Constipation
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Try one of these related symptoms.
Constipation
Hard stools
Passing fewer than three stools a week
Pain when passing stools
Feeling of incomplete bowel emptying
I want to poop, but cannot
I can't defecate
Feel like I still have to poop after having a bowel movement
Cramping rectal pain
Slow bowel movements
Feeling of incomplete defecation
About the Symptom
Constipation is defined as having fewer than three bowel movements per week, accompanied by hard, dry, or lumpy stools, difficulty or discomfort in passing stools, or a sensation that not all stool has been eliminated.
When to See a Doctor
Seek professional care if you experience any of the following symptoms
- Family history of colorectal cancer
- Edema
- Abdominal pain
- Decrease in stool caliber
Possible Causes
Generally, Constipation can be related to:
- Cystic Fibrosis (CF)
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disorder that causes severe damage to the lungs, digestive system, and other organs in the body.
- Neuromyelitis Optica (NMO)
Neuromyelitis optica (NMO) is a rare condition in which the immune system damages the spinal cord and the optic nerves.
- Acute Porphyria
Acute porphyria is a group of rare genetic disorders that impact the body's ability to produce heme, a vital component of hemoglobin in red blood cells. This disruption can lead to a variety of symptoms, including intense abdominal pain, nervous system issues, and psychiatric symptoms, with episodes often triggered by factors such as certain medications, hormonal changes, or dietary choices.
- Constipation
- Amyloidosis
- Hypothyroidism
- Hyperparathyroidism
- Anal Varices
Related Serious Diseases
Sometimes, Constipation may be related to these serious diseases:
- Intussusception
A condition where a segment of the intestines "telescopes" into another. This can cause the intestine walls to die, so prompt medical attention is needed. It is associated with certain genetic conditions and growths, but often no clear cause is found.
- Hepatic Encephalopathy
Doctor's Diagnostic Questions
Your doctor may ask these questions to check for this symptom:
- Have you been experiencing constipation?
- When did you first start experiencing constipation?
- How often do you experience constipation?
- How would you describe the severity of your constipation?
- How is your constipation now?
Reviewed By:
Aiko Yoshioka, MD (Gastroenterology)
Dr. Yoshioka graduated from the Niigata University School of Medicine. He worked as a gastroenterologist at Saiseikai Niigata Hospital and Niigata University Medical & Dental Hospital before serving as the Deputy Chief of Gastroenterology at Tsubame Rosai Hospital and Nagaoka Red Cross Hospital. Dr. Yoshioka joined Saitama Saiseikai Kawaguchi General Hospital as Chief of Gastroenterology in April 2018.
Unnati Patel, MD, MSc (Family Medicine)
Dr.Patel serves as Center Medical Director and a Primary Care Physician at Oak Street Health in Arizona. She graduated from the Zhejiang University School of Medicine prior to working in clinical research focused on preventive medicine at the University of Illinois and the University of Nevada. Dr. Patel earned her MSc in Global Health from Georgetown University, during which she worked with the WHO in Sierra Leone and Save the Children in Washington, D.C. She went on to complete her Family Medicine residency in Chicago at Norwegian American Hospital before completing a fellowship in Leadership in Value-based Care in conjunction with the Northwestern University Kellogg School of Management, where she earned her MBA. Dr. Patel’s interests include health tech and teaching medical students and she currently serves as Clinical Associate Professor at the University of Arizona School of Medicine.
Content updated on Jan 30, 2025
Following the Medical Content Editorial Policy
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People with similar symptoms also use Ubie's symptom checker to find possible causes
- Unable to pass motion
- Feel like I need to have a bowel movement
- Recent bowel motion was hard and small
- Recent stool was hard and small
- Find it hard to poop
- I want to poop but don't come out
- Recent stool was like a pellet.
- Hard and dry stool
- Recent stool was hard and tiny
- Recent poo was like a pellet.
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FAQs
Q.
When Should I Start Worrying about Constipation?
A.
If you haven't had a bowel movement for more than 5-7 days and also have pain, nausea or even vomiting, please seek further medical attention.
References:
Dorfman L, El-Chammas K, Mansi S, Kaul A. Gastrocolonic Response. Curr Gastroenterol Rep. 2022 Nov;24(11):137-144. doi: 10.1007/s11894-022-00849-2. Epub 2022 Nov 3. PMID: 36324042.
Burr RL, Jarrett ME, Cain KC, Jun SE, Heitkemper MM. Catecholamine and cortisol levels during sleep in women with irritable bowel syndrome. Neurogastroenterol Motil. 2009 Nov;21(11):1148-e97. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2982.2009.01351.x. Epub 2009 Jul 1. PMID: 19573081; PMCID: PMC2820403.
Burr RL, Jarrett ME, Cain KC, Jun SE, Heitkemper MM. Catecholamine and cortisol levels during sleep in women with irritable bowel syndrome. Neurogastroenterol Motil. 2009 Nov;21(11):1148-e97. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2982.2009.01351.x. Epub 2009 Jul 1. PMID: 19573081; PMCID: PMC2820403.
Heaton KW, Radvan J, Cripps H, Mountford RA, Braddon FE, Hughes AO. Defecation frequency and timing, and stool form in the general population: a prospective study. Gut. 1992 Jun;33(6):818-24. doi: 10.1136/gut.33.6.818. PMID: 1624166; PMCID: PMC1379343.
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Link to full study:
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.08.29.24312810v1References
Constipation
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/constipation/