Constipation is defined as reduced stool frequency or less than 3 times per week or difficulty passing stools, or both. The frequency of 3 times per week is different from different individuals. For some this may be a normal habit and any change or reduction in frequency is considered to be constipation in these individuals.

Difficulty in passing stools include straining, incomplete bowel movements or a feeling of incomplete evacuation after defecation, passing hard/lumpy stools and a prolonged time interval between two bowel motions.

In severe cases there may be a need for manual removal of hardened and impacted stool and there may be injury and bleeding of the tissues around the anus due to passage of the hard stools.