If you’re feeling like your gut is a little off, but you’re still pooping on your usual cadence, not straining to go, eating plenty of fiber, drinking enough water to stay hydrated, and managing your stress, it’s unlikely that you’re constipated.

Constipation is diagnosed when you’re going less than three times a week. While some people poop at least once a day every day, it can also be normal to not go daily.

If you’re used to pooping daily but things have changed, think about what’s been going on in your life lately. Has anything in your diet changed? Are you really drinking as much water as you think? Are you feeling a little stressed?

It’s always best to talk to your provider if you notice new or different health issues. While changes in your bowel habits can sometimes be easy fixes, they can also be a sign that something’s not quite right.

And even if you’re not constipated, your bowel habits might not be as optimal as they could be! Your provider might be able to give you some ideas about how you can get your guts back on track.

This quiz is not meant to be a diagnostic tool or replace the support of a credentialed health professional, such as your primary care provider.

If you’re not pooping at least three times a week and are having symptoms like bloating and cramps, you might be constipated. You might be able to turn things around by adding some fiber to your diet, increasing your water intake, and asking your provider if using an OTC stool softener or laxative might help.

Sometimes, constipation is a temporary problem that gets better once you’re back on an even keel. But if you notice that you’re dealing with constipation often, talk to your provider. Sometimes, having certain medical conditions or taking medications can contribute to constipation, even if you’re making changes to your lifestyle to try to control it. But don’t worry, chronic constipation can be treated!

And even if you’re not constipated, your bowel habits might not be as optimal as they could be. It can still be helpful to talk with your provider about how you can get your gut back on track.

This quiz is not meant to be a diagnostic tool or replace the support of a credentialed health professional, such as your primary care provider.

It sounds like you could be constipated. Feeling like you can’t get all the poop out when you go (and even trying to use a finger to “dig it out”), straining a lot, having pain and bloating, and not going at least three times a week without using a laxative or stool softener are things that people with constipation experience.

Some of the biggest culprits for constipation are not eating enough fiber, not drinking enough water, and being inactive. Making some small changes to your diet and lifestyle might help.

If you’re finding that constipation is becoming a pattern, talk to your provider. There are many reasons why people are prone to constipation even if they make lifestyle changes. For example, it can be a side effect of medications or related to another health condition.

This quiz is not meant to be a diagnostic tool or replace the support of a credentialed health professional, such as your primary care provider.