Apparently we're all constipated right now, but most of us won't admit it.

Thanks to our brand partner, Movicol

I was listening to an episode of Mamamia Out Loud the other day and one of the hosts was talking about… fart walks.

At first, I thought it was just a throwaway, funny quip. But then, it sent me down a bit of a gastrointestinal internet rabbit hole and I discovered that apparently lots of us are constipated. Big yikes.

Well, not everyone and not all the time. But according to Movicol's new Constipation State of the Nation report, a whopping 86 per cent of Australians have experienced constipation in the past year. Which, according to my calculations, is most of us.

The thing that struck me most though? We're barely talking about it. 

The report was released by Movicol, the makers of the clinically proven treatment for constipation, that works by hydrating and softening stools to help restore a natural bowel movement. Which, when you're constipated, is just the stuff to have in the bathroom cupboard. The report shines a light on an issue we tend to discuss only in the privacy of our own bathrooms, or occasionally with a GP when things have gotten so uncomfortable we can't keep pretending it doesn't exist.  

If so many Aussies are having a hard time with their bowel movements, it's probably about time we started talking about it. Because it turns out constipation isn't niche, rare, or something that only happens when your regular diet is flipped on its head during holiday time.

It's common, it's disruptive, and for many of us, it's a weekly (and sometimes even daily) occurrence.

We talk openly about periods, pregnancy, perimenopause, mental health, and sex. So what is it about constipation that's so hard to talk about?

The "stool stigma" that's keeping us quiet.

Okay let's get stuck into the report that lifted the lid on what many people already knew on an emotional level: Australians are still pretty uncomfortable talking about poo. Which, outside of close family or friendship circles, isn't surprising, despite public campaigns about gut health, fibre and gut-brain connections, the taboo is still alive and well.

Here's what else the report found. 

A good 37 per cent of us aren't comfortable discussing their toilet habits with family or friends. And, many would rather talk about other typically taboo topics like politics, money or religion than their bowel movements.

We get it. Talking about constipation can feel quite intimate, and even a little vulnerable depending on your audience. But staying quiet can mean suffering in silence and not seeking help when it's needed. The report also found that 62 per cent of people struggle to identify the main symptoms of constipation, and more than 40 per cent don't realise early treatment supports a faster return to regularity. So basically lots of people are just waiting it out because it can be too embarrassing to bring it up.

So what actually is constipation?

Constipation isn't just not doing your number twos on a regular basis. It includes changes to the frequency and type of bowel movement you typically experience. This can include things like:

• Going less often than usual

• Hard, dry, or lumpy stools

• Straining, which can lead to haemorrhoids 

• Feeling like you're not fully emptying

• Bloating 

• Discomfort

Constipation is a bit like your gut sending you a text saying something's not quite right. But because many of us don't talk about our bowel movements, it can feel difficult to judge whether what we're experiencing is 'normal' or not.

The Constipation capitals of Australia.

The report uncovered some fascinating geographical stats about constipation.

• The ACT had the highest rate of people who were "often" or "always" constipated at 20 per cent.

• Tasmania followed closely behind in second place at 18 per cent.

• And the Northern Territory had the lowest rate, at just 8 per cent.

Is it the climate? The lifestyle? The water intake or stress levels? Highly likely it's from a combination of all of these variables. But the key thing to note is constipation isn't an isolated issue.

The report also found that one quarter of Australians have actually missed work due to constipation. And that people tend to spend an extra 9.7 minutes on that porcelain throne when they're constipated.

Remember how we mentioned the gut-brain connection? Well, according to the report, 60 per cent of Australians say that having a satisfying poo improves their mental health. Which gives a whole new meaning to the term 'having the sh*ts'. And honestly, it makes perfect sense. Anyone who's experienced constipation can attest to it making you feel sluggish, uncomfortable, and sometimes even anxious.

Why we're not talking about it.

The report also noted that many people wait up to seven days before seeking treatment. Brad Read, Norgine's Global Consumer Director, puts it simply. "It's vital we break down the stigma around constipation and encourage open communication… The longer you wait, the harder it can be to get things moving again."

So the next time your gut feels off, don't wait it out or feel embarrassed to seek help. Speak with your doctor for personalised advice.

Find Movicol at your local supermarket or pharmacy.

Always read the label and follow the directions for use.

Are your daily #2s becoming a little… less daily?
Don't let stubborn stools spoil your holiday. Movicol research found it affects 80% of Aussie travellers, with one in five saying it has outright ruined a trip. It's a major mood-killer, causing issues when you should be relaxing.
Movicol harnesses the power of water, drawing it into the stool to hydrate, soften and restore regular bowel movement. Find out more here or speak to your pharmacist or GP for advice.
ALWAYS READ THE LABEL AND FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS FOR USE.