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. Fiber-rich foods are usually plant-based. Fiber comes in soluble and insoluble forms. Soluble fiber can dissolve in water and creates a soft, gel-like material as it passes through the digestive system. Insoluble fiber retains most of its structure as it goes through the digestive system.
Both forms of fiber join with stool, increasing its weight and size while also softening it. This makes it easier to pass through the rectum.
Stress , changes in routine, and conditions that slow muscle contractions of the colon or delay your urge to go may also lead to constipation. Changing your diet and increasing your physical activity level are the easiest and fastest ways to treat and prevent constipation. If home remedies do not work, a healthcare professional may recommend an over-the-counter laxative , such as:. If you still have trouble with constipation, a healthcare professional may prescribe medications to help, such as:.
A healthcare professional may also advise that you stop taking certain medications that may cause constipation. Some studies have shown that adding probiotics can be helpful for people with chronic constipation. If you add fiber supplements, remember to drink plenty of fluids. Fluids help fiber work more efficiently. If constipation persists, or if you have concerns about your symptoms, it may be time to see a healthcare professional.
They may recommend additional tests to identify the cause of your symptoms. Tests may include the following:. A marker study, also called a colorectal transit study, is used to test how food is moving through your colon. Numerous abdominal X-rays will be taken over the next few days so the healthcare professional can visualize how the food is moving through your colon and how well your intestinal muscles are working.
You may also be asked to eat a diet high in fiber during the test. An anorectal manometry is a test used to evaluate anal sphincter muscle function. Treatment for chronic constipation depends in part on the underlying cause. However, in some cases, a cause is never found. Constipation may be considered chronic if you've experienced two or more of these symptoms for the last three months.
Make an appointment with your doctor if you experience unexplained and persistent changes in your bowel habits. There is a problem with information submitted for this request.
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You will also receive emails from Mayo Clinic on the latest health news, research, and care. Constipation most commonly occurs when waste or stool moves too slowly through the digestive tract or cannot be eliminated effectively from the rectum, which may cause the stool to become hard and dry. Chronic constipation has many possible causes. Neurological problems can affect the nerves that cause muscles in the colon and rectum to contract and move stool through the intestines.
Causes include:. Problems with the pelvic muscles involved in having a bowel movement may cause chronic constipation. These problems may include:. Hormones help balance fluids in your body. Diseases and conditions that upset the balance of hormones may lead to constipation, including:.
Constipation care at Mayo Clinic.
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