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\u201cIf you do experience something that doesn\u2019t seem quite right \u2013 this could be a change in the colour, shape, consistency or smell of your poo, finding blood in your stool or a change in the frequency of your toilet habits that lasts for two weeks or more \u2013 then please do get it checked out by a professional.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe chances are it won\u2019t be anything serious, but for peace of mind and to get suitable treatment for any issues, it\u2019s really important to leave fear and embarrassment at the door and go get some medical advice.\u201d<\/p>\n
There are seven changes to your poo that it is worth speaking to your doctor about:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Having softer poo or diarrhoea that is not usual for you<\/li>\n
- Constipation that is not usual for you<\/li>\n
- Needing to poo more or less often than usual for you<\/li>\n
- Blood in your poo, which may look red or black<\/li>\n
- Bleeding from your bottom<\/li>\n
- Often feeling like you need to poo, even if you’ve just been to the toilet<\/li>\n
- Stringy poo that looks like ribbons.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Softer poo or diarrhoea<\/h3>\n
According to the NHS, this is one of the main signs of bowel cancer. It is also a sign of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).<\/p>\n
However, it could also just be a sign that you have eaten something that has upset your digestive system or you are experiencing an infection such as food poisoning.<\/p>\n
Typically, diarrhoea will only last up to three days if it is not caused by something serious.<\/p>\n
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The NHS advises seeing your GP if it lasts longer than three weeks. If the diarrhoea is bloody you should call 111.<\/p>\n
Constipation<\/h3>\n
At the other end of the spectrum to diarrhoea, constipation is classed as not going for a poo at least three times in a week and poo that is large, dry, hard and lumpy.<\/p>\n
While it is \u201crarely\u201d caused by a medical condition, it is also a symptom of bowel cancer.<\/p>\n
More common causes are not eating enough fibre, not drinking enough fluids and a side effect of medication, among others.<\/p>\n
If you are regularly constipated and it\u2019s not getting better with treatment you should speak to your GP.<\/p>\n
Needing to poo more or less often<\/h3>\n
Similar to diarrhoea and constipation, this can be linked to diet, medication or an infection.<\/p>\n
![](\"https:\/\/cdn.images.express.co.uk\/img\/dynamic\/11\/590x\/secondary\/bloating-bowel-cancer-5016400.jpg?r=1697535484076\")
<\/p>\nHowever, it is also listed by the NHS as a warning sign of bowel cancer. A change in bowel habits in general could also mean you have IBS.<\/p>\n
Blood in your poo or bleeding from the bottom<\/h3>\n
This can cause your poo to appear red or black.<\/p>\n
\u201cA small amount of one-off bleeding from the bottom is not usually a serious problem,\u201d the NHS says.<\/p>\n
However, if this lasts for three weeks you should seek medical help.<\/p>\n
If your poo is red or black or you have bloody diarrhoea you should call 111. It could be the result of haemorrhoids, anal fissures, IBS and bowel cancer.<\/p>\n
Often feeling like you need to poo<\/h3>\n
Feeling like you need to poo a lot even if you\u2019ve just been to the toilet is a \u201ccommon\u201d sign of bowel cancer.<\/p>\n
If it lasts more than three weeks you should see your GP.<\/p>\n
It can be accompanied by other bowel cancer symptoms such as tummy pain, bloating, losing weight without trying and feeling very tired for no reason.<\/p>\n
Stringy poo<\/h3>\n
Stringy poo that looks like ribbons can be a symptom of several issues. It could just be a sign of a poor diet that is low in fibre.<\/p>\n
However, similar to the other symptoms it could also signal an infection, IBS or bowel cancer.<\/p>\n
Other causes, according to Medical News Today, include:<\/p>\n