Gut check
What does your stool say?
Your stool is a daily report from your gut. Shape and colour tell you different things, so each gets its own answer: pick the shape closest to yours, then the colour, and read both. Everything stays on your phone; nothing is saved or sent.
1. Which shape is closest?
2. What colour is it?
This tool explains common patterns. It does not diagnose. If you are worried, or symptoms continue, see a doctor.
Keep a symptom diary. Log your bowel habits, symptoms and possible food triggers for 2 to 4 weeks, privately on your phone, and bring the summary to your visit.
Good to know
How often is normal?
Anywhere from three times a day to three times a week can be normal. A change from your usual pattern matters more than the number.
Mucus in the stool
A little mucus is normal, and more is common with IBS. Mucus with blood, pain or fever needs a check-up.
Stools that float
Floating stools are usually from gas and are harmless. Greasy, foul-smelling stools that are hard to flush are different and should be checked.
Urgency at night
Loose motions that wake you from sleep are not typical of IBS and should be checked.
See a doctor if you notice
- Blood in the stool, or black, sticky stools
- A change in bowel habit lasting more than three weeks, especially after age 45
- Pale stools with yellow eyes or dark urine
- Weight loss, anaemia or fever with bowel symptoms
- Loose motions for more than two weeks, or constipation that does not respond to fibre and fluids
Common questions
Is it normal not to pass stool every day?
Yes. Many healthy people go every other day. It is constipation when stools are hard, painful or fewer than three times a week.
Why is my stool green?
Usually from green leafy vegetables, food colouring, iron tablets or loose motions. It is rarely a sign of disease on its own.
Is black stool always dangerous?
No. Iron tablets and some stomach medicines turn stools black but firm. Black, sticky, tar-like stools with weakness or dizziness are an emergency.