Digestive
Constipation
Passing stools less often than usual, or finding them hard, dry and difficult to push out — a very common problem usually linked to diet, fluids, activity or medicines, but occasionally a sign of an underlying bowel or hormonal condition.
Education and reference only. This explains the common causes of constipation and the warning signs that need urgent help, in plain language — it is not a diagnosis or a substitute for advice from a clinician. If you feel very unwell or are worried, seek medical help.
Quick answer
What is constipation?
Constipation means stools that are harder, drier or less frequent than is normal for you, often with straining, a feeling of incomplete emptying, or discomfort. There is no single 'correct' number of times to open the bowels — what counts is a change from your own pattern.
- Get urgent help: See a doctor promptly for a persistent change in your normal bowel habit, especially if you are over 50, as this needs assessment to rule out bowel cancer. Seek urgent assessment for blood in the stool or unexplained weight loss alongside constipation.
- Self-care: Most constipation responds well to simple changes.
About constipation
Constipation means stools that are harder, drier or less frequent than is normal for you, often with straining, a feeling of incomplete emptying, or discomfort. There is no single 'correct' number of times to open the bowels — what counts is a change from your own pattern. Most constipation is down to everyday factors: not enough fibre or fluid, too little physical activity, ignoring the urge to go, or the side effects of certain medicines. Sometimes a specific condition is involved, such as irritable bowel syndrome, an underactive thyroid that slows the gut, or painful problems around the back passage like piles or a fissure that make people hold on. Constipation is usually easy to treat and rarely serious, but a lasting change in bowel habit, bleeding or weight loss needs assessment because, occasionally, these can be the first signs of bowel cancer.
When to get help
Call 999 or go to A&E if constipation comes with any of these warning signs:
- See a doctor promptly for a persistent change in your normal bowel habit, especially if you are over 50, as this needs assessment to rule out bowel cancer.
- Seek urgent assessment for blood in the stool or unexplained weight loss alongside constipation.
- Call 999 or go to A&E for severe tummy pain with vomiting and no wind or stool passing — this can mean a bowel obstruction.
- Seek urgent help for constipation with new, marked swelling of the tummy.
- See a doctor if constipation comes on suddenly without an obvious cause, or does not improve with self-care.
When to see a doctor
Book an appointment if constipation lasts despite eating more fibre, drinking more and staying active, if it keeps coming back, or if it is painful or distressing. You should seek advice sooner, and not simply treat it yourself, if there is a lasting change in your usual bowel habit, any bleeding, unexplained weight loss, or a family history of bowel problems — these may need investigation. Severe tummy pain with vomiting and an inability to pass wind or stool is an emergency and should not wait.
Not sure how urgent it is? It is always OK to call NHS 111 for advice, day or night.
What can cause it
Common causes of constipation
Constipation has many possible causes. Each links to a full, plain-language guide to that condition — what it is, how it's treated and when to seek help.
What helps
Self-care and what you can do
Most constipation responds well to simple changes. Gradually increase the fibre in your diet with wholegrains, fruit, vegetables and pulses, and drink plenty of fluids through the day so the extra fibre can do its work. Staying physically active helps keep the bowel moving, and it is important not to ignore the urge to go when it comes. Giving yourself unhurried time on the toilet, with your feet supported on a low stool so your knees are above your hips, can make stools easier to pass. A pharmacist can recommend a suitable gentle laxative if lifestyle measures alone are not enough, and can advise how long to use it for.
Answers
Constipation: frequently asked questions
How do I know if I am constipated?
Constipation means a change from your own normal pattern: opening your bowels less often, or passing hard, dry, lumpy stools that are difficult or painful to push out, often with straining or a sense of not fully emptying. There is no fixed number of times that counts as normal.
What is the fastest way to relieve constipation?
Increasing fluids and fibre, moving more and not delaying the urge to go all help, and a pharmacist can suggest a gentle laxative for short-term relief. If you need laxatives regularly or constipation persists, see a doctor to find the cause.
When should I worry about constipation?
Seek assessment for a lasting change in bowel habit, any blood in the stool, or unexplained weight loss, especially over 50. Severe tummy pain with vomiting and no wind or stool passing is an emergency, as it can mean a blocked bowel.
Can stress and medicines cause constipation?
Yes. Stress and changes in routine can disrupt bowel habit, and many medicines, including some painkillers and iron supplements, commonly cause constipation. Mention any new medicine to a pharmacist or doctor if you become constipated after starting it.
Sources
Where this is drawn from
- NICE CKS: Constipation.
- Guts UK: constipation information.
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