Constipation: Causes, Relief, and What You Need to Know

When you can’t have a constipation, a condition where bowel movements become infrequent or difficult to pass. Also known as stool retention, it’s not just uncomfortable—it can signal deeper issues with your digestive health. If you’re going less than three times a week, feeling bloated, or straining too much, you’re not alone. Millions deal with this every day, and most of the time, it’s not serious. But ignoring it can lead to complications like hemorrhoids, anal fissures, or even bowel obstruction.

What’s behind it? Often, it’s simple: not enough fiber intake, not drinking water, or sitting too much. But it can also come from medications—like painkillers, antidepressants, or iron pills—or conditions like hypothyroidism or diabetes. Some people develop constipation after surgery or during pregnancy. Even stress can slow things down. The key is figuring out what’s triggering it for you. A change in routine, travel, or switching foods can trigger it too. You might think it’s just "normal" if it’s been happening for weeks, but it doesn’t have to be.

Fixing it doesn’t always mean reaching for a laxative. Most cases improve with basic changes: adding more fruits, veggies, beans, and whole grains to your meals. Drinking half your body weight in ounces of water daily helps. Moving more—even a 20-minute walk—can kickstart your bowels. If those don’t work, over-the-counter options like psyllium husk, magnesium citrate, or stimulant laxatives can help short-term. But long-term reliance on laxatives isn’t safe. You need to treat the cause, not just the symptom. And if you’re losing weight, bleeding, or in constant pain, see a doctor. Those aren’t normal signs.

Below, you’ll find real, practical advice from people who’ve been there. From how certain blood pressure meds like losartan or azilsartan medoxomil can affect digestion, to how SSRIs like sertraline cause nausea and diarrhea that shift into constipation, we cover the hidden links between meds and bowel habits. You’ll also find tips on managing constipation caused by HIV drugs, antifungals, and even supplements. No fluff. Just what works—and what doesn’t.