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Constipation is a very common condition that occurs when bowel movements become difficult or infrequent.
It can be very difficult to pinpoint exactly what a normal bowel movement is because the length of time between bowel movements ranges widely from person to person. However, experts agree that going longer than three days without a bowel movement is too long and could cause problems because the stool becomes harder and more difficult to pass.
In this case, people often decide to use laxatives, medications that help increase the frequency of bowel movements. In most cases, they are extremely useful. It is important to remember, however, that laxatives are not without side effects, some of which can even be life-threatening and require urgent medical intervention.
Diagnostic criteria for constipation
If you have two or more of the following symptoms for at least 3 months, you are considered to suffer from constipation:
- Incomplete evacuation (meaning not passing all stool) more than 25% of the time, or having the sensation of incomplete bowel evacuation.
- Straining during your bowel movements more than 25% of the time spent on the toilet.
- Two or even fewer bowel movements in an average week.
- Hard stools more than 25% of the time.
Incidence: How common is constipation?
This condition is most common in children and older people and affects women more often than men. One in 200 women has severe, continuous constipation, which is considered to be a serious health risk. Pregnancy is a period during which constipation problems usually begin.
More than 6 million people in the UK have problems with chronic constipation. In most cases, constipation isn't the only problem; patients also suffer from hemorrhoids or anal fissures when the condition goes untreated.