Question 1

what is the reason behind ribbon shaped stool?

Accepted Answer

Here's a link...: http://www.newhealthguide.org/Flat-Stool.html.  Any accompanying symptoms that suggest something more serious than Irritable Bowel Syndrome here?

Question 2

can hemorrhoids cause flat ribbon-like stools?

Accepted Answer

No: Hemorrhoids do not change the shape of stool. If this is a constant change, you need a flexible sigmoidoscopy to see if there is a reason for this.

Question 3

does hemorroids cause ribbon like ir pencil like stools?

Accepted Answer

Need an exam: If you have pencil like stools you either have very very large hemorrhoids (which would be very obvious) or something more worrisome.  You should find someone to look and examine you as well as possibly perform a colonoscopy .  If you have hemorrhoids that big, they also need to be dealt with because you can become completely obstructed and not be able to pass stools!

Question 4

no bm's for days;when bm comes, stool is hard at first, turns ribbon-like, then very soft, and then bright red blood. many trips to toilet. colonoscopy showed only benign polyp. what could cause this?

Accepted Answer

Constipation: What you may have is hard stools causing bleeding from internal hemorrhoids. You need to talk to your gastroenterologist and review your diet, eat more fiber and take stool softeners. At your age bowel habits change so do you.

Question 5

during my bowel movement. i noticed regular stool then flatten ribbon stools within the same bowel movement. any reason why?

Accepted Answer

Stool change: That can be associated with processes near the anus. Tumor, poly, inflammatory bowel, sphincter problem. Seeing your doctor and getting rectal exam would be helpful.

Question 6

i have small pebble shaped stool? this started 2 weeks ago what should i do? i go to the bathroom once everyday.

Accepted Answer

Constipated...: Even though you have a daily bowel movement, it sounds like you are somewhat constipated. Increasing your fluid intake can really help. Also increasing fiber rich foods can help. A trial of over the counter MiraLAX (polyethylene glycol) can help soften stools. It can be titrated to get a good stool consistency. The only side-effect is too loose stool.

Question 7

pencil shaped stool: could this indicate bowel cancer?

Accepted Answer

Possible: A rectal cancer could be a cause of decreased caliber stool, but there are others, so  you need to seek an immediate physical exam, starting with the most basic technique, the digital rectal exam. Your doctor can guide you, but seek help.

Question 8

i have narrow oval shaped stool softer in consistency. im really freaked out its somthing like a tumor or polyp. i had lower left and upper left full abdominal ache but it went away just now have the oddly shaped stool and nervous.

Accepted Answer

IBS: I understand that you are concerned about a change in your bowels..Considering your age, your anxiety about the condition, the cycling of the symptoms, and the upper left abdominal ache ( which could represent gas accumulation), all suggest Irritable Bowel Syndrome or IBS, although more information is necessar.The most definitive test to reassure you would, of course, be a colonoscopy...Dr.Wellner

Question 9

increased bowel movmnts, gas.oval shaped stool no blood.aches radiate between lower/upper left abd.  can also be felt on left side. dull but annoying.  started week ago.colon cancer makes me nervous read there is a huge increase my age. very stressed?

Accepted Answer

What huge increase?: Haven't heard of any huge increase in colon cancer in people in their early to mid-20's. Probably 0.5-1.0% of all the colon cancers in the country are in people aged 20-25 years. Overall, psychological stress surely causes much more health damage than those rare colon cancer cases added together. Do keep exercising, get 3 servings of dairy and eat less than 3 oz red meat a day, never smoke, etc...

Question 10

occasional flat (ribbon like) stool..no pain ever, once or twice every couple months i have a little blood on outside of the tip of stool.nofamhistory

Accepted Answer

Muscle spasm: Occasional flat stools are usually a combination of soft stool and tight muscles.  Consistently flat stools are of concern, especially if combined with needing to strain to pass stool or pain with passing stool.  However, since you are having some bleeding an examination is indicated to make sure it is not something more important.

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Doctor answers about:

Ribbon shaped stool cause

A member asked:

What is the reason behind ribbon shaped stool?

A member asked:

Can hemorrhoids cause flat ribbon-like stools?

A member asked:

Does hemorroids cause ribbon like ir pencil like stools?

A member asked:

No bm's for days;when bm comes, stool is hard at first, turns ribbon-like, then very soft, and then bright red blood. many trips to toilet. colonoscopy showed only benign polyp. what could cause this?

A member asked:

During my bowel movement. i noticed regular stool then flatten ribbon stools within the same bowel movement. any reason why?

A member asked:

I have small pebble shaped stool? this started 2 weeks ago what should i do? i go to the bathroom once everyday.

A member asked:

Pencil shaped stool: could this indicate bowel cancer?

A member asked:

I have narrow oval shaped stool softer in consistency. im really freaked out its somthing like a tumor or polyp. i had lower left and upper left full abdominal ache but it went away just now have the oddly shaped stool and nervous.

A member asked:

Increased bowel movmnts, gas.oval shaped stool no blood.aches radiate between lower/upper left abd. can also be felt on left side. dull but annoying. started week ago.colon cancer makes me nervous read there is a huge increase my age. very stressed?

A member asked:

Occasional flat (ribbon like) stool..no pain ever, once or twice every couple months i have a little blood on outside of the tip of stool.nofamhistory

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