Question 1

i just went to the bathroom and have dark small round stool floating on top.  shld i be concerned?

Accepted Answer

No: No, that's a problem only if it happens over and over.  If it keeps on happening, a primary care doctor can evaluate to see what might be causing it.  The doctor can also check on things, if one has other symptoms such as frequent constipation.

Question 2

past week passing mostly flat wide stool but twice passed round stool. if a polyp or tumor present wouldn't all stool be flat?

Accepted Answer

Not necessarily : The shape of stool wold not reflect tumors in the bowel itself. If you have concerns about tumors, discuss stool blood testing or an endoscopy to allay your fears. Stool shape is more reflective of fiber intake, bowel stimulants or retardants and moisture within the bowel.

Question 3

are thin round stools mixed with thicker stools ok in one bowel movement?

Accepted Answer

Stools: The form and shape of your stools are determined by what you eat

Question 4

i feel hungry and also very much like i need to have a bowel movement.  however, i have only managed to pass small, round, soft stools for a few days ?

Accepted Answer

Maybe constipated?: A person with constipation needs to be sure there is no other disease causing it. If constipation is just due to slow movement of the food and poop through the gut, then the things to try are vegetables, water, prune juice, prunes, fiber+water, Miralax, (polyethylene glycol) Senokot or other senna, milk of magnesia, or other laxatives... A doctor can evaluate, find the true problem, and prescribe medication if needed.

Question 5

soft round very small stools. easy to pass and no straining, i think its bristol stool type 5 but sometimes feeling incomplete. is this an issue?

Accepted Answer

: This is indicative of lack of fiber in your diet. Increase roughage  and you should be better.

Question 6

i was wondering are round ball-like stools abnormal?

Accepted Answer

Probably fine: Stools  can be round and ball-like. If you are concerned about them, you should try to increase the fiber and liquid in your diet. Sometimes even a fiber supplement such as Metamucil would be useful. You probably will see your stools bulk up if you do that. Good luck.

Question 7

i have little round white dots in stool. are they eggs from a worm? if so what kind of worm?

Accepted Answer

Travel history?: Did you travel outside the us? If you did not travel to a poor country, you do not have worms in your intestine. To know what the "round white dots" are would require stool examination by a laboratory.

Question 8

after eating 14 oz rib eye i was constipated the next day; pellets. second day had flat-ish stools. then i increased fiber intake and had round-ish and oval stool that are smooth / no issue coming out. is it an issue stool is not an exact circle?

Accepted Answer

: It is fine, stool can come in all shapes and sizes. But what this does point out is that you regularly need to eat enough fiber to not become constipated. Steak can be very consitpating especially if not eaten with sufficient fluid intake, vegetables, fruit and other fiber foods. Apples and popcorn are very good fiber and can help with and prevent constipation.

Question 9

my stools are like really dark hard round pebbles, what is wrong?

Accepted Answer

Could be IBS: Try some Miralax (polyethylene glycol) or warm prune juice. If that doesn't help, see your doctor.

Question 10

should i be concerned, flat stools for the past two weeks, usually go round in shape. reading lots on computer, scared. please help?

Accepted Answer

Usually not serious: It is most likely from bowel spasm (spastic colon or irritable bowel syndrome) in someone your age. I suggest a high fiber diet and a supplement like Metamucil or Citrucel daily, and perhaps a probiotic as well. If symptoms persist should get it checked out.

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Doctor answers about:

Round stools

A member asked:

I just went to the bathroom and have dark small round stool floating on top. shld i be concerned?

A member asked:

Past week passing mostly flat wide stool but twice passed round stool. if a polyp or tumor present wouldn't all stool be flat?

A member asked:

Are thin round stools mixed with thicker stools ok in one bowel movement?

A member asked:

I feel hungry and also very much like i need to have a bowel movement. however, i have only managed to pass small, round, soft stools for a few days ?

A member asked:

Soft round very small stools. easy to pass and no straining, i think its bristol stool type 5 but sometimes feeling incomplete. is this an issue?

A member asked:

I was wondering are round ball-like stools abnormal?

A member asked:

I have little round white dots in stool. are they eggs from a worm? if so what kind of worm?

A member asked:

After eating 14 oz rib eye i was constipated the next day; pellets. second day had flat-ish stools. then i increased fiber intake and had round-ish and oval stool that are smooth / no issue coming out. is it an issue stool is not an exact circle?

A member asked:

My stools are like really dark hard round pebbles, what is wrong?

A member asked:

Should i be concerned, flat stools for the past two weeks, usually go round in shape. reading lots on computer, scared. please help?

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