The general guidelines as to what is generally considered Constipation include bowel movement less than three times a week, hard and dry pellet-like stools, straining too much to pass stools, painful bowel movement, feeling of bloated stomach, uneasiness and sluggishness and a feeling of incomplete evacuation.

Most of us get constipated at one time or other due to change of food habits, travel, surgery, pregnancy and other minor G.I. tract disorders.

There is an interesting survey on Constipation.