Constipation in Adults

The symptoms of constipation come from slowed or stalled movement of stool through the colon, rectum, or anus.

People with true constipation usually have at least two of the following symptoms:

• A need to strain (forcefully contract) the muscles in your abdomen or pelvis in order to have bowel movements.

• Hard or lumpy stools.

• Urges to have bowel movements that do not lead to successful passing of stool.

• Fewer than three stools per week.

• Fullness (bloating) in the abdomen.

• A sensation of a blockage in your rectum during bowel movements.

• A need to push your fingers into your rectum, against the skin near your rectum, or (if you are a woman) into your vagina in order to have bowel movements.

• A feeling after bowel movements that you did not empty your rectum completely.

Begin now.