Being constipated means your bowel movements are tough or happen less often than normal. Almost everyone goes through it at some point. Although it’s not usually serious, you'll feel much better when your body is back on track.
The normal length of time between bowel movements varies widely from person to person. Some people have them three times a day. Others have them just a few times a week. Going longer than 3 or more days without one, though, is usually too long. After 3 days, your poop gets harder and more difficult to pass.
Why Does It Happen?Some causes of constipation include:
- Changes to what you eat or your activities
- Not enough water or fibre in your diet
- Eating a lot of dairy products
- Not being active
- Resisting the urge to poop
- Stress
- Overuse of laxatives
- Some medications (especially strong pain drugs such as narcotics, antidepressants, and iron pills)
- Antacid medicines that have calcium or aluminum
- Eating disorders
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Pregnancy
- Problems with the nerves and muscles in your digestive system
- Colon cancer
- Neurological conditions such as Parkinson's disease or multiple sclerosis
- Underactive thyroid (called hypothyroidism)
SOURCES:
https://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/digestive-diseases-constipation#1
National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse.
National Institutes of Health.
American Academy of Family Physicians.