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.
See full list
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FAQs
Q.
Colace: 5 important things doctors want you to know
A.
Colace, or docusate sodium, is an over-the-counter stool softener that draws water into stool to make bowel movements easier without cramping; doctors recommend it for short-term constipation or to prevent straining, typically 50 to 400 mg daily (often 100 mg twice daily) with a full glass of water for no more than 7 days. There are several safety factors and red flags to consider, including diarrhea or cramps at higher doses, dehydration risk in older adults, special guidance in liver disease, avoiding mineral oil near dosing, and seeking care for severe pain, vomiting, blood or black stools, fever, weight loss, or symptoms lasting more than a week; see the complete guidance below for when Colace may not be enough and what to try next.
References:
Shamliyan TA, Wyman JF, Bliss DZ, & Kane RL. (2015). Treatment of constipation in older adults: a systematic review of pharmaceutical and nonpharmaceutical interventions. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, 25623390.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25623390/
European Association for the Study of the Liver. (2018). EASL Clinical Practice Guidelines for the management of patients with decompensated cirrhosis. Journal of Hepatology, 28934759.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28934759/
Cassinotto C, Lapuyade B, Mouries A, et al. (2015). Liver stiffness measurement for non‐invasive assessment of advanced fibrosis and cirrhosis in alcoholic patients. Hepatology, 24732915.
Q.
Why take colace at night
A.
Take Colace at night to sync its 12 to 72 hour stool softening effect with a morning bowel movement, build a consistent routine, and limit daytime cramps or interactions with other medications. There are several factors to consider; see below for important details on hydration timing, liver disease considerations, combining with fiber or laxatives, practical dosing tips, and when to seek medical care so you can choose the right next steps.
References:
Vijayvargiya P, Camilleri M, Shin A, & Saad RJ. (2015). Systematic review: efficacy of licensed therapies for chronic idiopathic… Neurogastroenterol Motil, 25849562.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25849562/
Kamath PS, & Wiesner RH. (2001). A model to predict survival in patients with end-stage liver disease. Hepatology, 11157951.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11157951/
Tsochatzis EA, Bosch J, & Burroughs AK. (2014). Liver cirrhosis. Lancet, 24279923.
Q.
Constipation During Chemotherapy: Causes and what you can do
A.
Constipation is common during chemotherapy and often stems from opioid pain medicines, anti-nausea drugs, dehydration, low fiber intake, reduced activity, electrolyte imbalances, nerve changes, or bowel narrowing from tumors or prior surgery. There are several factors to consider; see below to understand more. Relief usually comes from fluids, gradual fiber, gentle movement, a regular toilet routine and positioning, plus OTC laxatives like polyethylene glycol or senna, with prescription options such as lubiprostone or PAMORAs for opioid-related cases; seek urgent care for severe pain, vomiting, bleeding, or no bowel movement for 5 to 7 days, and see complete steps below.
References:
Larkin PJ, & Cherny NI. (2013). Management of constipation in palliative care: EAPC positio… J Pain Symptom Manage, 23537633.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23537633/
Chey WD, Webster L, & Sostek M. (2014). Lubiprostone for opioid-induced constipation in patie… Am J Gastroenterology, 24935227.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24935227/
European Association for the Study of the Liver. (2018). EASL clinical practice guidelines for th… Journal of Hepatology, 29562927.
Q.
Is it safe to use laxatives every day?
A.
Using laxatives every day can be safe in certain situations, but it's important to choose the right type and follow medical advice. See below to understand more.
References:
de Azevedo RP, Freitas FG, Ferreira EM, Pontes de Azevedo LC, & Machado FR. (2015). Daily laxative therapy reduces organ dysfunction in .... Critical care (London, England), 26373705.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26373705/
Tack J, van Outryve M, Beyens G, Kerstens R, & Vandeplassche L. (2009). Prucalopride (Resolor) in the treatment of severe chronic .... Gut, 18987031.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18987031/
Tuteja AK, & Rao SS. (2008). Lubiprostone for constipation and irritable bowel syndrome .... Expert review of gastroenterology & hepatology, 19090733.
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.
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Constipation
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/constipation/