Constipation lasting 35 weeks: what to know

A clinician can check for contributing medicines, diet or fluid issues, bowel conditions, and problems such as an underactive thyroid. Treatment should match the cause rather than relying indefinitely on self-treatment.

Constipation may mean hard or dry stool, straining, infrequent bowel movements, or a feeling that the bowel has not emptied. A long-lasting change can be linked to low fluid or fibre intake, limited movement, medicines, irritable bowel syndrome, hypothyroidism, or another bowel problem. Constipation can occur with these conditions, but the symptom alone does not identify its cause.

Arrange a routine appointment soon and describe when the change began, your usual stool pattern, straining, pain, bloating, and any blood. Bring a list of medicines and supplements, including laxatives. Unless you have been told to restrict fluids, drink regularly, increase fibre gradually, stay physically active within your ability, and respond to the urge to open your bowels. A sudden large increase in fibre may worsen bloating.

A pharmacist or clinician can help select a suitable laxative and explain how long to use it. Avoid repeatedly changing products or exceeding the labelled dose.

Seek urgent medical care for severe or worsening abdominal pain, a swollen abdomen with vomiting, inability to pass stool or gas, black stool, substantial rectal bleeding, fainting, or marked weakness. These features can signal bleeding or a blocked bowel and should not be managed with more laxative at home.

Book prompt medical review for unexplained weight loss, persistent blood in the stool, fever, a new major change in bowel habit, or constipation that continues despite sensible measures.

Ask whether any medicine or supplement may be slowing your bowel, whether an examination or thyroid testing is appropriate, which laxative fits your symptoms, and how to adjust fibre without aggravating bloating. Also clarify what change should trigger an earlier follow-up.