If something in your routine is causing the change, you can make some lifestyle modifications. Many of these solutions can help you prevent unpleasant bowel changes in the first place:

You may need a stool softener or laxative if you have constipation and lifestyle changes aren’t helping.

When To Call the Doctor

When should you see a doctor or healthcare provider?

It can be tricky knowing when a change is something you should wait out at home, when it’s cause for you to call your provider and when it’s an emergency. Most changes get better eventually, either on their own or with lifestyle changes, but there are important exceptions.

Contact your healthcare provider if you have:

Constipation or diarrhea that lasts longer than two weeks.
Severe diarrhea (frequent bathroom trips) that occurs with other symptoms, like severe abdominal pain, fever, chills, vomiting or fainting.
Bloody diarrhea or more than a few bright red streaks of blood in your stool.
Stools that are deep red, maroon, black or tarry (especially if they have a noticeable odor).
Sudden urges to have a bowel movement (this could be a sign of a mass in your rectum or IBD).
Mucus or fluid leakage from your rectum (this could be a sign of stool lodged in your rectum).

Seek emergency care if you have:

Symptoms of an obstruction (constipation, nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain and inability to pass gas).
Symptoms of a liver problem (stools that are pale, clay or white, dark urine, fever, chills, right-sided upper abdominal pain or yellowing of your skin).

Additional Common Questions

Do bowel habits change with age?

They do. You’re more likely to experience constipation as you grow older. The likelihood of developing fecal incontinence, or struggling to control your bowels, increases after age 65. Muscles that help you control bowel movements can weaken as you age.

Do bowel habits change during pregnancy?

For some people, they do. Up to 39% of pregnant women experience constipation during pregnancy. It’s most common during the third trimester when the fetus is heaviest and places the most pressure on your bowels.

Do bowel habits change during menopause?

They can. And they can change in the period before menopause (perimenopause), too. In these stages, hormone levels shift. These hormone changes can affect various body systems, including your digestive system. Changes in your bowel habits may be related to these changes.

Still, don’t assume that alarming or unpleasant changes are “just hormones.” See a healthcare provider to be sure.

A note from Cleveland Clinic

When it comes to bowel movements (pooping), everyone’s different. What your poop looks like and how often you go may differ from someone else, yet you both may be perfectly healthy. This is why noting changes in your own bowel habits is so important. Understanding what counts as normal for your poops can help you recognize changes that may signal that you need to make a lifestyle change or even contact your healthcare provider.

Experts You Can Trust

Medically Reviewed.Last updated on 09/21/2023.

Learn more about the Health Library and our editorial process.

References

Cleveland Clinic’s health articles are based on evidence-backed information and review by medical professionals to ensure accuracy, reliability and up-to-date clinical standards.

Experts You Can Trust

Medically Reviewed.Last updated on 09/21/2023.

References

Cleveland Clinic’s health articles are based on evidence-backed information and review by medical professionals to ensure accuracy, reliability and up-to-date clinical standards.

American Cancer Society. Stool or Urine Changes (https://www.cancer.org/treatment/treatments-and-side-effects/physical-side-effects/stool-or-urine-changes.html). Accessed 9/21/2023.
McCulloch SM, Aziz I, Polster AV, et al. The diagnostic value of a change in bowel habit for colorectal cancer within different age groups (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7079267/). United European Gastroenterol J. 2020;8(2):211-219. Accessed 9/21/2023.
Nemeth V, Pfleghaar N. Diarrhea (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28846339/). In: StatPearls. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; November 21, 2022. Accessed 9/21/2023.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Constipation (https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/constipation/all-content). Last reviewed 5/2018. Accessed 9/21/2023.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Diarrhea (https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/diarrhea). Last reviewed 11/2016. Accessed 9/21/2023.

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