Short answer
Stool shape changes with diet, hydration and how fast food moves through the colon. Pellets usually mean constipation. Thin or ribbon-like stool once in a while is common. Thin stool that lasts more than a few weeks, or comes with blood, pain or weight loss, should be checked because it can point to narrowing or a blockage in the colon.
What does the shape of your stool mean?
Small hard pellets usually point to constipation, a smooth soft sausage shape is typical, and thin or ribbon-like stool that lasts for weeks should be checked by a doctor.
| Shape | Common causes |
|---|---|
| Small, hard pellets | Constipation, low fiber or fluids, some medicines such as opioids and iron. Bristol types 1 and 2. |
| Thin, pencil-like or ribbon-like | Usually a passing change: constipation, hemorrhoids, IBS. If persistent, a narrowing in the colon or rectum, including polyps or tumors. |
| Very large, wide | Constipation, a build-up of stool, or occasionally fecal impaction. |
| Soft blobs or mushy | Low fiber, or a move toward diarrhea. Bristol types 5 and 6. |
| Smooth sausage or snake | The ideal shape. Bristol types 3 and 4. |
What does pellet poop mean?
Hard pellets mean stool has sat in the colon long enough to lose most of its water. Fluids, fiber and activity are often discussed, but ask a pharmacist or doctor what suits you, and before starting any laxative (see stool softeners), and see a doctor if constipation is new, lasts several weeks, or comes with blood or pain.
What does thin, pencil or ribbon-like stool mean?
Thin or ribbon-like stool is usually a passing change, but thin stool that lasts more than a few weeks should be checked.
Stool squeezed by a spasm or around a hemorrhoid can look thin for a day or two. Persistent thin stool can be caused by something narrowing or pressing on the rectum or colon, including polyps, tumors or scarring. It is not common, but it is one of the reasons to see a doctor about a lasting change.
When should you see a doctor about stool shape?
See a doctor if thin or ribbon-like stool lasts more than a few weeks. Changes in stool shape with blood, black stool or weight loss need prompt care.
Call a doctor
- Thin or ribbon-like stool for more than a few weeks
- Constipation that does not improve with fiber and fluids
- A lasting change in stool shape with no clear cause
Get care now
- Thin stool with blood, black stool, or weight loss
- Severe belly pain or swelling, vomiting, and no stool or gas
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
Is thin poop a sign of cancer?
It can be, but it is usually not. Most thin stools are temporary. A thin stool that persists for weeks, especially with blood or weight loss, should be checked to rule out a narrowing in the colon.
Why is my poop pellet-shaped?
Pellets are a sign of constipation. The stool is small and hard because it has lost water in the colon. A doctor or pharmacist can advise on what may help.
What is ribbon-like stool?
Stool that is flat and narrow like a ribbon. Occasional ribbon stool is usually harmless. If it lasts, see a doctor.
Can hemorrhoids make stool thinner?
They can. Swollen tissue near the anus can change how stool comes out, making it look narrower.
Sources
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