Many people occasionally find that their poop is large and difficult to pass. This symptom is usually temporary and not a cause for concern. However, in some cases, uncomfortable bowel movements may be a sign of an underlying medical issue.
Various treatments and lifestyle adjustments may help a person pass the stool and prevent the issue from happening again.
In this article, we look at possible causes of large stools that are difficult to pass. We also discuss the treatment options and explain when to see a doctor.
There are many possible causes of large, painful, and hard-to-pass stools. They include:
Constipation can cause stools that are hard to pass. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases note that constipation is a common condition, affecting about 16 out of 100 adults in the United States. Among those aged 60 years and over, it affects 33 out of 100 people.
Possible causes of constipation
The symptoms of constipation may
Fecal impaction is a condition in which the body
Causes of fecal impaction can include:
The symptoms can
Fecal impaction can be
A bowel obstruction is a severe condition in which an obstruction in the intestines blocks the normal digestion process. As a result, it can be difficult or impossible to move stools through to the rectum.
Possible causes of a bowel obstruction include:
The symptoms can
A bowel obstruction is an emergency, and a person will need medical help immediately.
In people with hypothyroidism, the thyroid is unable to produce enough of the thyroid hormones, which affects many bodily functions.
Hypothyroidism can cause constipation. Other symptoms may
Hypothyroidism is
IBS is a digestive issue that causes abdominal discomfort and frequent changes in bowel movements.
The symptoms may
There is no clear cause of IBS, but triggers can include:
Encopresis refers to children over 4 years of age being unable to control their bowel movements. Long-term constipation usually causes encopresis. The symptoms include:
Constipation can be a common symptom in pregnancy, when it can be due to:
People may experience:
Certain medications and supplements can cause hard-to-pass stools,
People may be able to treat large, hard-to-pass stools by making adjustments to their daily routine,
Learn more about natural remedies for constipation.
If people do not find these changes effective, or they have severe or additional symptoms, they may need medical treatment. Depending on the underlying cause, treatment may involve:
If dietary changes are not effective during pregnancy, a person can talk with their healthcare team about which treatment options are safe.
People should see their doctor if they have symptoms of fecal impaction. Treatments may
It is advisable to see a doctor if at-home treatments are not effective or a person has any of the following symptoms:
People should seek immediate medical attention if they have symptoms of fecal impaction or intestinal obstruction.
People may be able to treat large, hard-to-pass stools by making dietary changes and other simple lifestyle adjustments.
In some cases, hard-to-pass stools can cause serious complications if a person does not get treatment. If a medical condition is causing uncomfortable bowel movements, treating or managing the condition may help relieve the symptoms.
Large, hard-to-pass poop can be uncomfortable, but this issue may resolve with simple changes, such as increasing fiber intake, doing more physical activity, and drinking more water.
If home remedies are not effective, it is best to see a doctor for further treatment advice to prevent any complications.
Last medically reviewed on February 9, 2021
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