Constipation Treatments

Constipation happens when bowel movements become less frequent or stools become hard, dry and difficult to pass. Most people with constipation open their bowels fewer than three times a week, and may also feel bloated, generally uncomfortable, or as though they have not fully emptied their bowels. Straining, nausea and mild headaches can sometimes accompany it too. Everyone's normal bowel habits differ, so what matters most is any noticeable change from what is usual for you.

Constipation is usually caused by a combination of diet, lifestyle and everyday habits. Not eating enough fibre, not drinking enough fluids, and being less physically active can all slow movement through the bowel. Stress, changes to your normal routine, such as travelling, and ignoring the urge to go to the toilet can also contribute. In some cases, certain medicines or underlying health conditions are responsible, which is covered in more detail below.

Yes, a number of common medicines list constipation as a side effect. Opioid painkillers such as codeine, tramadol and morphine are well known for slowing down the gut, as can some antidepressants, antihistamines and iron supplements. Proton pump inhibitors used for acid reflux, such as omeprazole and lansoprazole, have also been linked to constipation in some people, as have GLP-1 weight-loss medicines (see below). If you think a medicine you are taking is causing constipation, do not stop taking it without speaking to a pharmacist or your GP first, as they can advise on managing the side effect or whether an alternative is suitable. In the meantime, a gentle laxative such as Laxido can help ease symptoms alongside your regular medication.

High-fibre foods generally help keep things moving, including prunes, dried apricots, kiwi fruit, wholegrain cereals such as bran flakes, and pulses. Prune juice is also a popular natural remedy, as prunes contain both fibre and sorbitol, a natural sugar that draws water into the bowel. Staying well hydrated helps fibre work more effectively, so it is worth increasing fluid intake alongside any dietary changes. On the other hand, diets low in fibre and high in processed or dairy-heavy foods can make constipation more likely for some people. If dietary changes alone are not enough, a fibre supplement such as Fybogel can provide extra support alongside a balanced diet.

Mild, occasional constipation can often be eased fairly quickly. Drinking plenty of water, staying active and allowing enough unhurried time on the toilet can all help. Where a faster or more reliable result is needed, an over-the-counter laxative can help depending on how it works. Osmotic laxatives such as Laxido and Movicol draw water into the bowel to soften stools, usually within 1 to 2 days. Stimulant laxatives such as Senna, Senokot, Bisacodyl and Dulcolax encourage the bowel muscles to contract, typically working within 6 to 12 hours, making them useful for quicker, short-term relief. Stool softeners such as Dioctyl make stools easier to pass and can help reduce straining.

Yes, constipation can cause lower back pain. As stool builds up in the bowel, the extra pressure can radiate to the lower back, and straining on the toilet can also strain the surrounding muscles. This type of back pain often eases once the constipation is relieved. However, if back pain is severe, comes with other symptoms such as fever or numbness, or does not improve once your bowel movements return to normal, it is worth seeing a GP to rule out other causes.

Constipation is a common early symptom of pregnancy, largely due to rising progesterone levels, which relax the muscles of the digestive tract and slow down bowel movements. It often continues throughout pregnancy as the growing uterus puts pressure on the bowel, and iron supplements can also be a contributing factor. Increasing fibre and fluid intake is usually the first step, alongside gentle exercise where appropriate. If further help is needed, always speak to a midwife, GP or pharmacist before taking a laxative during pregnancy, as not every treatment is suitable at every stage.

Yes, constipation is closely linked with several other digestive conditions. It is one of the main symptoms of constipation-predominant IBS, and straining to pass hard stools is also a common cause of piles (haemorrhoids), as the extra pressure can cause the blood vessels around the back passage to swell. Treating the underlying constipation, for example with a fibre supplement or a gentle laxative, often helps relieve symptoms of both.

Yes, constipation is a very common side effect of GLP-1 weight-loss medicines such as Wegovy and Mounjaro. These medicines work partly by slowing down digestion, which helps you feel fuller for longer but can also lead to slower, less frequent bowel movements. Drinking plenty of water, eating enough fibre and staying active can help manage this, and a short course of a gentle laxative alongside your treatment can also help if needed. Speak to your prescriber if symptoms are severe or do not improve.

Magnesium citrate, the form found in OneVit Magnesium, is considered one of the most effective and highly absorbable types of magnesium for constipation. It works as an osmotic laxative, drawing water into the bowel to soften stools and support muscle contractions along the digestive tract, alongside contributing to normal muscle function and bone density. As with any supplement, if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or taking other medication, check with a doctor before taking OneVit Magnesium.

Occasional constipation is common and usually nothing to worry about. However, see a GP if constipation lasts longer than a week despite trying a laxative, if you notice blood in your stool, unexplained weight loss or severe abdominal pain, or if it comes alongside a significant, ongoing change to your usual bowel habits, as these can occasionally be signs of an underlying condition that needs investigating. Constipation after surgery is also common due to anaesthesia and pain medication, but if you are unable to pass a bowel movement at all, or have severe bloating and pain, contact your care team promptly.