We need to normalize talking about poop. From a young age we are taught not to talk about our bodily functions, but the ‘poo taboo’ can have devastating consequences. Studies show colorectal cancer is on the rise in most countries, with the sharpest rise amongst young adults. This, combined with statistics suggesting around 1% of Americans live with inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn’s and Colitis and 12% have symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, is our wake up call. It’s time to push embarrassment aside and normalize talking about poop.
Know Your Normal
Familiarizing yourself with your bowel movements is the first part of the process. Pay attention to how often you go to the bathroom. Do you usually go at the same time each day? Look at the color and texture of your poop so you are aware of any changes. Browns, tans, and even greens can be normal, but always check out any black or red poop with your doctor – this can be a sign of bleeding from the gastrointestinal tract. Especially smelly poop can also be a sign of digestive issues. If you notice anything that is not normal for you, talk to your health care provider or a gastroenterologist.
Small, separate, hard lumps: These pebble-like poops that are hard to pass are an indication of constipation. Drink lots of water, eat high-fiber foods, and consider taking over-the-counter stool softeners or fiber supplements to make hard stools easier to pass.
Solid sausage-shaped poops with cracks on the surface: You’re doing okay! If you’d like to poop more frequently, drink more water and consume more healthy fats.
Lumpy, sausage-shaped, dry poo: This is a sign that things are starting to get backed up. Stay hydrated and introduce more fiber into your diet. Aiming for 25 grams of fiber per day is a good goal.
Smooth, soft, and sausage-shaped: This texture indicates that you’re getting plenty of water and fiber! Congrats! Your poop rocks!
Small and soft with defined edges: Small but soft defined poops indicate that you may not have enough fiber in your diet. Increase your fruit and vegetable consumption, especially leafy greens like spinach.
Small mushy pieces with ragged edges: You may have eaten something unsettling, or you could have a food sensitivity. If you see this type regularly, consider starting a food diary where you write down everything you eat to help pinpoint a potential food intolerance.
Liquid: Watery, liquid poop with no formed pieces is called diarrhea, and may indicate a bacterial or viral infection. Usually, this goes away after 24-48 hours. If it lasts longer, happens frequently, or you have bloody diarrhea, this can be a sign of significant inflammation or severe illness and you should see your healthcare provider.
Talking to Your Doctor About Your Bowel Movements
If you’ve been brought up to keep your bathroom habits to yourself, it can be hard to start talking openly about your bowel movements, even with health care professionals. You might find it helpful to write down what you want to say before your appointment or take someone with you for support. Tools such as the chart below and the Bristol Stool Chart describe texture and consistency of bowel movements, and can be an excellent aid for anyone struggling to talk about poop. Using descriptive language such as hard, loose, mucousy and bloody can help your health care provider make their diagnosis.
Once your health care provider is aware of your concerns, they may carry out blood tests or ask you to collect a stool sample that can be examined in a lab. Sometimes they may palpate [examine by touch] your stomach to feel for any hernias or obstructions. You could also be referred to hospital for further tests such as a CT scan or colonoscopy. Your provider might recommend writing down what you eat every day in a food diary or changing your diet or lifestyle. Remember, health care providers have these conversations every day, so there really is no need to be embarrassed.
Have a Conversation About Poop
It's not just medical professionals who need to talk about poop. If we want to have better bowel health, talking openly with friends and family is a must. If speaking about your gut feels awkward, perhaps use text or social media to start the conversation. Send a funny meme or gif to get the conversation started. Don’t be ashamed to talk about poop – after all, we all do it!
Gut health is a global issue, but by opening up conversations about bowel movements and raising awareness of the importance of talking freely about poop we can reduce embarrassment, pain, and most importantly, avoidable deaths. Open discourse about bowel conditions benefits everyone, so let’s start talking – now.
Katey Lovell (she/her) is a freelance writer and author of romantic fiction who lives in Sheffield, UK. Katey was diagnosed with Crohn's Disease in 2014.
