Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhat Is Healthy?Normal PatternsRed FlagsWhen to Get Help
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
What Is Healthy?
Normal Patterns
Red Flags
When to Get Help
A normal bowel movement consists of well-formed, soft, brown stools that usually sink and are easy to pass. Healthy bowel movements occur anywhere from three times a week to three times a day.Variations in stool frequency and consistency can also be normal. However, there are some red flags for bowel habit changes to be aware of.
See a healthcare provider if you noticeblood in your stool, black or tarry stools, pencil-thin stools, pale and foul-smelling stools, or persistent diarrhea or constipation. These changes, along with any other deviations from your normal bowel pattern, may indicate an underlying medical condition.
Healthy bowel movements occur between three times a week and three times a day.Healthy stool is soft, well-formed and easy to pass. It is light to dark brown with a mild odor, and it usually sinks to the bottom of the toilet bowl.
Use the following chart to compare normal vs. abnormal bowel movements based on the Bristol Stool Form Scale:
Normal bowel movement patterns vary from one person to the next. It generally takes 14 to 58 hours for food to move through thedigestive tract. On average, food takes 28 hours to fully digest and reach the anus, where it leaves the body.
Many factors can influence bowel movement patterns, including:
How Long Should It Take to Poop?If you feel the urge to go, it might take just a few seconds to a minute to pass a stool. However, some people need to sit and wait for the process to happen naturally, which is also perfectly normal. One study found that, on average, it takes between 4.7 and 6.1 minutes for a healthy woman aged 18 to 35 to pass a stool.
How Long Should It Take to Poop?
If you feel the urge to go, it might take just a few seconds to a minute to pass a stool. However, some people need to sit and wait for the process to happen naturally, which is also perfectly normal. One study found that, on average, it takes between 4.7 and 6.1 minutes for a healthy woman aged 18 to 35 to pass a stool.
Red Flags for Changes in Bowel Habits
It’s normal for your bowel movement patterns to change from time to time. While occasional changes are usually nothing to worry about, if you notice consistent or major shifts, it’s a good idea to check in with a healthcare provider.
In particular, look out for these bowel habit red flags:
Should Healthy Stools Float or Sink?
When to See a Healthcare Provider
Most changes in bowel habits are temporary and not cause for concern. However, certain bowel symptoms should not be ignored.
See your healthcare provider if you experience:
What Does Poop Look like With Colon Problems?Narrow, pencil-thin and flat, ribbon-like stool is commonly associated with serious colon problems, such as colon cancer or colon blockage.Blood or significant mucus in stool, frequent diarrhea or constipation, and pale stool are also red flags of a colon problem.
What Does Poop Look like With Colon Problems?
Narrow, pencil-thin and flat, ribbon-like stool is commonly associated with serious colon problems, such as colon cancer or colon blockage.Blood or significant mucus in stool, frequent diarrhea or constipation, and pale stool are also red flags of a colon problem.
Summary
Generally speaking, you should expect to pass stools between three times a day and three times a week. Anything greater than three times a day may be due to diarrhea, while anything less than three times a week may be due to constipation.
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