The causes of constipation are often difficult to know for certain. However, in general there are several factors that can cause constipation or difficulty defecating, including poor diet, pregnancy, delaying bowel movements, the influence of drugs, or due to certain health conditions.

Constipation or constipation, in medical language called constipation, occurs when the frequency of defecation is reduced. Actually the frequency of defecation can vary from person to person. There is no standard rule for how many times normal defecation is in a day or a week. Some people defecate 1-2 times a week. Others have defecated three times a day. However, usually not defecating for three days or more can be said to be too long. This is because after three days, the stool structure becomes harder and harder to remove.

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Poor diet

Lack of fiber in fruits, vegetables, and cereals, and lack of fluids can trigger constipation. In addition, changes in diet and overeating of dairy products can also cause constipation. In addition, eating disorders also contribute to constipation. People who are not ideal, such as too thin or too fat, can also invite constipation.

Pregnancy

About 40 percent of pregnant women experience constipation during pregnancy, especially in the early period of pregnancy. Constipation can be experienced by pregnant women because during pregnancy, the body produces more progesterone, the effect of which can relax the muscles, making it difficult for the intestinal muscles to contract. As a result, pregnant women have difficulty defecating.

Delaying Defecation

Often children and adults have a reluctance to go to the toilet to defecate, for reasons of fear, shame, lack of privacy to use the toilet, or various other reasons. However, procrastinating to defecate when there is an urge to do so, it actually risks inviting constipation. In other words, hasten to answer this call of nature.

Effects of drugs

Consumption of certain drugs can also cause side effects such as constipation. These drugs can include calcium supplements, iron supplements, antiepileptic drugs, antidepressants, antipsychotics, diuretic drugs, as well as pain relievers which may be opiate, such as codeine and morphine. In addition, drugs to treat digestive disorders, such as aluminum antacids, can cause constipation as well.

Have Certain Health Conditions

In rare cases, difficulty in defecating can be considered a sign of certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, irritable bowel syndrome, hypercalcemia or excess calcium in the blood, underactive thyroid gland, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, anal fissure, disease intestinal inflammation, colon or rectal cancer, or spinal cord injury.

Psychological factors

Difficulty in defecating can occur in those who have psychological problems, such as stress, anxiety, depression, violent trauma, or sexual abuse.