Constipation

Difficulty passing stool out of the intestine. This may be due to slow transit through the intestine, a problem with the anus, or secondary to medications or systemic diseases (such as Parkinson’s disease, severe diabetes, and others). Treatment is medicinal.

Constipation is a common gastroenterological problem. Constipation is defined as two or fewer bowel movements per week, or significant difficulty and effort during evacuation. In the general population, the normal frequency of bowel movements is defined as between 3-12 per week. There is a common misconception that normal bowel movement frequency is once daily. This misconception leads to excessive and sometimes even dangerous use of laxatives.

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People experiencing this often have difficulties during the passage of stool, and this process is accompanied by pain and effort. Fortunately, most cases of constipation are temporary. A minor change in lifestyle, such as increased physical activity and a diet rich in dietary fiber, will often relieve constipation.

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Complaints and signs:

Hard stool

Fewer than three bowel movements per week

Excessive straining during bowel movements

A sensation of "rectal blockage"

A feeling of incomplete evacuation after a bowel movement

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Under normal circumstances, stool is propelled through the intestine by muscle contractions. In the colon, most of the water and salt present in the stool are mixed and reabsorbed because they are essential for the body. However, when the colon absorbs excessive amounts of water or if muscle contractions are slow, the stool becomes hard and dry and moves through the intestine very slowly.
This is the main cause of constipation. Another cause of constipation is when the muscles used during bowel movements are not properly "coordinated".
This condition is called "pelvic floor dysfunction," and it causes straining during every bowel movement.