In brief
Difficulty passing bowel movements, or having them less often than normal. Eating more fibre, drinking plenty of fluids and being active help.
- Sitting with your elbows on your knees, leaning forward and using a footstool can make it easier to go.
- Constipation is one of the causes of bloating.
- See your doctor if you are over 50 or have a family history of bowel cancer.
When to get help
Get help now
- If you need urgent medical help, call triple zero (000) immediately.
See your doctor if
- You have unexplained weight loss, bleeding from your bottom or blood in your poo, severe tummy pain, cramping or bloating, or vomiting. See a doctor urgently.
- There are 3 or more days between bowel movements, with tummy pain or straining for a long time.
- Constipation is not getting better with simple lifestyle changes.
- You are over 50 or have a family history of bowel cancer.
Things that can contribute
- Not enough fibre
- Not drinking enough water
- Too little physical activity
- Strong pain-relief medicines
- A thyroid problem
- Irritable bowel syndrome
Questions you could ask your GP
- Could any of my medicines be causing this?
- Which laxative, if any, is right for me?
- Do I need any tests, such as bowel cancer screening?
Based on healthdirect Australia, Constipation. You can also check your symptoms with the healthdirect Symptom Checker, or speak with a registered nurse on 1800 022 222.
How it works
Signs include passing hard, lumpy stools, straining, passing only small amounts, feeling you have not completely emptied your bowels, and tummy pain or discomfort. Common causes are not eating enough fibre, not drinking enough water, not getting enough physical activity, a change in routine, and stress or anxiety. Strong pain-relief medicines, antidepressants, pregnancy, a thyroid problem and irritable bowel syndrome can also cause it.
Eat more high-fibre foods such as fruits and vegetables, drink plenty of water and other fluids, and do regular physical activity. Go to the toilet when you get the urge rather than waiting. Laxatives can help, but ask a doctor or pharmacist which type suits you, because using them incorrectly can make it hard to have a normal bowel pattern after you stop.
Connections
6 connections on the map. Select a topic to read its page.
Constipation can be eased by
Not eating enough fibre can cause constipation, and eating more high-fibre foods such as fruits and vegetables helps.
Not drinking enough water can cause constipation, and drinking plenty of water and other fluids helps.
Not getting enough physical activity can cause constipation, and regular physical activity helps.
Constipation can be caused by
Constipation is a symptom of hypothyroidism.
Source: healthdirect Australia, Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid)
Irritable bowel syndrome is one of the causes of constipation.
Constipation can cause
Constipation is one of the conditions that can cause bloating.
Source: healthdirect Australia, Bloating
Medicines and supplements
General education only. Never start, stop or change a medicine without your prescriber.
Sources
Each connection above names its own source. See every source AskBioMap uses.
Summarised from healthdirect. Sources read on 12, 16 and 19 October 2026. General education only, not medical advice. Spotted a mistake? Please tell us through the HuBu-Intel contact page.