Constipation is a common gastrointestinal (GI) complaint. Although individual bowel habits

including stool frequency vary, health care providers (HCPs) generally define constipation in adults

as occurrence of fewer than 3 bowel movements per week, associated with straining and the

difficult passage of hard, dry stools.1,2 Patients’ perceptions of and definitions of normal bowel

frequency and constipation vary widely. Clinical descriptions of self-reported constipation may

include (1) straining to have a bowel movement; (2) passing hard, dry stools; (3) passing small

stools; (4) feeling as though bowel evacuation is not complete; or (5) experiencing decreased stool

frequency.2,3

Constipation is a common symptom that occurs in male and female patients of all ages. The

prevalence in the general population ranges from 2% to 28%.1,4–6 Constipation is the reason for

2.5 million physician visits per year in the United States, with direct costs of diagnosis and

treatment estimated at billions of dollars annually.7 It is reported more often in women, persons of

non-White ancestry, children, and older individuals.1,4,8 Older adults (>65 years of age) are 5 times

more likely to experience constipation than younger adults, and women are more than 3 times as

likely as men to be affected.2 Constipation also is a frequent complaint in late pregnancy and after

childbirth.8 If untreated, constipation can lead to development of hemorrhoids or anal fissures,

rectal prolapse, fecal impaction, or other complications.