Question: What is constipation?
Answer: Constipation is a condition in which you may have

fewer than threebowel movementsa week
stoolsthat are hard, dry, or lumpy
stools that are difficult or painful to pass
a feeling that not all stool has passed

However, people can have different bowel movement patterns, and only you know what’s normal for you.

Constipation is not a disease, but may be a symptom of another medical problem. Constipation may last for a short or long time.
Question: How common is constipation?
Answer: Constipation is common among all ages and populations in the United States.  About 16 out of 100 adults have symptoms of constipation. About 33 out of 100 adults ages 60 and older have symptoms of constipation.1
Question: Who is more likely to become constipated?
Answer: Certain people are more likely to become constipated, including2

women, especially during pregnancy or after giving birth
older adults
non-Caucasians
people who eat little to nofiber
people who take certainmedicinesordietary supplements
people withcertain health problems, includingfunctional gastrointestinal disorders