Are You Backed Up? If you've had fewer than three bowel movements in a week or your stools are small, hard, lumpy, or tough to pass, you're constipated. The cause isn't always clear, but even if you don't know why it's happening, it usually passes on its own.
How can you tell how constipated you are?
Symptoms
- Passing fewer than three stools a week.
- Having lumpy or hard stools.
- Straining to have bowel movements.
- Feeling as though there's a blockage in your rectum that prevents bowel movements.
- Feeling as though you can't completely empty the stool from your rectum.
Can I still poop if I'm constipated?
A person may still poop when they are constipated, but bowel movements may be painful or difficult to pass. Some people with constipation experience incomplete evacuation and feel the need to pass more stool even after using the bathroom. It may be difficult or embarrassing to discuss constipation, even with a doctor.
