What is a change in bowel habits?
A change in bowel habits is any departure from what counts as normal when it comes to how your stools look or how often you have a bowel movement (poop). Slight changes usually aren’t a big deal. But major changes may signal that you need to adjust some parts of your lifestyle to live healthier. Differences can provide clues about what’s happening inside your body, like a health condition a healthcare provider should know about and treat.
The most common changes usually involve stool color, consistency, frequency and how much control you have over when you go to the bathroom.
Stool color
Stool color varies, but it’s typically some shade of brown, depending on the foods you eat. A temporary color change from brown is likely harmless and diet-related. Small amounts of bright red in your stool usually mean rectal bleeding, which may or may not be serious, depending on the cause. Unusual color changes that don’t clear up (like deep red, black and tarry, clay-colored or pale stools) are signs you should see a provider.
Stool consistency (firmness)
Stools should be solid, soft and pass easily. Hard, dry stools that are tough to pass are a sign of constipation. Loose, watery stools are a sign of diarrhea. Both constipation and diarrhea are common and usually clear up within a few days. Constipation or diarrhea that lasts longer than two weeks isn’t normal. It’s time to see a provider at that point.
Frequency (how often you poop)
The normal length of time between bowel movements varies from person to person. Some people have bowel movements several times a day. Others only go once or twice a week. A general rule is that going longer than three days without pooping is too long. After three days, stool becomes harder and more difficult to pass. You may need to take steps to spur your gut into action so you can poop.
Control over your bowel movements
You should be able to control the muscles in your gut that allow you to poop or hold it. Loss or lack of control is called fecal (bowel) incontinence. It’s more common as you age. It’s important to see a provider if you lose control over your bowel.
