Constipation is a common and often uncomfortable problem. Constipation means that you have bowel movements fewer than 3 times a week. Or you may you strain to pass hard, dry stool. It can last a short time. Or it can be a problem that never seems to go away. The good news is that it often can be treated and controlled.

How often bowel movements occur can vary from person to person. Usually, they range from 2 or 3 a day to 2 or 3 a week. Having a bowel movement every 2 to 3 days is not constipation, as long as the stool is mostly soft and not difficult or painful to pass.

One of the best ways to help treat constipation is to increase your fiber intake. You can do this either through diet or by using fiber supplements. Fiber (in whole grains, fruits, and vegetables) adds bulk and absorbs water to make the stool soft. This helps the stool pass through the colon more easily. When you increase your fiber, do it slowly. This can help to prevent side effects, such as bloating. Also increase the amount of water that you drink. To add fiber to your diet, eat more:

• High-fiber cereals.
• Whole grains, bran, and brown rice.
• Vegetables, such as carrots, broccoli, and greens.
• Fresh fruits, especially apples, pears, and dried fruits such as raisins and apricots.
• Nuts and legumes, especially beans, such as lentils, kidney beans, and lima beans.

People have different daily fiber needs. Usually, men over the age of 50 should get at least 30 grams of fiber a day. Women over the age of 50 should get at least 21 grams of fiber a day. Ask your doctor how much fiber you need each day.

• Go to the bathroom when you feel you need to. Don't ignore the urge to have a bowel movement.
• Set aside time after meals, at the same time each day, to go to the bathroom.
• Do not skip meals.
• Drink 8 to 10 cups (2 to 2.5 L) of liquids, especially water, every day. Talk to your doctor first, though, to make sure it's okay.

Exercise helps improve the working of your colon. This helps ease constipation. Try to get some physical activity every day. If you haven't been active for a while, talk with your doctor before starting again.

• Laxatives. Your doctor may suggest an over-the-counter product to help ease your constipation. They may suggest using bulk-forming products or laxatives. Laxatives are common. They are safe if used as directed. Follow directions carefully when using them.
• Enema. This is a liquid medicine. It flushes stool from the rectum and lower part of the large intestine.
• Talk to your doctor. Do this for new constipation and to discuss treatments for long-term constipation. Your doctor can rule out other causes, such as certain medicines or other health conditions. Tell your doctor if you have rectal bleeding.
• Pelvic floor training. Biofeedback and pelvic physical therapy (PT) may be helpful. They can help if you have pelvic floor problems that may lead to constipation. For biofeedback, the health care provider puts sensors in and outside your anus. This helps you learn how to find and relax the muscles during a bowel movement so you don't get constipated. With PT, you will learn exercises to help have normal bowel movements and prevent constipation. You may be taught different positions to use to keep from straining during a bowel movement.
• Stop taking certain medicines and dietary supplements. Some medicines and supplements can cause constipation. Talk with your doctor. They may change the dose or suggest a different medicine that does not cause constipation. Don't change or stop any medicine or supplement without talking with your doctor.