Constipation, Explained in Just 2 Minutes

Constipation is one of the most common gastrointestinal gripes in the country. It’s not a condition on its own, but a symptom of other things happening in the gut. Most people associate constipation with having infrequent bowel movements, but the exact definition of constipation involves the following symptoms:

• Straining to pass a bowel movement

• Passing hard, lumpy stool

• Or feeling like your bowel movement is never completely “finished.”

Chronic constipation can signal a bigger problem, whether it’s a gastrointestinal disorder like irritable bowel syndrome, or an unhealthy diet (which could be doing more long-term damage to your health besides digestion).

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Written by:

Lauren Smith, MA

Lauren Smith, MA, has worked in health journalism since 2017. Before joining GoodRx, she was the senior health editor and writer for HealthiNation.

Reviewed by:

Karen Hovav, MD, FAAP

Karen Hovav, MD, FAAP, has more than 15 years of experience as an attending pediatrician. She has worked in a large academic center in an urban city, a small community hospital, a private practice, and an urgent care clinic.

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