Chronic constipation is an uncomfortable problem that affects around 4 million Americans.It occurs when difficult or infrequent bowel movements result in lumpy or hard stools. It can also feel like you have not fully emptied your bowels. For many people, constipation means having less than three bowel movements a week.There are several possible causes ofconstipation. Pinpointing the culprits may help you determine a suitable treatment option.Ekaterina Goncharova/ Getty Images1. DietA diet that doesn’t include enough fiber can lead to constipation.Fiberhelps speed up how fast food moves through your digestive tract.Processed foods, such as fast foods, lunch meats, and prepared snacks, are usually low in fiber. On the other hand, whole grains,legumes, vegetables, and fruits contain a lot of fiber. Many experts recommend consuming about 20 to 30 grams (g) of fiber daily.Water is also important for helping fiber work better in your body. Not getting enough fluids throughout the day can make passing stools more challenging.Drinking six to eight glasses of water daily may help with constipation symptoms.2. LifestyleCertain lifestyle habits can trigger constipation. For example, a lack of physical activity can lead to feeling backed up. Your colon responds to your body’s movements.Often, people who are inactive after an illness or surgery experience difficult or infrequent bowel movements because they don’t get enough exercise.A lack of sleep can also lead to constipation. One study found people who slept seven hours per day had the lowest risk of chronic constipation.Try to go to bed at a regular time each night.3. You Ignore Nature’s CallSometimes, constipation can happen because you do not go to the bathroom when needed. People whohold in bowel movementsmay eventually stop feeling the urge to go.That’s because your body becomes less sensitive to its normal signals. Stools can also become harder and impacted if you hold a bowel movement.It’s best to go when you feel a bowel movement coming on.4. AgeOlder age can make you more prone to constipation. One reason for this is the muscles in your digestive tract weaken with age. This makes it harder to move stool efficiently. Also, older people are often less active, have other medical conditions, and may take medicines that could trigger symptoms of constipation.5. PregnancyConstipation is a common problem duringpregnancy. Studies show between 11% and 38% of pregnant people experience constipation.Part of the reason is you produce more of the hormoneprogesteronewhen you’re pregnant. Progesterone can relax your intestines, which slows digestion. Additionally, the extra weight of the fetus may put more of a strain on your bowels.6. Stress, Anxiety, and DepressionResearch suggests that people withdepressionandanxietyhave a greater risk of developing constipation. In one study, constipated patients were about 14 times more likely to be diagnosed with a mood or anxiety disorder.Though the exact reason for the correlation isn’t clear, researchers believe that when people are stressed, their bodies release hormones that disrupt digestion.7. MedicationsMany prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs can cause constipation. Common ones include:AntidepressantsPainkillersAntihistaminesAntacidsDiuretics(water pills)Antihypertensives(high blood pressure)Some dietary supplements, such as those that contain iron, can also lead to constipation8. Underlying ConditionsSome underlying health conditions that could increase your risk of developing constipation include:Adhesions scar tissue from past surgeriesDiabetes: When the body doesn’t use insulin properly, causing blood sugar imbalancesEndometriosis: A condition when the uterine lining grows outside of the uterusHypothyroidism: An underactive thyroid does not produce enough hormones the body needsIrritable bowel syndrome(IBS): A condition that causes pain, bloating, and constipationKidney disease: Any damage to the kidneysMultiple sclerosis(MS): An autoimmune disease that impacts the central nervous systemParkinson’s disease: A neurological disorder that affects muscle and motor functionWeakpelvic floor muscles9. Other, More Serious Health ConcernsSometimes, more serious health issues can be the cause of constipation. These may include:Bowel obstruction: A blockage in the small or large intestineColorectal cancer: Cancer of the large intestine and rectumSpinal cord injury: An injury to the spinal cord that could lead to paralysisStroke: A lack of blood flow or bleeding in the brainTalking to a Healthcare ProviderConstipation is a common problem. Most of the time, it will pass on its own. But, you should call your healthcare provider with any of thefollowing signs:Your symptoms last longer than three weeks.Your symptoms are severe and interfere with your daily life.You have belly or rectal pain that doesn’t go away.You experience unexplained weight loss.You have rectal bleeding.Quick Tips to Relieve ConstipationIf you have constipation, you might want to try these tips:Eathigh-fiber foods: Load up on veggies, fruits, and whole grains.Drink more water: Staying hydrated can move along digestion.Exercise: A short walk or stretching can help stimulate the intestines.Use alaxative: OTC laxatives can relieve symptoms but shouldn’t be used long-term.Take a warm bath: The warm water can help rouse your digestive system.Use astool softener: This medicine can make it easier to pass stool.Take afiber supplement: They can encourage regular bowel movements.Try anenema:An enema can be used to loosen stool in the rectum for occasional relief.SummaryConstipation is a common problem. Many causes could explain why you’re feeling backed up. Diet, lifestyle habits, pregnancy, age, medications, and underlying medical conditions are also possible reasons.If you have frequent or severe constipation, it’s a good idea to talk to your healthcare provider. Treatments can help you feel better and get back to your daily routine.
Chronic constipation is an uncomfortable problem that affects around 4 million Americans.It occurs when difficult or infrequent bowel movements result in lumpy or hard stools. It can also feel like you have not fully emptied your bowels. For many people, constipation means having less than three bowel movements a week.
There are several possible causes ofconstipation. Pinpointing the culprits may help you determine a suitable treatment option.
Ekaterina Goncharova/ Getty Images
1. Diet
A diet that doesn’t include enough fiber can lead to constipation.Fiberhelps speed up how fast food moves through your digestive tract.Processed foods, such as fast foods, lunch meats, and prepared snacks, are usually low in fiber. On the other hand, whole grains,legumes, vegetables, and fruits contain a lot of fiber. Many experts recommend consuming about 20 to 30 grams (g) of fiber daily.
Water is also important for helping fiber work better in your body. Not getting enough fluids throughout the day can make passing stools more challenging.Drinking six to eight glasses of water daily may help with constipation symptoms.
2. Lifestyle
Certain lifestyle habits can trigger constipation. For example, a lack of physical activity can lead to feeling backed up. Your colon responds to your body’s movements.Often, people who are inactive after an illness or surgery experience difficult or infrequent bowel movements because they don’t get enough exercise.
A lack of sleep can also lead to constipation. One study found people who slept seven hours per day had the lowest risk of chronic constipation.Try to go to bed at a regular time each night.
3. You Ignore Nature’s Call
Sometimes, constipation can happen because you do not go to the bathroom when needed. People whohold in bowel movementsmay eventually stop feeling the urge to go.That’s because your body becomes less sensitive to its normal signals. Stools can also become harder and impacted if you hold a bowel movement.It’s best to go when you feel a bowel movement coming on.
4. Age
Older age can make you more prone to constipation. One reason for this is the muscles in your digestive tract weaken with age. This makes it harder to move stool efficiently. Also, older people are often less active, have other medical conditions, and may take medicines that could trigger symptoms of constipation.
5. Pregnancy
Constipation is a common problem duringpregnancy. Studies show between 11% and 38% of pregnant people experience constipation.Part of the reason is you produce more of the hormoneprogesteronewhen you’re pregnant. Progesterone can relax your intestines, which slows digestion. Additionally, the extra weight of the fetus may put more of a strain on your bowels.
6. Stress, Anxiety, and Depression
Research suggests that people withdepressionandanxietyhave a greater risk of developing constipation. In one study, constipated patients were about 14 times more likely to be diagnosed with a mood or anxiety disorder.
Though the exact reason for the correlation isn’t clear, researchers believe that when people are stressed, their bodies release hormones that disrupt digestion.
7. Medications
Many prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs can cause constipation. Common ones include:
Some dietary supplements, such as those that contain iron, can also lead to constipation
8. Underlying Conditions
Some underlying health conditions that could increase your risk of developing constipation include:
9. Other, More Serious Health Concerns
Sometimes, more serious health issues can be the cause of constipation. These may include:
Talking to a Healthcare Provider
Constipation is a common problem. Most of the time, it will pass on its own. But, you should call your healthcare provider with any of thefollowing signs:
Quick Tips to Relieve Constipation
If you have constipation, you might want to try these tips:
Summary
Constipation is a common problem. Many causes could explain why you’re feeling backed up. Diet, lifestyle habits, pregnancy, age, medications, and underlying medical conditions are also possible reasons.
If you have frequent or severe constipation, it’s a good idea to talk to your healthcare provider. Treatments can help you feel better and get back to your daily routine.
11 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Constipation.National Institute of Health.Concerned about constipation?UCSF Health.Constipation.Harvard Health Publishing.Common causes of constipation.Wang D, Li Y, Shi Y, Hu Z.U-shaped association between sleep duration with chronic constipation and diarrhea: A population-based study.Chronobiology International. 2022;39(12):1656-1664. doi:10.1080/07420528.2022.2139713University of Michigan Health.Constipation.Burgell RE, Scott SM.Rectal hyposensitivity.Journal of Neurogastroenterology and Motility. 2012;18(4):373. doi: 10.5056/jnm.2012.18.4.373.Trottier M, Erebara A, Bozzo P.Treating constipation during pregnancy.Canadian Family Physician. 2012;58(8):836.Nationwide Children’s.Avoid getting stuck with constipation.Hosseinzadeh ST, Poorsaadati S, Radkani B, Forootan M.Psychological disorders in patients with chronic constipation.Gastroenterology and Hepatology From Bed to Bench. 2011;4(3):159.Harvard Health Publishing.8 ways to get constipation relief.
11 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Constipation.National Institute of Health.Concerned about constipation?UCSF Health.Constipation.Harvard Health Publishing.Common causes of constipation.Wang D, Li Y, Shi Y, Hu Z.U-shaped association between sleep duration with chronic constipation and diarrhea: A population-based study.Chronobiology International. 2022;39(12):1656-1664. doi:10.1080/07420528.2022.2139713University of Michigan Health.Constipation.Burgell RE, Scott SM.Rectal hyposensitivity.Journal of Neurogastroenterology and Motility. 2012;18(4):373. doi: 10.5056/jnm.2012.18.4.373.Trottier M, Erebara A, Bozzo P.Treating constipation during pregnancy.Canadian Family Physician. 2012;58(8):836.Nationwide Children’s.Avoid getting stuck with constipation.Hosseinzadeh ST, Poorsaadati S, Radkani B, Forootan M.Psychological disorders in patients with chronic constipation.Gastroenterology and Hepatology From Bed to Bench. 2011;4(3):159.Harvard Health Publishing.8 ways to get constipation relief.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Constipation.National Institute of Health.Concerned about constipation?UCSF Health.Constipation.Harvard Health Publishing.Common causes of constipation.Wang D, Li Y, Shi Y, Hu Z.U-shaped association between sleep duration with chronic constipation and diarrhea: A population-based study.Chronobiology International. 2022;39(12):1656-1664. doi:10.1080/07420528.2022.2139713University of Michigan Health.Constipation.Burgell RE, Scott SM.Rectal hyposensitivity.Journal of Neurogastroenterology and Motility. 2012;18(4):373. doi: 10.5056/jnm.2012.18.4.373.Trottier M, Erebara A, Bozzo P.Treating constipation during pregnancy.Canadian Family Physician. 2012;58(8):836.Nationwide Children’s.Avoid getting stuck with constipation.Hosseinzadeh ST, Poorsaadati S, Radkani B, Forootan M.Psychological disorders in patients with chronic constipation.Gastroenterology and Hepatology From Bed to Bench. 2011;4(3):159.Harvard Health Publishing.8 ways to get constipation relief.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Constipation.
National Institute of Health.Concerned about constipation?
UCSF Health.Constipation.
Harvard Health Publishing.Common causes of constipation.
Wang D, Li Y, Shi Y, Hu Z.U-shaped association between sleep duration with chronic constipation and diarrhea: A population-based study.Chronobiology International. 2022;39(12):1656-1664. doi:10.1080/07420528.2022.2139713
University of Michigan Health.Constipation.
Burgell RE, Scott SM.Rectal hyposensitivity.Journal of Neurogastroenterology and Motility. 2012;18(4):373. doi: 10.5056/jnm.2012.18.4.373.
Trottier M, Erebara A, Bozzo P.Treating constipation during pregnancy.Canadian Family Physician. 2012;58(8):836.
Nationwide Children’s.Avoid getting stuck with constipation.
Hosseinzadeh ST, Poorsaadati S, Radkani B, Forootan M.Psychological disorders in patients with chronic constipation.Gastroenterology and Hepatology From Bed to Bench. 2011;4(3):159.
Harvard Health Publishing.8 ways to get constipation relief.
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