What is constipation?

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Constipation is common. If you are constipated it causes one or more of the following.

Faeces (sometimes called stools or motions) become hard, and difficult or painful to pass.
The time between toilet trips increases compared to your usual. (Note: there is a large range of normal 'bowel habit'. Some people normally go to the toilet to pass faeces 2-3 times per day. For others, 2-3 times per week is normal. It is a change from your usual pattern that may mean that you are constipated.)
Sometimes crampy pains occur in the lower abdomen. You may also feel 'bloated' and feel sick if you have severe constipation.

What are the causes of constipation?

Not eating enough fibre (roughage) is a common cause. The average person in the UK eats about 20 grams of fibre each day. But, 30 grams per day is recommended. Fibre is the part of plant food that is not digested. It remains in your gut. It adds bulk to the faeces, and helps your bowels to work well. Foods high in fibre include: fruit, vegetables, and cereals.
Not drinking much may make constipation worse. Your faeces will usually be soft and easily passed if you eat enough fibre, and drink enough fluid. But note: there is great variation. Some people need a lot more fibre and/or fluid than others in order to avoid constipation.
Some special 'slimming diets' are low in fibre, and may cause constipation.
Some medicines can cause constipation as a side-effect. For example: painkillers (particularly those with codeine such as co-codamol), some antacids, some antidepressants, iron tablets, morphine, but there are many others. Tell a doctor if you suspect a medicine is making you constipated. A change of medication may be possible.
Various medical conditions can cause constipation. For example, an underactive thyroid, irritable bowel syndrome, and conditions that cause poor mobility, particularly in the elderly.
Pregnancy. About 1 in 5 pregnant women become constipated. It is due to the hormone changes of pregnancy that slow down the gut movements.
Emotion. Some people say that 'emotional problems' can lead to constipation, but this is hard to prove or to measure.
Unknown cause ('idiopathic'). Some people have a good diet, drink a lot of fluid, do not have a disease which can cause constipation, but become constipated. Their bowels are said to be 'underactive'. This is quite common. Most cases occur in women. This condition tends to start in childhood or in early adulthood, and persist throughout life.