Pencil Thin Stool After Laxative Other causes of narrow stools
Pencil Thin Stool After Laxative Other causes of narrow stools include hemorrhoids, IBS, and diverticulitis, Additionally, stools may take on unusual shapes, appearing thin, pellet-like, or irregular, Jan 23, 2023 · A sensation of pressure or fullness can result from irritable bowel syndrome or Constipation, This continued, along with days of passing nothing but clear water/mucus, lots of straining and again lots of gas, Flat Ribbon Stool Causes Plenty of people have likely experienced flat ribbon stools once or even a few times during their lifetime, Dec 12, 2023 · An enlarged prostate may contribute to constipation, while BPH-related complications can cause serious problems with bowel movements, Dr, I was 68, A review of the literature reveals that Nov 22, 2020 · Why do I have pencil thin stool after taking magnesium? Yes: Magnesium is indeed a stool softener (like in Milk of Magnesia), Oct 12, 2016 · 7) Narrow, pencil-thin stool Although constipation and straining can alter the shape of your stool, if you notice a persistent change that appears too thin, make an appointment with your gastroenterologist, Out of the seven types of stools listed, you’ll see five of them are red – or abnormal – and signify diarrhea or constipation, Anyone experienced thin stools but not ribbon thin? Thanks! I haven't as far as I could tell had any blood on my stool, although I have had blood on the toilet paper after wiping when I passed two very large, dry stools during my period of constipation, However, if you have pencil-thin stools, that can be a sign of a physical blockage in the lower GI tract indicating a growth, scarring, or another worrisome condition, 1 I see you have inquired – “I have been noticing thin stools while taking miralax over the past few days for constipation, IBS is a GI disorder that can cause abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, and diarrhea, Flat stool: Stools that appear flat or ribbon-like might suggest a narrowing or obstruction in the colon, Not sure if that’s a true sign but my stool did change over the years considerably, In some cases, stringy stool can be a result of your diet or how your muscles contract in the large intestine when working to concentrate waste, It may be associated with other symptoms like abdominal cramps, stomach pain, nausea or bloody poop, If you notice bright red or dark, tarry blood in your stool, along with mucus and symptoms like fever or intense abdominal pain Interesting, … Try a lubricant laxative, He also reports pencil-thin stools and intermittent constipation, Oct 17, 2019 · A 57-year-old obese man with diabetes is seen by his primary care physician for his yearly physical, Dec 18, 2023 · The most common cause of narrow stools is constipation, But constipation also involves secondary symptoms such as straining and bloating, even with twice daily bowel movements, Albers says, It's also worth noting that narrow means pencil-thin and long, not *slightly* thinner, … Use a stool softener, What’s the bowel movement after colonoscopy like? Understand five things to expect after the procedure and gain tips for a smooth recovery from this guide, In fact, nowhere on drugs, Just awaiting microscopic colitis pathology work, but doc saw no inflammation, polyps or anything Feb 6, 2023 · Stringy poop may also be referred to as stools that are pencil-thin, ribbon-like, thin, or narrow, A number of factors can determine bowel movement caliber (shape, texture, color, etc, Normal stool is about 1 to 2 inches in diameter, I have a question, Hint: It could be related to your pelvic floor, my symptoms were feeling sick bloated then as I started to wonder about bowel cancer I believe my IBS flared up then upon taking a laxative I got pencil thin stools occasionally for about 3 days then it stopped which made me go to Sep 3, 2018 · When a dog has pencil-thin poop, dog owners may be wondering what is happening to their beloved companions and what they can do to help them, The miralax has made my stool very soft and mushy which isn’t a 1408 Likes, 227 Comments, Aug 25, 2025 · As a result, dietary variables are the most likely causes of temporary stool changes, Rectal Issues Do narrow stools have you fearful of colon cancer, even though you’ve been diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)? If narrow or thin stools are common with IBS, then this may certainly provide more peace … Mar 9, 2025 · Stringy poop is when stool appears thin or narrow, often resembling strips of ribbon, It pulls water into the bowel to soften the stool, They may be hard and small, pencil-thin, or loose and watery, The most common stool changes with stage one colon cancer are: Chronic or recurrent loose stools or diarrhea, I pretty much can't produce stool thicker than a pencil unless I take bulk forming laxatives like psyllium husks, pencil-thin stools) may suggest a possible obstruction in your bowels, which will need further evaluation, Oct 15, 2020 · Diarrhea can be associated with abnormal stools, I've read some old comments here saying that if the cause of thin stool is a tumor, it will always stay My poop has been pencil thin for some time, In the past lots of doctors associated it with colon cancer but if you talk to any decent gastr doc today they know that pencil or flat stools by themselves don’t signify cancer, Reply reply Awkward-Ease-5121 • Nov 18, 2022 · Causes of narrow stool Narrow-diameter stools mostly occur due to a change in bowel movements, Reply reply Awkward-Ease-5121 • Blood in stool for 15 years, Jul 13, 2025 · Constipation Constipation (infrequent and/or hard stools) can have several causes, Sep 17, 2019 · I used to poop every morning after my coffees and that was it for the day, Nov 4, 2022 · Lactose intolerance stool color is often yellowish or light brown, Abstract Over the past several years, primary care providers have been referring a large number of their patients to gastroenterologists for colonoscopy because of "low caliber stool" or "pencil thin stool, Stringy poop is narrow and, in some cases Mar 30, 2022 · However, if narrow or pencil-thin stools persist for more than a week, or if they are accompanied by any other symptoms, this could indicate a more serious underlying medical condition, While not always a sign of a serious problem, they can sometimes indicate an obstruction in the colon, But sometimes extremely thin stools are a sign of a narrowing or blockage in the Miralax can generally thin stools, especially if you are eating a diet low in fibre (especially soluble fibre), View our Digestive Health hub for more information about stool health and looking after your digestive system, However, I also decreased the amount of fiber I was eating when I started Miralax, Then, I had pencil-thin stools for four days, so I took more laxatives, which helped me return to normal for two days before reverting back to pencil-thin stools, If it’s accompanied with blood that’s a different story, Lactose-intolerant people may also have a smelly and loose stool with mucus, “The mechanism of action for Miralax causes water retention in stool, producing a laxative effect,” explains Franjo Vladic, MD, [] For chronic constipation, it's important to meet with a professional who can help guide you to the right kind of therapy, Apr 1, 2022 · As noted above, your bowel movements can help determine what type of IBS you might have, Green or watery stools once in a while can happen to any of us, but persistently erratic bowel habits and unusual symptoms may require monitoring and changes in your diet and lifestyle, Change in color People frequently are concerned about green stools, but generally this is just a product of whatever they may have recently eaten and is nothing to be worried about, Bowel movement changes can be harmless, resulting from temporary infections or low-fiber diets, Maroon bloody stools, Jun 27, 2024 · Sometimes, thin stringy stools can be linked to constipation caused by a low fiber diet and not enough fluids, Learn the types, color chart, symptoms, diagnosis, and more, These are my other Good Morning everyone! Hope everyone’s morning is going smoothly, It may be present in both constipation and diarrhea, 4, Still on 7 mg total a day of oxycodone, Jun 11, 2019 · What about shape? Healthy stools come out in either smallish pieces or snake-like coils, May 15, 2023 · If you have thin stool and gas, it could be due to constipation, fecal impaction, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, and more, Nov 26, 2015 · The first is when your stool is narrow and pencil-thin, Aug 17, 2024 · Persistent changes in bowel habits: Unexpected diarrhea, constipation, or a noticeable alteration in your stool’s shape—such as it appearing pencil-thin or ribbon-like—could suggest a blockage within the colon and shouldn’t be overlooked, Hypothyroidism Hypothyroidism decreases and slows down the GI tract movement, and this often results in constipation, Jun 1, 2020 · Flat poops can happen due to changes in your diet, … Drink a glass of water, While a range of colors can appear due to diet or medication Jan 10, 2025 · Diverticulitis can lead to several changes in bowel movements, such as the presence of blood, mucus, and variations in consistency that may include diarrhoea or constipation, Some health conditions, including constipation, can cause long or flat poop, Blood in stool for 15 years, Seek the advice of a doctor for any changes in your stool, Oct 26, 2025 · Stool changes like constipation and diarrhea are common after surgery, May 3, 2023 · Constipation is a common cause of thin stools, resulting from slow-moving stool that hardens and becomes difficult to pass, I've also had abdominal distension, fatigue and changes in bowel movement frequency, sometimes going up to 8 times a day and passing undigested food, He Jul 7, 2022 · How do you make yourself poop after IMODIUM? Quick ways to make yourself poop Take a fiber supplement, Oct 7, 2023 · Flat poop, also known as ribbon-like or pencil-thin poop, is characterized by feces that appear flattened and narrow, resembling a ribbon or pencil in shape, Pencil thin stools can occur in conditions that cause partial obstruction of the digestive tract, including some colon or rectal cancers, Given the timeline that this is happening, the fact you are taking these laxatives, and what you describe, I would be pretty certain that is what this is, Another change to be mindful of is the color of your stool, Has anyone experienced very thin pencil like stools? I’ve been suffering with constipation for about 6 months now, Again, Miralax is not the cause of thin stools, even though the timing of you taking the Miralax may coincide with this change in bowel movement appearance, There is a family history of colon cancer If the stools remain pencil-thin after discontinuing the laxative or if other symptoms arise—such as persistent constipation, blood, fatigue, or unexplained weight loss—clinicians often recommend checking the colon, particularly if there is a family history of colon cancer, Less commonly, thin poop can point to something serious such as colorectal cancer, I also get occasional bloating and gas after eating, along with stomach pain, but it seems to be random and has went down over the past Feb 19, 2020 · Stringy poop is referred to as a narrow, pencil-thin or ribbon-shaped stool, We’ve all heard that thin flat bowel movements are something to be concerned about, Taking miralax and senna, stools are thin, Pencil-thin stool: Narrow, pencil-thin stool could indicate a blockage in the colon, often associated with colorectal cancer, Persistent pencil-thin stools may indicate narrowing of the colon or other gastrointestinal conditions, If there is a sudden and consistent change in your stool always being thin, it could mean there is a blockage in your colon, and you should see your doctor, #constipation, #psyllium, #teamtushy, #tushyteam, #tushy, #tushydoc, #fart, #proctologist, #poopoo, #dadjoke #foryou, #foryoupage, #fyp, #xyzabc #colorectalcancerscreening, #colonoscopy”, These can include medications, a lack of fiber in the diet, dehydration, or lack of physical activity, He endorses a 20-lb weight loss in the past few months without changing his diet or exercise, Apr 7, 2022 · Diverticulitis may alter stool shape (thin, narrow or flat stool), and stool color (red, black, yellowish, or blackish stool), … Eat a serving of high-fiber food, Other GI problems that can be caused by hypothyroidism are IBS and even intestinal obstruction, in severe cases of hypothyroidism, Did for me too and as was about to undergo delicate surgery discussed with my colorectal surgeon, Mar 2, 2018 · If you used to have sizeable stools but now they are always pencil thin and hard to pass, consult your doctor, One thing to consider is whether the narrow stools in dogs is a one-time recurrence or whether it is happening with great frequency such as on a daily-basis, e, Aug 3, 2025 · This narrowing can lead to a persistent change in stool shape, often described as pencil-thin or ribbon-like, While Thin, pencil-like stools can result from changes in bowel habits after laxative use like Miralax, 2, In certain types of colon cancer, the bowel gets narrow, and so do your bowel movements, Jones explains A noncancerous polyp could block part of the colon and cause narrow stools, sure, in which case (like other polyps) it would be removed and biopsied, but again- that's rarer than other common causes, While the list below can Jul 4, 2025 · Pencil thin stools can be caused by changes in bowel function, such as those occurring after surgeries like hysterectomy, but they are not necessarily a sign of serious illness, Chronic or recurrent hard stools or constipation, Colon polyps and colorectal cancer are serious causes of persistently thin stool, Aug 18, 2024 · Explore the causes of narrow stools, their connection to stress, and when to seek medical advice for digestive health, Possible Causes: Colonic Obstruction: An obstruction in the colon, such as a mass, can lead to narrow stools, I’m taking the following regime before I start antibiotics for SIBO: expensive probiotics, Mary Ruth’s digestive enzymes, citrucel fiber (this is a big one because all other fiber causes bloating), and IB Guard, This is a bulk laxative, meaning it absorbs lots of water within the intestine and causes liquid quality stools, Skinny poops can be caused by a lot of things—some are harmless and temporary conditions, and others may be Miralax Does NOT Cause Thin Stools; Colon Cancer Can Don’t get your hopes up that your newly narrow stools are a side effect of Miralax, Prior, I was eating more fiber and a fiber supplement which bulks up stool (hence wider stools before), Long … It’s common with ibs, Causes Sometimes, stools can be flat without any known cause, ” Let’s look at the different color stools and what they can be indicative of: Jul 18, 2023 · An M, I’ve been taking Miralax everyday since about mid December and I now tend to have a small bowel movement ALMOST everyday, This can lead to narrow, skinny stools squeezing through a partially blocked colon, Also read: IBS back pain: How irritable bowel syndrome causes back pain and what Dec 18, 2023 · The most common cause of narrow stools is constipation, 1 The scale identifies the shape and consistency of seven stool types, ranging from type 1 (constipation) to type 7 (diarrhea), In less common cases, colon cancers can lead to penicil-thin stools, However, many things can cause thin stools, Causes of Stringy Poop Stringy poop isn’t always Aug 1, 2020 · Unusual types of stools and what they mean: find out what are unusual, abnormal types of poop colors, shapes, sizes, consistencies and their meaning, Jun 13, 2024 · Although changes in stool color or texture may be normal, most changes should be evaluated, " Most textbooks of internal medicine and gastroenterology consider "small caliber stool" as one of the presenting signs of colorectal cancer (CRC), Many people with IBS go back and forth between having constipation and having On a couple of occasions they have been pencil-thin, Aug 21, 2024 · Learn how anal fissures can cause narrow stools and explore treatments like Botox, sphincterotomy, and laser therapy, If you are experiencing constipation, laxatives can help to stimulate or Jan 30, 2022 · The thin and wet stools are secondary to the use of the MiraLAX (Polyethylene Glycol 3350) powder, If your thin or narrow stools have you fearing colon cancer, there are other causes of narrow thin stools besides cancer of the colon, Then for 2 or 3 months I was going 5 times in the morning and the stools were pencil thin, Developed Tachycardia after laparoscopic surgery and taking Dilitizem for that, Then I began to pass pencil thin stools, Therefore, we will discuss the possible stool changes in the early stages of colon cancer, Does anybody occasionally experience constipation, thin stools and a feeling of not being fully “empty” after a bowel movement? Can endo also cause these symptoms? There has been so much discourse on social media recently about the rise of colon cancer rates in younger adults and what symptoms to look out for, That is what terrified my the most because every search you make on the internet regarding thin stools always point to cancer, You should also drink more water to help your Feb 20, 2025 · Discover how pelvic floor dysfunction may contribute to thin stools and learn expert tips for healthier bowel movements from a leading Pelvic PT, May 8, 2018 · With diarrhea, the stools become thin and runny, and with constipation, the stools come out either lumpy or hard, It can also cause farting (flatulence) and passing mucus from the bottom, Flat poop may be the result of constipation, diarrhoea, IBS, diet, or medications, Mar 4, 2024 · Hard pellet-like stools that are difficult to pass or will not pass (indicates constipation) Bowel movements that are completely watery (diarrhea) Stool that is pencil-thin or ribbon-like (indicates potential colon cancer, polyp, or other lesion causing narrowing of your large intestine) What can I eat to ensure good colon health? Oct 10, 2021 · Does IBS Cause pencil thin stools? However in some cases, narrow stools — especially if pencil thin — may be a sign of narrowing or obstruction of the colon due to colon cancer, Health related message boards offering discussions of numerous health topics including allergies, cancer, diabetes, heart disease, exercise, attention deficit disorder, diet, and nutrition, Jul 4, 2025 · Narrow or pencil-thin stools might be concerning for some people, Aug 28, 2024 · Laxatives are often used to relieve constipation, but what happens after? Understand the post-use effects and how they help restore normal bowel movement, … Take a laxative stimulant, Can laxatives contribute to this?” Please see, yes, using laxatives can certainly do this to our stool, Oct 20, 2024 · Dr, We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us, What Causes Stringy poop? 1 Occasional pencil-thin stool mixed with normal bowel movements can occur due to minor changes in bowel habits or stool consistency, Stool after 15 years became pencil like, While the list below can Feb 27, 2024 · Narrow stools are long, pencil-thin, and flat, often requiring strain or bear down more than usual, Jun 15, 2024 · Knowing what's normal for you is crucial so you can recognize changes that come up—gastroenterologists share what to look out for, For me, I noticed bread - wheat bread is what I was eating - bulks it up so I stopped eating bread, Hello, It has been over 2 months since I had my reversal and over 7 months since my LAR (removing a portion of the rectum) surgery was done but I still continue to have thin pencil like or even flat ribbon like stools, May 5, 2022 · Often times, flat, ribbon-like stools are another way of describing thin and narrow, stringy or pencil-like bowel movements – also atypical in appearance, Funny you should use "pencil" as a description, I used to talk to a German Researcher who always referred to IBS stools as pencil stools in his presentations, It can happen for no apparent reason, or it might be the result of dietary changes, infections, or underlying health conditions Jul 13, 2025 · For example, if constipation is causing narrow stools, try eating more fiber, including whole grains, legumes, berries, apples, vegetables, and nuts, It is likely due to muscle contractions in the large intestine as it helps to concentrate waste, Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is another condition that may cause changes in the size of your stools, so that they're smaller, larger or narrower than I now am dealing with stomach discomfort, fullness and bloat after eating anything - excessive gas, weird poop (muddy clay like texture, undigested food and thin stools often through the day, sometimes float), Jun 24, 2025 · You have blood in your stools; this may be from a fissure or hemorrhoid but could also be a sign of colorectal cancer; changes in bowel movement patterns, such as passing pencil-thin stools, may Customer: After metamucil, I had pencil thin stool along with bulky stool with mild cramp in lower belly before that, I took pepto bismol and then I had black stool, It began with pebble-like stools, and after taking laxatives, my condition wouldn't return to normal for a day, Including helpful home remedies to treat stringy noodle bowel movement, Pencil-Thin Stool that is only occasionally very thin is not a cause for concern, answers all your questions about the causes of thin stool, how to treat stringy poop, and when you should actually be concerned about it, Apr 5, 2025 · Narrow stools can be caused by constipation, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and hemorrhoids, A noncancerous polyp could block part of the colon and cause narrow stools, sure, in which case (like other polyps) it would be removed and biopsied, but again- that's rarer than other common causes, This is especially important if you have any warning signs of disease, such as weight loss, bleeding or pain, or stools that become pencil-thin and stay that way, It is advised to seek medical advice if you have any of these associated symptoms, Certain types of cancer are also associated with pencil thin stools, and it is important to look for other associated symptoms such as blood in the stool in this case, Jones explains May 23, 2018 · If your stool is narrow and thin or is pencil-like or ribbon-like, please read on to find what could be causing it, However, it can also indicate a bowel obstruction from colorectal cancer, It made sense that there might be a blockage so I googled and sure enough colon cancer was on the list, Speak to your doctor if you have more than one pencil-thin stool, since this can mean that there is an obstruction somewhere in the lower GI tract, I had a Colonoscopy today and all looks normal and healthy, How quick did you see changes after going gluten-free? And do you have pencil-thin stools? I appreciate you responding, I was just wondering if anyone else has CONSTANT movements like this because the shape and constipation is leading me to believe I have a blockage that could potentially be a tumor, Raviram S, Loose stool/pencil thin stool/quick ending bowel movement – loose stools, abdominal bloating, lack of energy and poor appetite can be the result of tiredness and weak digestion brought on by stress and diet, Sep 13, 2025 · Stringy poop is stool that appears narrow, thin, or pencil-shaped, One might notice stools that are narrower than usual—sometimes described as pencil-thin, So many people are scared of seeing the so-called pencil-thin stools—even if the day before, their bowel movements were thick or fat, How can I clear my bowels every morning? 10 ways to make yourself poop first thing in the morning Diverticulitis causes several noticeable changes in your poop, including altered color (bright red, maroon, or black), different shapes (thin, pellet-like, or irregular), and unusual texture (watery diarrhea or hard constipation), Get expert insights from Dr, Fluffy poop, type 6 on the scale, represents early diarrhea, Dec 1, 2020 · All of these symptoms can be related to digestive conditions including irritable bowel syndrome and infections, You may have bloating or a feeling of gas in the intestines, Narrow stools can be caused by treatable, usually temporary causes such as constipation or dietary changes, or they can point to underlying medical conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome May 14, 2024 · If persisting symptoms of concern, consider obtaining specialist advice in line with local arrangements, Constipation could lead to narrowed or pencil-thin stools, This change can occur due to a growth in the colon causing a partial blockage, altering the shape of the stool, Narrow (pencil-thin) stools, Learn about the Bristol chart, see pictures, and learn what poop colors and types mean about your health, Most people have an idea what constipation and diarrhea are, Your worries or other typical causes of this — rectal cancer, pelvic floor dysfunction, rectoceles, et cetera — are unlikely Apr 24, 2016 · I know that constipation is worry, and after awhile, I was really afraid that I was going to have an obstruction before anything would move, Hyperthyroidism Hyperthyroidism (too much thyroid hormone in your system) can cause multiple digestive system malfunctions, They can be caused by constipation, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and hemorrhoids, While the list below can Jun 11, 2019 · What about shape? Healthy stools come out in either smallish pieces or snake-like coils, Mar 30, 2022 · However, if narrow or pencil-thin stools persist for more than a week, or if they are accompanied by any other symptoms, this could indicate a more serious underlying medical condition, Take note of all your symptoms, and describe all your symptoms to your doctor if you are concerned, I started having what looked like normal constipation with alternating watery stools, A number of digestive conditions may be the cause, including irritable bowel syndrome or food poisoning, Your stool appears to be a good color and consistency (actually almost perfectly formed, according to the Bristol Stool Chart), without any signs of bleeding, But 2 nights ago I forced myself to poop but what came out was short literally pencil thin stools, Sep 28, 2023 · Had Total knee replacement that did not go well and not a revision candidate, … Try an enema, I’m currently dealing with presumed SIBO and endometriosis (will do further Sep 19, 2024 · Pencil-thin stools can be a symptom of constipation, which is medically defined as having fewer than three stools per week, As long as you are seeing a doctor [and you are telling him all of your symptoms], you should be okay, PENCIL THIN STOOLPSYLLIUMoriginal sound Nov 25, 2017 · After a few days I took some Immodium which did stop me up temporarily but caused much worse gas, pain and bloating, Other symptoms accompanying colorectal cancer may include blood in the stool, unexplained weight loss, and changes in bowel habits, Jan 10, 2023 · Changes in the shape of stool can be one sign of colon or rectal cancer, Cramps in my stomach but weren’t much, on managing fissures and enhancing bowel health, TikTok video from Proctologist Preferred (@tushydoc): “Replying to @ModernThrifts TushyDoc replies about pencil thin stool, These stools may persist temporarily as your digestive system readjusts, Sep 21, 2024 · Shape If your types of poop occasionally fall into a non-normal category on the Bristol Stool Chart, you don’t have to be alarmed, But thin, short stool doesn't necessarily mean anything beyond IBS, Possible causes include dietary factors, IBS, and certain digestive disorders, Having the same problems right now, It can happen for no apparent reason, or it might be the result of dietary changes, infections, or underlying health conditions Feb 3, 2023 · Normal stools can be a number of colors, including different hues of brown, orange, tan, or yellow, Apr 3, 2025 · Poop can reveal a lot about our health, Healthcare providers assess stool using the Bristol Stool Form Scale, Colon cancer may manifest in various ways when it comes to stool, Flat poop can be temporary and may be nothing to Mar 11, 2025 · What comes out of the body can tell a lot about what is happening inside, May 10, 2022 · Stool changes can be one of the first signs of stage one colon cancer, Yes I have been getting thinner stools, … Take an osmotic, May 23, 2024 · A decrease in stool caliber (i, ), says Whitney Jones, MD, a national expert and frequent speaker on early-age onset colon cancer prevention, and Founder, Colon Cancer Prevention Project, Diarrhea refers to loose watery stools, especially in large Sep 12, 2025 · Many people worry that having thin or pencil-thin stools means they might have colon cancer, why would i have pencil thin stool after taking milk of magnesium? Stimulants: After a stimulant to move your bowels the stool is released under pressure and this can help, Take note of your symptoms, and discuss them with your doctor to help determine the cause, “The reason that a stool changes from wide and then thin can be … Jun 2, 2024 · The Bristol stool scale is a diagnostic tool used by doctors to assess various digestive issues based on the type and shape of poop, So my answer is no you are by far not alone in this regard, This has been going on for about 3 months, Eat more warm, cooked foods and drink ginger and cinnamon teas, Learn more about the different causes and treatment options in this article, Waqqas Tai said pencil-thin stools, rectal bleeding, anemia (particularly men), severe constipation or diarrhea and/or unexplained weight loss, fevers and night sweats may indicate colon cancer, It can affect the Still thin stool after two colon cleanses which also many relate to pelvic floor issues and mixed ibs symptoms, Ever wonder what’s considered normal poop? Or, what your poop says about your health? We answer questions about color, shape, size and more, Talk to your doctor if you are experiencing abnormal bowel movements and be sure to follow your doctor's screening recommendations for colon cancer, Read on to learn everything you need to know about flat poop, This is because the stool has to pass through a smaller opening, resulting in a thinner shape, , Not dark, no cramping just scary, If unexplained changes last a few days, consider talking with a doctor, com does it state that skinny or thin stools can be caused by Miralax, though the site does point out that more frequent BMs can result, Instead of the typical cylindrical form, the stool takes on an abnormal appearance, Also, many cases of If Your Poop Looks Especially Thin, It Might Be Telling You That Your Pelvic Floor Is Too Tense Learn about the possible causes and implications of passing narrow stool, D, Skinny Poops Also called: narrow stools, thin stools, pencil-thin stools, ribbon-like stools Some people may be used to thinner stools, but super thin, pencil-like stools are something to keep an eye on and report to your doctor, Apr 11, 2022 · Stringy or pencil-thin stool will look different from a well-formed stool, but it’s not necessarily a sign of an underlying condition, Explore what's normal and when to call a healthcare provider, The way stools pass changes, Jun 14, 2023 · Introduction Have you noticed that your poop looks different to normal? Maybe you have noticed that your stools have a pencil-like shape, Constipation can be caused by irritable bowel syndrome, dietary factors, medications, poor bowel habits, low-fibre diets, laxative abuse, hormonal disorders, or diseases affecting the colon, If a tumor grows in either area, it can change the shape of the bowel and cause stool to be flat or thin and pencil-like, “Ribbon” or “pencil” shaped stools are almost always on symptom lists for colon cancer, which can affect adults of any age, though it’s far more common in men and women over 45, Both colon cancer and IBS can cause stools to come out like ribbons, Pencil-thin stool can also indicate other underlying conditions, such as colorectal cancer, hemorrhoids, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), etc, If you are experiencing stress, this could be a factor, Plus my dad and his brother both had it in their 80's, Diarrhea refers to loose watery stools, especially in large Dec 1, 2020 · All of these symptoms can be related to digestive conditions including irritable bowel syndrome and infections, If your stool changes to a different color, you should call your doctor and tell them “ my poop looks weird, psyllium, Common causes of narrow stools include: Constipation Mar 8, 2012 · Completely normal for movicol to cause thin weedy looking stools, I see you have been using laxative miralax So this appears is producing this kind of effect on your stool, If I do take one, I can produce oversized stools big enough to fill the whole toilet lol, Aug 25, 2025 · Thin "pencil" or "ribbon" stools (caused by the narrowing of the intestinal passageway as the tumor starts to grow) 3 Hard "pebble stools" (caused when intestinal obstruction leads to excessive water absorption and constipation) 4 Pain when pooping (also known as dyschezia) 3 A feeling that you can't empty your bowel (known as rectal tenesmus) 3 Jan 18, 2025 · Doctors used to associate pencil-thin poop with bowel cancer, and while those with the condition may see their stools narrow over time, this has been questioned by scientists , The Bristol Stool Chart can be a helpful resource in gauging whether the shape and texture of your poop is considered normal, May 3, 2023 · What are narrow stools, and what do they mean for your digestive health? Thin or narrow stools are characterized by a significantly smaller diameter than regular bowel movements, often resembling “pencil-thin” shapes, This change in shape is a red flag that warrants medical attention, You may strain, feel an urgent need to have a bowel movement, or feel that you haven't completely passed a stool, Many times, it isn’t a cause for alarm, however, sometimes it could be a symptom of something serious, Sep 3, 2019 · Experts explain what types of stools aren't normal and how to tell if something unusual could be a sign of a more serious problem, Aug 17, 2025 · Conditions such as scar tissue, large stool masses (fecal impaction), or tumors can obstruct the passage, causing the stool to become pencil-thin as it squeezes through the narrowed area, Apr 11, 2022 · Fiber strings in poop may occur for various reasons such as constipation, Customer: I have been experiencing constipation issues for the past four weeks, Feb 20, 2025 · Discover how pelvic floor dysfunction may contribute to thin stools and learn expert tips for healthier bowel movements from a leading Pelvic PT,