Occasionally, a person may pass poops that are larger or longer than usual. Some causes of this may include constipation, IBS, and fecal incontinence.
Poop, or stool, is undigested food and waste that passes through the digestive system. It can consist of various shapes, colors, and sizes.
If a person experiences unusually large poops on a regular basis, this
This article provides an overview of what a large poop may look like, what may cause larger poops, tips for reducing poop size, and when to speak with a doctor.
Healthcare professionals frequently use the Bristol Stool Form Scale to categorize stools into one of seven types, ranging from type 1 — hard, difficult to pass, and lumpy — to type 7, which is watery or a liquid consistency with no solid pieces.
A typical stool is often type 3 (shaped like a sausage but with cracks on the surface) and 4 (smooth, soft, and shaped like a sausage or snake). Although many factors can affect stool size and shape, a person may expect their stool size to be at least a few inches long.
Characteristics of a large poop may include:
- being difficult or strenuous to pass
- taking a long time to pass
- taking up the majority of space in the toilet bowl
- clogging the toilet
A person may consider their average poop size and compare it with their larger poop to work out if there is a significant difference.
Several health conditions may contribute to a person passing larger poops than usual. Some examples include:
- constipation
- eating a large meal
- irritable bowel syndrome
fecal incontinence , which is also known as encopresis- taking laxatives too often or for a prolonged period
A person should speak with a healthcare professional if they are passing larger poops than usual more frequently. A doctor can help determine whether any underlying conditions are causing the issue.
If a person is consistently experiencing large poops, they may benefit from making changes to their diet and lifestyle.
Some steps an individual may take to help reduce poop size
- increasing their water intake
- eating more fiber-rich foods
- taking regular exercise
- bowel training, which involves going to the bathroom to have a bowel movement at around the same time every day
- taking over-the-counter (OTC) medications, such as laxatives or fiber supplements, with a healthcare professional’s guidance
- taking prescription medications, such as lubiprostone or prucalopride
A healthcare professional may recommend a range of treatments and management techniques depending on the underlying cause of constipation or large poops.
If frequent large poops and any pain or discomfort persist despite self-care and OTC methods, a person should speak with a healthcare professional. This is particularly the case if they have a family history of colorectal cancer.
Similarly, a person should speak with a doctor if they are experiencing the following
- inability to pass gas
- vomiting
- fever
- bleeding from the rectum
- blood in the poop
- constant pain in the abdomen
- lower back pain
- unintentional weight loss
A person may also wish to keep a record of their bowel movements if they are concerned about the size of their poops. They may record the size, texture, and color of the poop, as well as whether or not it was difficult to pass. A doctor may find this useful to help with diagnosing any underlying causes.
A person’s body produces poop following digestion, it consists of undigested food and other waste from the body. Many factors may affect the size, consistency, color, and size of a person’s poop. They include a person’s diet, family medical history, overall health, and activity levels.
If a person is experiencing unusually large poops that are difficult to pass and clog the toilet, it may indicate an underlying health condition. However, in many cases, lifestyle modifications such as increasing water and fiber intake may help prevent unusually large poops.
Individuals may also find various self-care methods help reduce the size of their poops. This can include bowel training, regular exercise, and OTC medications such as laxatives. However, if symptoms persist, it is best to seek medical advice to check for any underlying conditions.