There are some differences in the perception of the concept of constipation between physicians and patients. Patients describe constipation as any of the following three: decreased frequency of bowel movements; difficult or incomplete bowel movements; and dry, hard stools. The main degree of these three symptoms varies in each patient, with decreased frequency of bowel movements usually predominating. Constipation is considered to exist if there is 1 bowel movement every 2-3 days, or longer. However, a small number of people have 1 bowel movement every 2-3 days for a long time, and if this has been the case since childhood, it may also be considered normal. If a person usually has a bowel movement once a day and suddenly does not have a bowel movement for 2-3 days, or for a week or more, it is considered to be constipation.