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Constipation in Singapore: Causes, Relief and When to See a Doctor

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Constipation in Singapore

Written & reviewed by the BestDoctors.sg editorial team · Last updated 2 Jul 2026 · General information, not medical advice

Quick answer. Constipation usually means fewer than about 3 bowel movements a week, with hard or lumpy stools, straining, or a feeling of incomplete emptying. It is very common and, in the vast majority of cases, temporary and not serious. Common causes include too little dietary fibre, not enough fluids, inactivity, ignoring the urge to go, and certain medicines. Most cases improve with more fibre and water, regular exercise, a toilet routine and appropriate laxatives, but you should see a doctor promptly for red flags such as blood in the stool, a persistent change in bowel habit (especially over 50), unexplained weight loss, or constipation that won’t improve.

Constipation is one of the most common digestive complaints in Singapore, affecting people of all ages. It is a symptom rather than a disease, and in most cases it is temporary and responds well to simple lifestyle measures. This guide explains what counts as constipation, why it happens, how to relieve it safely, and the warning signs that mean you should see a doctor.

At a glance

Common approaches to relieving constipation
Approach What it involves Notes
Dietary fibre More fruit, vegetables and wholegrains; build up gradually Cornerstone of treatment; increase slowly to limit bloating
Fluids Around 6-8 glasses (about 2 litres) a day Essential, especially when taking fibre supplements
Physical activity Regular exercise, e.g. about 30 minutes daily Helps keep the bowel moving
Toilet routine Go when you feel the urge; unhurried, good posture Don't ignore the urge; a footstool can help
Bulk-forming laxatives Fibre supplements such as psyllium Take with plenty of water; first-line option
Osmotic laxatives Draw water into the bowel, e.g. lactulose or polyethylene glycol (PEG) Soften stool; useful when fibre alone isn't enough
Stimulant laxatives Trigger bowel contractions, e.g. senna or bisacodyl Best for short-term use; avoid long-term use without advice

What counts as constipation?

Constipation is generally defined as having fewer than three bowel movements a week, though what is “normal” varies widely from person to person – some people go several times a day, others only a couple of times a week. It is the change from your own usual pattern, plus difficulty, that matters most.

Typical features include:

  • Hard, dry or lumpy stools that are difficult to pass
  • Straining during bowel movements
  • A feeling of blockage or that the rectum hasn’t fully emptied
  • Needing to pass stool but being unable to
  • Bloating and abdominal discomfort

It is worth remembering that constipation is a symptom, not a disease, and in the vast majority of cases it is temporary and not serious.

Common causes

Most constipation comes down to diet and lifestyle, but medicines and some medical conditions also play a role:

  • Low dietary fibre – fibre adds bulk and softness to stool, so a diet short on fruit, vegetables and wholegrains makes stool harder to pass.
  • Not enough fluids – inadequate water intake leads to drier, harder stools.
  • Lack of physical activity – inactivity slows the bowel.
  • Ignoring the urge to go – repeatedly delaying can blunt the natural reflex.
  • Changes in routine – travel, a new schedule or jet lag can disrupt bowel habits.
  • Pregnancy.
  • Certain medications – including some painkillers (especially opioids), iron supplements, calcium, and some antacids.
  • Some medical conditions – such as an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), diabetes, neurological conditions (e.g. Parkinson’s disease or after a stroke), and irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C).

Self-care and relief

Most constipation responds well to lifestyle measures. Try these first:

  • Increase fibre gradually – add more fruit, vegetables and wholegrains (for example brown rice, wholemeal bread, kiwi or prunes). Build up slowly to avoid bloating and wind.
  • Drink enough fluid – aim for around 6-8 glasses (about 2 litres) a day; this is especially important if you take fibre supplements.
  • Stay active – regular exercise, such as about 30 minutes a day, helps keep the bowel moving.
  • Build a toilet routine and don’t ignore the urge – go when you feel the need, give yourself unhurried time, and a footstool to raise the knees can help posture.

Laxatives can help when lifestyle measures aren’t enough, but they should not be relied on long-term without medical advice. The main types are described in the table below.

Laxatives: the main types

Several kinds of over-the-counter laxatives are available in Singapore. Bulk-forming and osmotic types are generally tried first; stimulant laxatives are best kept for short-term use. If you find yourself needing laxatives regularly or for more than a week or two, see a doctor rather than continuing on your own.

Always take bulk-forming laxatives with plenty of water, and tell your pharmacist or doctor about any other medicines or health conditions before starting one.

Red flags: when to see a doctor promptly

Constipation is usually harmless, but certain symptoms can point to a more serious problem and warrant prompt medical review – sometimes including a colonoscopy. See a doctor without delay if you have:

  • Blood in the stool or rectal bleeding
  • A persistent or new change in bowel habit, especially if you are over 50
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Persistent abdominal pain
  • Signs of iron-deficiency anaemia (such as ongoing tiredness or pallor)
  • A family history of bowel (colorectal) cancer
  • Constipation that does not improve despite treatment

Seek urgent care if you have severe abdominal pain, vomiting, or are unable to pass stool or gas at all – these can signal a bowel obstruction and need emergency assessment.

When to see a doctor and who to see

See a doctor if constipation persists despite lifestyle changes (for example, symptoms lasting beyond about three weeks), if it keeps coming back, or if you have any of the red flags above.

Start with your GP (or polyclinic doctor), who can review your diet, medications and overall health, suggest treatment, and arrange basic tests. If needed, you may be referred to a gastroenterologist or colorectal specialist for further evaluation, which may include a colonoscopy – particularly to exclude colorectal cancer in people over 50 or with warning signs. Singapore also offers bowel cancer screening (such as the annual faecal immunochemical test, FIT) from age 50.

Related guides

Sources

Last updated 21 June 2026. Prices are typical market ranges gathered from the cited sources and vary by clinic, doctor and individual case — they are not quotes. This guide is general information, not medical advice; always consult a qualified, MOH-accredited doctor before any treatment.

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Frequently asked questions

How many bowel movements a week is normal?

There is no single "correct" number. Anywhere from about three times a day to three times a week can be normal, depending on the person. Constipation is generally defined as fewer than three bowel movements a week, together with hard stools, straining or a feeling of incomplete emptying - and especially a change from your own usual pattern.

Can I use laxatives every day?

Laxatives are helpful for short-term relief, but they should not be used long-term without medical advice. Bulk-forming and osmotic types are gentler and tried first, while stimulant laxatives are best kept for occasional, short-term use. If you find you need laxatives regularly or for more than a week or two, see a doctor to look for an underlying cause.

How much fibre and water do I need?

Aim to eat a good range of high-fibre foods such as fruit, vegetables and wholegrains, increasing the amount gradually to avoid bloating. Drink enough fluid - roughly 6 to 8 glasses (about 2 litres) a day - which is especially important when you are increasing fibre or using a fibre supplement.

When should I worry about constipation?

See a doctor promptly if you notice blood in your stool, a persistent change in bowel habit (especially over age 50), unexplained weight loss, persistent abdominal pain, signs of anaemia, or if constipation doesn't improve with treatment. Severe pain, vomiting, or being unable to pass stool or gas at all needs urgent care, as it may indicate a bowel obstruction.

Does constipation mean I have bowel cancer?

In the vast majority of cases, no - constipation is common and usually temporary. However, a persistent change in bowel habit, blood in the stool or unexplained weight loss can occasionally be warning signs, so these should be checked by a doctor. In Singapore, bowel cancer screening is recommended from age 50, and a colonoscopy may be advised if there are red-flag symptoms or a family history.