Constipation Summary Constipation means that a person has three or fewer bowel movements in a week. The stool 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 doctor says you should Asking your doctor 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 doctor. NIH: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases Find an Expert American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons Find a Gastroenterologist American College of Gastroenterology National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases Encyclopedia Bowel retraining Constipation – what to ask your doctor Total abdominal colectomy Clinical Trials ClinicalTrials.gov: Constipation National Institutes of Health Seniors Concerned about Constipation? National Institute on Aging Eldercare at Home: Constipation AGS Foundation for Health in Aging Array Constipation Constipation – self-care Fecal impaction Tenesmus Start Here Constipation National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases Constipation American Academy of Family Physicians Understanding Constipation American Gastroenterological Association What I Need to Know about Constipation National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases Children Constipation Nemours Foundation Constipation in Children National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases Infant Constipation American Academy of Pediatrics Stool Soiling and Constipation in Children American Academy of Family Physicians Teenagers Constipation Nemours Foundation Health Check Tools Constipation DSHI Systems Diagnosis and Tests Elimination Problems American Academy of Family Physicians Lower Gastrointestinal (GI) Tract X-Ray (Radiography) Array Lower GI Series (Barium Enema) National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases MedlinePlus: Colonoscopy National Library of Medicine Related Issues Fiber: How to Increase the Amount in Your Diet American Academy of Family Physicians Rectal Prolapse American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons Solitary Rectal Ulcer Syndrome Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research Treatments and Therapies Flaxseed and Flaxseed Oil National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health Laxatives: OTC Products for Constipation American Academy of Family Physicians Over the Counter Laxatives for Constipation: Use with Caution Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research Treating Constipation Array Understanding Antegrade Colonic Enema (ACE) Surgery Cleveland Clinic Foundation Patient Handouts Lower GI Series National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases Women Pregnancy Constipation: Are Stool Softeners Safe? Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research Journal Articles Constipation
