vegetables
• Fruits: apples, pears, oranges, mangoes, bananas, cherries, etc.
• Cereals: oatmeal, buckwheat, corn, rice and other grains
• Legumes: beans, peas, chickpeas, lentils and other legumes
• Nuts: almonds, cashews, hazelnuts, walnuts and other types

Lean fish, meat and dairy products are also beneficial.

Undesirable foods

When constipated, it is necessary to limit the consumption of foods that can provoke constipation, such as:

• Fatty foods: margarine, mayonnaise, butter, lard and others
• Simple carbohydrates: sweets, pies, white bread and others white flour products
• Canned and processed foods
• Beans, radishes, cabbages and other foods that can cause bloating

It is also necessary to limit the consumption of coffee, alcohol and other drinks that can dry out the body and cause constipation.

Medicines for constipation

Constipation is a common medical condition that is often caused by poor lifestyle habits or undesirable factors. One way to treat constipation is to take medication.

The main goals of drug therapy are to improve and accelerate intestinal motility, increase stool volume and soften its consistency. Depending on the type of constipation (atonic, spastic) and its causes, different types of drugs are used.

• Osmotic solvents. These preparations facilitate the process of defecation, improve the quality and consistency of the stool. They do not cause irritation of the intestinal mucosa, which makes them safe to use. These include lactulose, glycerin suppositories.
• Decoupling preparations. They increase the volume of the stool, facilitate its passage, improve peristalsis and protect against fluid deficiency in the body. These include magnesium sulfate, mannitol, sodium picosulfate.
• Preparations that improve intestinal motility. These drugs increase the strength and frequency of bowel contractions and hasten the passage of stool. One such drug is metoclopramide, which acts on nerve receptors.
• Probiotics. They increase the amount of beneficial microflora in the intestines, increase immunity, soften hard stools and improve the general condition of the body.

Before eliminating constipation with medicines, it is necessary to consult a doctor and undergo the necessary set of examinations. And only after that start the treatment of constipation.

Exercise for constipation

Exercise can be an effective treatment for constipation and general health. They help to activate the intestines and speed up the process of digestion of food.

Leg Raises

One of the easiest exercises to combat constipation is the supine leg raise. The legs should be raised up, pressed and lowered, repeating the exercise 10-15 times.

Ship Pose

This exercise resembles the shape of a ship, with the body and legs raised in the air and the arms extended forward. The “ship” pose strengthens the abdominal muscles, which also has a positive effect on the process of digestion.

Pear Pose

Pear Pose is an exercise in which the legs are extended to the sides and the body is straight. You can also do this pose while sitting on a mat. Repeat the pose 8-10 times.

All of the above exercises help improve digestion and promote regular bowel movements without harming your health. In addition, it is important to remember about proper diet and water intake to prevent constipation.

Traditional treatments for constipation

Constipation is a disorder of the gastrointestinal tract in which a person has difficulty emptying their bowels. To avoid this problem, many people resort to traditional methods of treatment. One such method is to eat foods rich in plant fibers, such as fruits, vegetables, and cereals. The fibers help soften the stool and help it pass through the intestines.

Another traditional treatment for constipation is abdominal massage. The method consists in performing special movements designed to stimulate the bowels. Massage can be performed independently or contact a massage therapist or a specialist.

• Recommended products for consumption: fruits (apples, apricots, peaches), vegetables (beets, carrots, marrows), cereals (wheat, rye, oats).
• Herbal decoctions and infusions: hay infusion, dandelion root decoction, yarrow infusion.
• Abdominal massage: kneading the abdomen in a clockwise direction, stroking and circular movements through the intestines.

When should I see a doctor for constipation?

Constipation is a common medical condition that can affect anyone. In milder cases, it can be treated on its own, but there are situations when you definitely need to see a doctor.

• If constipation goes along with abdominal pain, then this may indicate a more serious problem in the body;
• Constipation does not resolve within a few days and the gastrointestinal tract is sluggish. In this case, it is important to immediately consult a doctor;
• There is severe bleeding from the anus;
• The patient has symptoms of intoxication such as vomiting or diarrhea, fever, and pale skin;
• In especially severe cases, the pain becomes unbearable and the patient needs emergency medical care.

It is important to understand that slowing down the process of removing feces from the body can lead to serious consequences. The sooner you see a doctor, the sooner treatment will begin and the sooner everything will return to normal.

Related videos:

Q&A:

What is constipation and how does it occur?

Constipation is the absence or difficulty of stool. The problem can arise due to many reasons, including poor diet, sedentary lifestyle, certain medications, and medical conditions.

What are the symptoms of constipation?

Symptoms of constipation may include a feeling of incomplete emptying of the bowels, heaviness and discomfort in the abdomen, hot flashes and sweating, and infrequent or difficult defecation.

How can constipation be prevented?

You can prevent constipation by following your doctor’s recommendations for proper nutrition, regular physical activity, and lifestyle changes.

What role does diet play in the treatment of constipation?

Diet can play an important role in the treatment of constipation. Including plenty of plant-based, high-fiber foods in your diet can help speed up the digestion process and make bowel movements easier.

What medicines can be taken to treat constipation?

Medicines for constipation may include laxatives, digestive aids, and other medicines that help stimulate bowel movements.

When should I see a doctor if I have constipation?

If you have frequent constipation or if your symptoms do not improve with lifestyle changes or diet and medication, you should see your doctor. Persistent constipation may indicate a serious illness.

Constipation in adults: causes and consequences

Constipation in adults is a very common problem. In most cases, this phenomenon occurs in people whose large intestine absorbs too much water. Subsequently, the feces become dry and hard, which makes their passage through the intestine difficult. In this material, you will receive answers to 2 questions: where does constipation come from and what are their possible complications?

The frequency of bowel movements among healthy people varies widely, ranging from 2-3 trips to the toilet per day to 3 bowel movements per week. As a rule, the process of the exit of feces from the rectum occurs without any extra effort or discomfort.

Constipation is a decrease in the frequency of defecation habitual for a person and / or difficult passage of feces. If more than 3 days have passed since the last trip to the toilet, the contents of the intestine harden. For this reason, a person experiences great difficulty during bowel movements. Often in the process of passing feces, he has to endure pain.

Sometimes the regularity of going to the toilet does not decrease, but during bowel movements one has to strain. Also, with the normal frequency of visiting the toilet, some have a feeling of incomplete emptying. The presence of these symptoms requires a separate examination, because they may be associated with dysfunction of the pelvic floor muscles. In this case, constipation appears due to the fact that the muscles in the rectum do not relax properly. As a result, feces are retained or passed out with great difficulty.

Like a high temperature, constipation occurs for a variety of reasons, the most common of which are listed below.

• Unbalanced diet

The main cause of constipation may be a diet high in animal fats (meat, dairy, eggs) and processed sugars (sweets), but low in fiber. The latter promotes the movement of feces through the large intestine, and ultimately their evacuation.

Constipation is caused by not drinking enough fluids. Usually the stool is soft and easily evacuated from the rectum if the person consumes enough fiber and drinks plenty of water.

The problem of unbalanced nutrition is easily solved with the help of a nutritionist at the Persomed clinic.

• Irritable bowel syndrome

Some patients who suffer from this disorder develop spasms in the intestines. It is through their fault that the rate of advancement of fecal masses decreases, which leads to constipation. The patient also suffers from abdominal pain.

• Ignoring the urge to defecate

A person can cause a constipation cycle if they ignore the urge to defecate. Some do it because they avoid public restrooms, while others do it because they are too busy. After passing a certain period of time, a person completely ceases to feel the urge to empty. Ultimately, this leads to constipation.

Studies show that suppressing the urge to void can slow down the passage of feces through the intestines or lead to incomplete relaxation of the pelvic floor muscles.

• Pregnancy

Constipation during pregnancy occurs in every fifth woman in the position. This is due to hormonal changes that relax the intestinal muscles, slowing down peristalsis. The growing uterus, which creates increased pressure on the intestines, also contributes to constipation in pregnant women. Another reason for the inability to cope with a great need is the low physical activity of the expectant mother.

According to experts from the American Pregnancy Association, constipation during pregnancy contributes to constant anxiety about the health of the baby. Sometimes taking iron as a separate supplement contributes.

Prevention of constipation in pregnancy is based on the same principles that apply to any person suffering from an inability to go to the toilet. You can learn about these principles in a separate article.

If a pregnant woman is taking iron, then the supplement should be spaced out throughout the day. Do not take it in large dosage and for 1 time.

• Hemorrhoids and fissures in the anus

Painful conditions in the anus cause spasms in the anal sphincter. This can hold stool in the rectum.

• Medications

Many drugs cause constipation. These include strong painkillers, antacids containing calcium or aluminum, antispasmodics, antidepressants, tranquilizers, anticonvulsants (prescribed for epilepsy), drugs for Parkinson’s disease, as well as calcium channel blockers, which are prescribed for high blood pressure or heart disease.

• Certain medical conditions

Several medical conditions can cause constipation, including hypothyroidism (a lack of hormones produced by the thyroid gland) and bowel movements. Most often, these deviations occur in older people.

Sometimes diseases that affect body tissues (scleroderma or systemic lupus erythematosus), as well as some neurological diseases, are sometimes responsible for constipation. The latter include multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease.

• Abuse of laxatives

If a person regularly takes laxatives, his colon becomes dependent on their action. Over time, the patient needs to increase the dosage, otherwise his intestines will refuse to evacuate their contents. Ultimately, the intestines will lose sensitivity to the drug and completely stop responding to it. A kind of vicious circle is formed. For this reason, laxatives should be taken very infrequently and only as directed by a gastroenterologist.

What are the consequences of constipation?

Chronic bowel problems can lead to some unpleasant consequences. Among them:

• Hemorrhoids

This condition is characterized by swelling and inflammation of the veins around the anus in the lower part of the rectum. Hemorrhoids can appear due to strong straining during bowel movements.

• Anal fissures

These are small tears in the anus that cause itching, pain or bleeding.

• Rectal prolapse

Rectal prolapse can occur during a bowel movement if the person exerts himself very hard. Most often this occurs in older people who have long suffered from constipation, as well as in postmenopausal women.

• Fecal blockage

Sometimes hard stools fill the colon so tightly that normal pushing bowel movements are not enough to expel the stool. This is fecal blockage, which in most cases affects children and the elderly.

How is constipation diagnosed?

Sometimes during the physical examination and review of a patient’s medical history, the doctor is left with doubts about the cause of constipation.