Obstipation

Passing fewer than three hard or dry stools per week, or experiencing difficult fecal passage due to reduced intestinal motility, impaired evacuation, colonic obstruction, or fecal impaction.

Causes

• Lifestyle-related causes

  • Dehydration

  • Low dietary fiber intake

  • Lack of physical activity

  • Prolonged sedentary behavior

  • Ignoring the urge to defecate

  • Changes in routine or travel

• Medication-related causes

  • Opioids

  • Antacids containing calcium or aluminum

  • Antidepressants

  • Antihypertensive medications

  • Iron supplements

  • Antihistamines

  • Anticholinergic medications

  • Calcium channel blockers

• Gastrointestinal causes

  • Irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C)

  • Diverticular disease

  • Intestinal obstruction

  • Colorectal tumors

  • Colonic strictures

  • Fecal impaction

  • Slow-transit constipation

  • Functional bowel disorders

• Endocrine and metabolic causes

  • Hypothyroidism

  • Diabetes mellitus

  • Hypercalcemia

  • Electrolyte disturbances

• Neurological causes

  • Multiple sclerosis

  • Spinal cord injury

  • Parkinson's disease

  • Autonomic neuropathy

  • Peripheral neuropathy affecting bowel function

• Pelvic floor and anorectal causes

  • Pelvic floor dysfunction

  • Dyssynergic defecation

  • Rectocele

  • Structural abnormalities impairing stool evacuation

• Physiological and hormonal causes

  • Pregnancy

  • Aging-related reduction in bowel motility

  • Postoperative changes

• Psychological causes

  • Anxiety

  • Stress

  • Depression