Is Your Poop Normal?

Appearance And Consistency

When it comes to the appearance of stool, the Bristol Stool chart is an excellent way for patients to communicate how their stool look to their doctor with decent accuracy, which is crucial when attempting to diagnose a potential health issue. On the chart, stool considered normal is either classified as type 3 or type 4. Both types are sausage-like in shape, though type 3 would have slight cracks in the surface, and type 4 would be smooth. Types 1 and 2 denote different levels of constipation.

The former is small, hard lumps, which means the individual is extremely constipated, and the latter is quite lumpy and sausage-like, which indicates slight constipation. Soft blobs of stool, classified as type 5, demonstrate a lack of fiber in the individual’s diet. Type 6 and 7, which are either mushy or liquid in consistency, both indicate inflammation.

Pain Or Strain During A Bowel Movement

Individuals should not take any longer than ten to fifteen minutes on average to pass stool. Additionally, it should be relatively easy to pass. When someone experiences longer bowel movements, or if they are dealing with pain or strain during a bowel movement, it could be an indicator of issues such as constipation, hemorrhoids, or similar. Sometimes individuals experience constipation due to excessive stress, dehydration, or food intolerances., In any case, pain or strain during bowel movements, particularly when it is persistent, should be evaluated by a doctor.