Short answer
Normal stool is usually soft, formed, and easy to pass. It falls in Bristol types 3 and 4. Hard stool often means not enough fluid or fiber, or slow movement through the colon. Loose or mushy stool means it moved through quickly. Sticky, greasy stool that is hard to flush can mean fat is not being absorbed.
What should normal stool consistency be?
Normal stool is soft but holds its shape, passes without pain or straining, and you feel finished afterward. Doctors use the Bristol stool chart to describe it, and consider types 3 and 4 typical.
What causes hard stool?
Hard, dry stool is a sign of constipation, which is often described as fewer than three bowel movements a week, or hard stool that is difficult to pass. Common causes include:
- Too little fiber or fluid
- Not enough activity, or ignoring the urge to go
- Medicines such as opioids, iron, some antacids and some antidepressants
- Irritable bowel syndrome, an underactive thyroid, pregnancy
Read about stool softeners and other constipation treatments, and ask a doctor or pharmacist before using any. Fiber comes from fruit, vegetables, beans, oats and whole grains. Ask a doctor or dietitian how much is right for you.
What does soft, mushy or loose stool mean?
Mushy stool (Bristol type 6) and watery stool (type 7) move quickly through the gut. They are often due to infection, food triggers or medicines. See loose or watery stool.
What does sticky stool mean?
Sticky stool can come from a low-fiber, high-fat diet, but sticky, greasy, foul-smelling stool that leaves an oily film can mean fat malabsorption. See floating, greasy or oily stool.
When should you see a doctor about stool consistency?
See a doctor about a lasting change in stool consistency, constipation that does not improve, or diarrhea lasting more than two days.
Call a doctor
- A lasting change in consistency with no clear cause
- Constipation that does not improve
- Diarrhea for more than two days
- Greasy, hard-to-flush stool that keeps happening
Get care now
- Blood in stool, or black tarry stool
- Severe belly pain or a hard, swollen belly
- No stool or gas with vomiting
Warning signs to know
These are signs that published medical guidance says need prompt or urgent care. The list is not complete, and ticking boxes cannot tell you whether you are ill. If you are worried, contact a clinician whatever you tick.
Questions people ask
What should poop consistency be?
Usually soft and formed, like a smooth or slightly cracked sausage, and easy to pass.
Why is my poop hard?
Often too little fluid or fiber, or stool moving slowly through the colon. Some medicines also cause it. A doctor can look for the cause.
Why is my poop sticky?
Often diet, especially low fiber and high fat. Persistent greasy, foul-smelling sticky stool can point to fat malabsorption and should be checked.
How long should it take to poop?
Usually a few minutes. Needing to strain for a long time suggests constipation or hard stool.
Sources
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