Constipation
Educational information. Individual clinical review of this presentation by Dr. Ehsan is not yet documented. It does not replace personal medical evaluation.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine. Read the original source
MedlinePlus data edition September 26, 2026. Imported September 27, 2026. These dates do not indicate a new clinical review of the article.
Constipation means having fewer than three bowel movements a week. The stool (poop) can be hard and dry. Sometimes it is painful to pass. At one time or another, almost everyone gets constipated. In most cases, it lasts a short time and is not serious.
There are many things you can do to prevent constipation. They include:
- Eating more fruits, vegetables and grains, which are high in fiber
- Drinking plenty of water and other liquids
- Getting enough exercise
- Taking time to have a bowel movement when you need to
- Using laxatives only if your health care provider says you should
- Asking your provider if medicines you take may cause constipation
It's not important that you have a bowel movement every day. If your bowel habits change, however, check with your provider.
NIH: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
Symptoms, tests and care options
Further reading selected by MedlinePlus. Links open the original organizations’ websites.
- Colonoscopy: MedlinePlus Health Topic · National Library of Medicine
- Diagnosis of Constipation · National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
- Eating, Diet, and Nutrition for Constipation · National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
- Flaxseed and Flaxseed Oil · National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health
- Lower GI Series (Barium Enema) · National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
- Nonprescription Laxatives for Constipation: Use with Caution · Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research
- Symptoms and Causes of Constipation · National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
Questions for your care team
General prompts to help prepare for your appointment.
- How does this information apply to my situation?
- Which symptoms or results need evaluation?
- Which tests are useful, and what can they tell us?
- What care options, benefits, and risks should we discuss?
- When should I seek urgent help, and whom should I call?
- When is follow-up, and how will we know whether the plan is working?
For a life-threatening emergency, call 911 in the U.S. or your local emergency number.
Browse all patient guides