How Often Should You Poop?

Many people worry about how often they have to go to the bathroom. Some people may have to go more than once a day, while others may wait days between trips to the bathroom. When would you say is a “normal” time to poop?

To what extent should you worry when your bowel habits change? Read on to discover the usual range for bowel movements, the causes of irregular bowel movements, and the warning signs that it’s time to contact a doctor.

What is Normal Poop Frequency?

The frequency with which one should defecate is not a matter of consensus. Scientists have determined that defecating anywhere between once per day and once per week is considered normal.

It’s most crucial that you choose a regular and convenient time to defecate. A problem may exist if there is a sudden shift in how often or how consistently something occurs.

Most people defecate once or twice day, on average. However, plenty of otherwise healthy persons defecate beyond this norm. The Bristol Stool Chart provides a scale from 1-7 for classifying bowel movement consistency. Stools of types 3 and 4 are good.

Factors Affecting Poop Regularity

Diet, gut health, drugs, exercise, and routine can all have a significant impact on how often and how regularly an individual passes stool. Irregular bowel movements can be caused by the following:

• Diet: Fiber, fat, and protein intake impact poop frequency. More fiber = more poop. High fat or protein = less poop. Insufficient fiber can cause constipation.
• Gut health: Trillions of gut bacteria aid digestion and influence stools. Imbalances in gut bacteria may cause irregularity. Probiotics and fermented foods support healthy gut flora.
• Medications: Opioids cause constipation. Antacids reduce stomach acid needed for digestion. Some blood pressure and antidepressant drugs also affect frequency.
• Exercise: Can stimulate the intestines and spur a bowel movement. Lack of exercise contributes to irregularity and constipation.
• Routine: Bowel habits are partly set by your body’s circadian rhythms. Pooping after waking up or coffee sets a routine. Travel disrupts normal schedule.

Signs of an Unhealthy Poop Schedule

While bowel movements may be more or less frequent for different people, pay attention to any changes in your routine. Indicators of a problematic bowel routine include:

• Need to poop but cannot go: Feeling like you need to poop but cannot pass stools indicates constipation. Stools are often hard, dry, and difficult to pass.
• Loose, urgent stools: Frequent loose stools may indicate diarrhea or absorption issues. Diarrhea is often accompanied by urgency and stomach cramps.
• Blood in stool: Bright red blood may indicate hemorrhoids. Dark/black blood is a serious issue requiring medical evaluation.
• Pain when pooping: Tenesmus is a painful urge to poop, even when bowels are empty. This may signal infection, inflammation, or anal fissures.
• Narrower stools: Pencil-thin stools may indicate obstruction in the colon or rectum that requires imaging.
• Foul smell: Particularly foul-smelling poop could mean infection, celiac disease, or malabsorption issue.

Also See: When to Worry About Blood in Stool: Causes, Symptoms, and Seeking Prompt Medical Attention

When to See a Doctor about Poop Changes

See your doctor if you experience any of the following red flag poop symptoms:

• Persistent constipation or diarrhea lasting over 2 weeks
• Blood in stool
• Unexplained weight loss
• Persistent abdominal pain or cramping
• Nausea/vomiting lasting over 48 hours
• Weakness or fatigue
• Pencil-thin stools

Causes of Abnormal Poop Frequency

A variety of medical conditions can lead to abnormal pooping frequency, including:

Constipation Causes:

• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• Hemorrhoids
• Anal fissures
• Colon cancer
• Hypothyroidism
• Antacid medications
• Opioid pain medications
• Depression/anxiety medications
• Calcium/iron supplements
• Fiber deficiency
• Dehydration
• Inactive lifestyle

Diarrhea Causes:

• Food poisoning
• Viral/bacterial infection
• IBS
• Ulcerative colitis
• Crohn’s disease
• Celiac disease
• Lactose intolerance
• Chemotherapy
• Radiation therapy
• Excess caffeine/alcohol
• Anxiety

Tests for Poop Schedule Changes

If you are concerned about abnormal poop frequency, your doctor may recommend:

• Physical exam
• Stool sample testing
• Blood tests
• Colonoscopy
• CT scan of abdomen
• Endoscopy
• Allergy testing

Treatments for Abnormal Poop Frequency

Treatments depend on the underlying cause but may include:

• Increased fiber intake
• More exercise
• Probiotics
• Over-the-counter laxatives or anti-diarrheal medication
• Prescription medication for IBS, Crohn’s, ulcerative colitis, etc.
• Surgery to remove colon blockages or tumors
• Treating infections with antibiotics
• IV fluids for dehydration
• Eliminating foods causing allergic reactions

When to Seek Emergency Care

Seek emergency care if you experience:

• Ulcerative colitis flare-up
• Severe pain preventing bowel movements
• Fever over 101°F with diarrhea
• Bloody stool with dizziness
• Vomiting blood

Electrolyte balance and enough fluid intake are also important. Fluid levels may need to be stabilized with an intravenous. In cases of full intestinal obstruction, surgery may be necessary.

Improving Your Poop Regularity

Optimize your pooping schedule by:

• Drinking 6-8 glasses of fluids daily
• Eating more high-fiber foods like beans, lentils, oats, nuts
• Exercising for at least 30 minutes per day
• Establishing a poop routine after coffee or waking up
• Using squatty potty to align your body in natural pooping posture
• Taking probiotic supplements to support gut bacteria
• Practicing techniques to reduce constipation anxiety