Constipation is common, but with simple changes, you can manage and even prevent it

MedicalXpress | 三月 30, 2026

Chances are you've experienced constipation at some point in your life. It's one of the most common gastrointestinal complaints, affecting people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds. Constipation is typically defined as having fewer than three bowel movements per week, along with stools that are hard, dry, difficult to pass, or accompanied by straining and a sense of incomplete evacuation. While it's usually temporary, constipation can significantly affect quality of life and, if left unmanaged, may lead to complications such as hemorrhoids or fissures.