Why Can’t I Poop? Constipation Causes and What to Do

Constipation can be uncomfortable and frustrating, but common culprits like diet changes, travel, and stress are frequently to blame. For some people, there could be more than one cause. Discover practical ways to get your digestive system back on track.  

1. Diabetes

Constipation is common for people with diabetes. Diabetes can weaken the intestinal muscles used to move stool. It may also change water and electrolyte absorption, which can impact stool consistency.

If you have diabetes, seeking care for constipation is important. Understanding the causes helps in developing an effective treatment plan.

2. Endometriosis

Endometriosis involves tissue, similar to the uterine lining, growing elsewhere in the body. If near the bowel, it might cause constipation by compressing or partially blocking it, though complete obstructions are rare.

3. Travel

Travel can lead to constipation due to routine changes, which may disrupt digestion. Even seasoned travelers can experience temporary backup.

Constipation while traveling can occur for a variety of reasons, including:

• Changes to activity level
• Delaying bowel movements because of a lack of bathroom access
• Drinking less water
• Eating new/different foods
• Jet lag
• Stress

4. Something You Ate

Trying new foods or eating foods low in fiber, like dairy, fatty meats, eggs, and sugary foods, can lead to or worsen constipation.

Most people should aim to eat between 25 and 35 grams (g) of fiber a day. This may help avoid constipation because fiber keeps stool soft, easy to pass, and moving through the digestive system well.

Drinking enough liquids is also important. Eating a lot of fiber without drinking enough water could worsen constipation.

5. Pregnancy 

Pregnancy introduces changes that can cause constipation. Pregnant people might not eat enough fiber or stay hydrated. It’s important to consume high-fiber foods and drink water to help prevent constipation when you’re pregnant.

Hormonal shifts might slow digestion, especially in the first and second trimesters. Reduced activity and the fetus pressing on digestive organs, particularly in late pregnancy, can also contribute.

6. Dehydration

Fluids play a crucial role in helping stool move through the large intestine. Without enough fluids, stool can harden, making it difficult to pass.

7. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Irritable bowel syndrome is a functional gastrointestinal disorder thought to result from miscommunication between the brain and gut. IBS-C is the type of IBS linked to constipation. It can also lead to bloating, discomfort, and the sensation that the rectum isn’t empty after a bowel movement.

Treatment may start with laxatives and an increase in fiber. There are also prescription medications that might be tried under the guidance of a healthcare provider.

8. Stress

Stress arises from changes in your routine and can even come from positive events like starting a new job. This can impact digestion, often leading to constipation. Returning to a regular schedule and making sure you get enough water and fiber can help.

Consider stress-relieving practices like yoga or meditation. For severe stress, depression, or anxiety, consider consulting a mental health professional.

9. Medications

Medicines can cause constipation. Opioids are probably the most commonly known cause of drug-induced constipation, but there are many others as well.

Drugs that might cause constipation include:

10. Diverticulitis

Diverticular disease is the presence of pouches in the lining of the large intestine called diverticula. These weakened areas look like bulges or outpouchings in the intestine. They usually don’t cause any issues. However, if they become inflamed, it is called diverticulitis.

It’s thought that about half of people who have diverticulitis are also experiencing constipation. Diverticulitis can be painful and also cause other digestive symptoms. It’s important to get medical attention if you suspect you have developed diverticulitis.

Other Health Conditions

Several other health conditions may lead to constipation. This could be due to how the condition affects the body or as a side effect of treatments. 

Health conditions that could cause constipation include: 

What to Do If Laxatives Aren’t Helping

Relieving and preventing constipation may take several steps. It may help to begin with less invasive home remedies before moving on to other methods. 

Many people start with over-the-counter (OTC) treatments, including laxatives and stool softeners. Most laxatives and stool softeners can be used for the long term. They tend to work fairly quickly. Several different forms are available to treat hard stools.

But laxatives don’t always work. In this case, you may have chronic constipation. Or, your constipation could be severe enough that more intensive methods are needed to resolve it. People should seek help from a healthcare provider if lifestyle changes and laxatives aren’t working.

Pain From Chronic Constipation

Constipation can cause pain. The pain could be from bloating in the abdomen. It could also be in the rectum or bottom from straining to have a bowel movement. There could also be lower back pain.

When pain becomes severe or doesn’t get better after the constipation resolves, it’s time to see a healthcare provider. Constipation can be associated with developing hemorrhoids or even a tear in the anal canal (a fissure). These might need more treatment, and a healthcare provider can help. 

Can You Overcome Constipation Naturally?

Drinking more water, eating some foods that contain fiber, and going for a walk or doing some other type of gentle exercise are good places to start for managing constipation. If taking any medications that cause constipation, talking to a healthcare provider about how to minimize the constipating effect is another first step.

Fiber supplements (which are also called bulk-forming laxatives) may be the next step. These products contain various forms of fiber, can be used every day, and make stool softer and easier to pass. They work by bringing more water into the stool.

Some people may need to try a few different forms in order to find the right one for them. They can cause symptoms like bloating at first, so read the instructions on how to start. They may take a day or more to work.

Some types of bulk-forming laxatives include:

• FiberCon (calcium polycarbophil)
• Benefiber (dextrin)
• Citrucel (methylcellulose)
• Metamucil (psyllium)

Next, people may want to try stool softeners (osmotic agents) or a lubricant like mineral oil. These products draw water into the stool and make them easier to pass.

Some brands of stool softener laxatives include:

• Colace, Correctol, Peri-Colace, Surfak (docusate)
• Lubricants (mineral oil)
• MiraLAX or generics (polyethylene glycol)

The next step may be stimulant laxatives. However, they can become habit-forming. That is to say, the bowel muscles get used to them, and it becomes difficult to have a bowel movement without taking them.

For that reason, people should take care when using stimulant laxatives, using them for brief periods, and talk to a healthcare provider if they’re needed for longer periods of time.

Some common brands include:

• Bisacodyl (Correctol, Dulcolax, Ex-Lax Ultra)
• Casanthranol (Dialose Plus, Peri-Colace)
• Cascara (Naturalax)
• Castor oil
• Senna (Ex-Lax, Fletcher’s Castoria, Senokot)

Your healthcare provider may also recommend using a tap water enema. With enemas, it’s important to following product directions. Enemas can also be habit-forming, so they’re not for use long-term in relieving constipation.

Prescription medications can be used to relieve constipation. A healthcare provider will help in sorting out the reason for the constipation and determining the treatment. The treatment might look like changes to diet and lifestyle. However, it also could include changes to medications or therapies for other conditions if they are causing chronic constipation.

When to See a Healthcare Provider

Constipation is common. It may resolve on its own or with some changes that people can make themselves at home. Some people may also find temporary relief with different forms of laxatives.

Some signs and symptoms related to constipation are a reason to seek care right away. These can include:

• Blood in or on the stool
• Fever
• Passing no stool or gas
• Severe abdominal pain
• Severe lower back pain
• Unexplained weight loss
• Vomiting