What is constipation? According to modern medicine, constipation means you have infrequent, difficult, or incomplete bowel movements. You may be constipated if you experience: Fewer than 3 bowel movements per week Hard, dry, or lumpy stool (often like pebbles) Straining during bowel movements A feeling of incomplete evacuation (like something is still left inside) Bloating or abdominal discomfort Needing to use fingers or tools to help pass stool (in severe cases)