Vacations can wreak havoc on your gastrointestinal health. Your bowel motions follow their own cicadian rhythm but when you travel (particularly across time zones) your bathroom routine is thrown off. To stay regular, eat high-fibre cereal, fruit and veggies whenever possible.

Working irregular hours can have the same effect as travelling. Researchers say your body’s internal clock encourages you to have a bowel movement with the first six hours of your day but shift work disrupts this rhythm. Avoiding caffeine and high-fat food may ease your condition.

Infrequent bowel motions and bloating are side effects of taking pain-relief medicine and you will need to take a laxative to help manage the constipation. Discuss your bowel movements with your doctor to get a recommended laxative that’s right for you.

(Read more: 10 Natural Food Cures For Different Types of Aches And Pains)

Stress, anxiety and depression can cause constipation because the neurotransmitters that play a role in your mental health also affect your gut. Meditation, yoga or other forms of relaxation might help to get you back on track.

This condition is common in women but can go undetected. When you have an underactive thyroid, many of your body’s functions slow down, including the muscular activity in your bowel. If you have constipation and you’re constantly tired or you’re prone to getting cold hands and feet, get your thyroid checked.

Some supplements that contain iron or calcium cause constipation. If your supplement is to blame, talk to your doctor about whether you really need them. But if the answer is yes, avoid taking extra-strength varieties.

(Read more: Top 13 Must Eat Fibre Rich Foods)

High blood sugar levels, a complication of diabetes, can damage the nervous system. If the nerves controlling your digestive tract are impaired, you may be prone to constipation and sometimes alternating bouts of diarrhea. In many cases, proper blood sugar management is the best solution for regulating constipation in diabetics.

Uterine fibroids are growths that form in the muscle of your uterus. If a fibroid grows towards your back and places pressure on the bowel or rectum, it may cause discomfort and constipation. See your gynaecologist to rule out this out.

Early research show genital herpes may be linked with constipation. It’s possible the infection can spread from your genitals to your colon where it may cause complications. See your doctor immediately to seek treatment if you suspect you have an undetected herpes infection and always practice safe sex so you don’t spread the disease.

(Read more: 10 Questions You’re Too Embarrassed To Ask Your Gynaecologist)

If your constipation is persistent and accompanied by pain, head to a gastroenterologist. They may diagnose you with a digestive disorder like Irritable Bowl Syndrome (IBS). IBS is a very common disorder that can be either diarrhea predominant or constipation predominant. That can lead to chronic periods of time where you aren’t going to the bathroom normally.

(Text by Lindyl Crabb, bauersyndication.com.au / Additional Reporting by Natalya Molok)