Constipation can manifest in many different forms, and it's important that you identify exactly what type of constipation you are suffering from. The quiz below shows several ways that constipation may manifest itself. Look it over and write down the symptoms that affect you.

Remember, all the following are regarded as forms of constipation.

	Having an extreme urge to move, but being unable to. This, of course, is our most common conception of what constitutes constipation.
	The inability to pass stool easily and at a natural pace. It might be hard to believe, but the goal in terms of bowel movements is to sit down and move our waste within two minutes, if not sooner. (We call this the "two minute" rule.) The entire process of evacuation, from cramp to wipe, should take no longer than six minutes!
	Irregularity. (I define irregularity as having less than one bowel movement per day, even if these movements are easy to pass).
	Hardened stools. (Even if we pass stool regularly, if our stools are hard, this constitutes constipation!)
	Malformed stools. (Stools that are flat on one side, for example, or stringy, or have knots in them.)
	A low volume of stool in respect to high volumes of food intake.
	Bowel movements that require some form of stimulant (such as coffee or some other type of laxative).