What is constipation?

Constipation is common and generally described as irregular bowel movements or difficulty in pooping. If you have one or more of the following symptoms, you could be constipated:

Straining to poo

Lumpy or hard stools

Feeling of incomplete evacuation

Fewer than three bowel movements per week

How to manage constipation?

You may relieve symptoms of mild constipation by making changes to your diet and lifestyle by:

  • Eating a diet rich in fibre

  • Staying hydrated: up to 1.5-2.0L per day

  • Exercising regularly

  • Going to the toilet when there is an urge, don’t delay

However, for constipation, laxatives may be required to treat the condition.

All laxatives have different effects in helping you to pass stools. You should choose the laxative based on your symptoms and needs so that the laxative is effective to treat your condition. It is advised to take a laxative that

  • Softens the stools if you have symptoms of hard stools

  • Is safe for long-term if you’re required to take laxatives for a longer time due to a medical condition