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If you have constipation, passing a stool is difficult, or you don't pass a stool very often. But people's bowel habits vary, so it's hard to say exactly when someone's constipated.

There are two main types of constipation.

• You find passing a stool difficult or uncomfortable, but you go to the bathroom fairly regularly.
• You don't pass a stool often enough.

Lots of people get constipation from time to time. Occasionally it can last several weeks.

It's difficult to say exactly when someone's constipated.¹ People's bowel habits and what they think is normal vary a lot. For some people, passing a stool two or three times a week is normal, but for others, passing a stool two or three times a day is normal. A change from your usual pattern of bowel movements is often a better way of telling if you're constipated.

Your doctor will probably diagnose constipation by asking you questions about your symptoms. If you've had a bowel movement twice a week or less for at least two weeks, he or she will probably say you have constipation.²

Your doctor may do a physical exam. He or she may also order tests to try to see what's causing your constipation. But most people don't need any tests. You'll need tests only if your doctor wants to make sure there isn't something more serious that's causing your symptoms. To read more, see Tests you might need if you have constipation.

You should see your doctor if you have a sudden change in your bowel habits, if you lose weight for no obvious reason or if you see blood mixed in with your stools. Blood in your stools is most often caused by hemorrhoids. But occasionally it can be a sign of a more serious condition, such as colon cancer.

There are lots of reasons why you can have constipation. Sometimes it's hard to know exactly what's causing it. But there are things that make constipation more likely. These are known as risk factors. Risk factors for constipation include:³

• Not eating enough fiber. Fiber is the part of fruits, vegetables and grains that your body can't break down. It makes your stools more bulky and prevents them from becoming hard and dry. This makes it easier for you to pass the stools.
• Not drinking enough fluids. Fluids can also add bulk to stools and make them softer.
• Lack of exercise. If you don't get much exercise or you aren't able to move around, you can get constipated. But doctors don't know exactly why this happens.
• Taking medications. Lots of drugs can cause constipation as a side effect. These include some painkillers, especially strong ones such as morphine, and some antidepressants. If you're taking medication and you think it's making you constipated, you should tell your doctor.
• Pregnancy. Women are more likely to get constipated when they're pregnant.

Some illnesses can slow the movement of stools through your bowels. Here we look only at constipation that isn't caused by an underlying illness.

If you're a parent and your child has constipation, see our information on Constipation in children. Treatments for children are different from those for adults.

This information is for educational use only, and is not a substitute for prompt professional medical advice. Readers should always consult a physician or other professional for advice and treatment. ©BMJ Publishing Group Limited 2008. All rights reserved.