Of all of the conditions of the intestinal system, perhaps constipation is one of the most com to affect a large number of people. While some people have to endure the prospect of going to the toilet too frequently, others feel bloated and backed up with yet to be passed feces. This makes one feel, to use a technical term, yucky. When the large intestine takes too much water from the feces that pass through it, it becomes hard and dry which causes problems with the passage of said feces. It can hurt on exit as well. Sometimes the intestines will produce a mucous discharge to lubricate the feces so that it passes easier. This condition is ma caused by ignoring the body's call to defecate. When you ignore the need to have a bowel movement, the feces stays in the colon and moisture continues to be drawn out of it, making it hard and dry. Too little dietary fiber and water are also contributing factors to constipation. One way to get people to not ignore the need to have bowel movements is to alert them to the possibility that self imposed constipation can damage the lining of the colon. It can also contribute to colon cancer, since the fecal material hangs around in the colon for too long. Waste.