Can Stress Cause Constipation?
Constipation is most often defined as having a bowel movement less than 3 times per week. It usually is associated with hard stools or difficulty passing stools. You may have pain while passing stools or may be unable to have a bowel movement after straining or pushing for more than 10 minutes.
Infants who are exclusively breastfed may go 7 days without a bowel movement.
Alternative Names
Irregularity of bowels; Lack of regular bowel movements
Considerations
Normal patterns of bowel...
Read moreMore information on "Can Stress Cause Constipation?"
From Our Experts
Stressed Out: Defining Stress Incontinence
When discussing incontinence, I'm always quick to define "stress incontinence" as a physical stress endured by your body, such as sneezing... Read more »
When Constipation is the Enemy
Americans are notorious for spending outrageous amounts on laxatives and other remedies in their battle against chronic constipation. ... Read more »
Driver Stress: Causes & Cures
The moment we get behind the wheel of a car and start driving we become involved in a series of events that take a toll on our stress... Read more »
Stress: Skin-Damaging, Acne-Causing
Nervous about a date?? Rest assured some of you will get that fateful, larger than life zit, that invariably shows up when we are stressed... Read more »
Constipation and Infant Reflux
Constipation and infant gastroesophageal reflux sometimes occur together, effectively doubling the misery since both constipation and... Read more »
From Our Sources
Drug relieves constipation caused by pain meds
Seriously ill patients who take opioid pain medications often face constipation. But the drug methylnaltrexone appears to provide relief from this... Read more »
Constipation
Source: HealthCentral Encyclopedia
Constipation is a decrease in the frequency of stool (the body's waste product) or difficulty in the formation or passage of stool.Constipation is... Read more »
Irritable bowel syndrome (functional bowel)
Source: ADAM Encyclopedia
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) refers to a disorder that involves abdominal pain and cramping, as well as changes in bowel movements. It is not the... Read more »
Study: PTSD is caused by stress AND genetics
New research on identical twins has found that post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is linked to both genetic factors and exposure to stress. For... Read more »
Study: Stress really does cause gray hair
Japanese scientists have found that stress really does give you gray hair--but the good news is that it also may offer some protection from cancer.... Read more »
Featuring Content From:
By using this service, you accept our Terms of Use. Please read them. The consumer health information on is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for any medical conditions. You should promptly seek professional medical care if you have any concern about your health, and you should always consult your physician before starting a fitness regimen. Copyright © 2012 Remedy Health Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
