Introduction: Constipation is relatively common, especially among women, but little is known about the experience of living with constipation. Aim: To explore the experiences of middle-aged women living with constipation. Design: A qualitative, descriptive design. Result: The women described being constipated as being alone in an excruciating condition where life alternated between feeling tormented and feeling released, and this condition evoked feelings of stress and anxiety. Difficulties in discussing constipation and a lack of support meant that they were alone in their struggle and they felt humiliated when seeking healthcare services. Life was seen as an endless struggle between being mastered by the bowel and mastering the bowel. Conclusion:Even though data has been collected more than five years ago, the experiences described by the women are deemed to be highly valid for today. It is essential that fundamental needs like elimination are satisfied, but constipation problems seems to be neglected in the healthcare system. It is important, therefore, that patients' complaints are taken seriously.