Constipation is infrequent bowel movements or the difficult passing of hard and dry feces. In most cases, constipation is simply the result of insufficient fiber or fluids in the diet or lack of exercise.
Other causes include difficult toilet training in childhood, repeatedly ignoring the urge to move the bowels, prolonged immobility, pregnancy, or certain medications. Occasionally, constipation may be due to an underlying disorder, such as hypothyroidism (underactivity of the thyroid, hemorrhoids , irritable bowel syndrome , an anal fissure , diverticular disease or colon cancer.
Constipation usually clears up with self-help measures, such as increasing the amount of fiber and fluids in the diet and exercising more regularly. If constipation persists, medical advice should be sought.