6 Questions About Poop You’ve Always Wanted to Ask

November 24, 2025

Side view of a man reading a newspaper while on a toilet

Everyone poops, but it’s not exactly a topic for everyday conversation. As a result, it can be challenging to know if your habits – how often you go, how long you spend in the bathroom and what your poop looks like – are normal. But those habits can hold clues to what’s happening in your digestive system, and elsewhere in your body.

Dany Raad, MD, a gastroenterologist with University Hospitals, answers some common questions about healthy bowel habits and when it’s time to check in with your doctor.

1. How often should you go and how long should it take?

It turns out, there’s a healthy range. “Anywhere from three times a day to three times a week can be normal,” explains Dr. Raad. “The average person goes once a day, but what matters most is that you’re not having trouble when you do go.”

If you haven’t had a bowel movement for more than 72 hours, or you feel like you have to push hard to get things moving, that counts as constipation. “Constipation isn’t just about frequency,” Dr. Raad adds. “It’s also about the effort it takes to complete a bowel movement.”

Chronic constipation can cause bloating and abdominal discomfort, and can lead to hemorrhoids, fissures or even ulceration in the colon over time. Lifestyle changes, such as diet and exercise, often help. If those steps don’t work – or if constipation is new or worsening – it may be time to talk to your doctor to rule out other causes such as problems in the colon.

2. Is it bad to bring your phone into the bathroom?

The short answer: yes. “People get caught scrolling and end up sitting far longer on the toilet than they need to,” says Dr. Raad. “Plus, it’s not sanitary. You wash your hands after using the bathroom, but you don’t wash your phone, which can harbor bacteria.”

In general, you shouldn’t spend more than five to seven minutes on the toilet. “The longer you sit and strain, the more pressure builds up in the rectal area,” Dr. Raad explains. “That increases your risk for hemorrhoids and fissures.”

Hemorrhoids – swollen veins around the rectum – are common, especially after pregnancy. Most do not cause symptoms, but if you notice bleeding or pain, get them checked.

3. What does healthy poop look like?

There are two things to pay attention to: shape and color. Dr. Raad uses a tool known as the Bristol Stool Chart to advise patients on stool appearance. “In the middle is a normal range, while hard, round stools can signal constipation and loose, watery stools point to diarrhea,” he explains.

What’s most important to note is any change. “If your stool suddenly looks consistently different from what is normal for you, that’s something to get checked.”

Your stool’s color can convey even more about bowel health than its shape. “Very dark, black or red stool can indicate bleeding somewhere in the digestive tract,” he says. “Even small amounts of blood in the stool should always be discussed with your doctor.”

4. Is it bad to hold your poop?

Ignoring the urge to go is not a pooping best practice. “Holding it in increases pressure in the rectal area and, over time, can worsen bowel function and lead to constipation,” says Dr. Raad. “If you feel the urge to go, try to go. Waiting until it’s convenient can train your body into unhealthy habits.”

5. Do bowel habits change over time?

They can. “Bowel frequency often decreases with age,” says Dr. Raad. “That can be related to decreased mobility, other health conditions or medications people take for those conditions – not just aging itself.”

Hormonal changes like pregnancy or menopause may also play a role in changing habits. And newer medications such as GLP-1 receptor agonists used for diabetes and weight loss can slow the digestive tract, leading to constipation as a frequent side effect.

6. What can you do for smoother bathroom trips?

Dr. Raad recommends starting with the basics:

Eat more fiber. “Women should aim for 25 grams of fiber per day, while men should take in at least 38 grams per day,” he says. Psyllium (Metamucil) or any fiber supplement to enhance your intake if your diet falls short.
Stay hydrated. Aim to drink about half your body weight in ounces of water daily, and remember that coffee doesn’t count – it can actually dehydrate you.
Keep moving. “When you move, your bowels move,” he says.

Dr. Raad also recommends natural helpers like prunes, kiwis, chia seeds and rye bread. Magnesium citrate can help too – but treat it like a laxative, not a daily supplement, and check with your doctor before using it regularly.

And what about the Squatty Potty you’ve probably seen on TV? “The Squatty Potty works to alleviate constipation by elevating the feet and simulating a squatting position, which enables easier, more complete bowel evacuation,” Dr. Raad explains. “Any footrest that mimics a squatting position can help.”

When to See a Doctor

To keep an eye on your bowel health, Dr. Raad recommends periodically peeking at your stools before you flush. Any sudden change in frequency, color or consistency – especially new bleeding or black, tarry stools – deserves attention.

“If something looks or feels off, don’t ignore it,” he says. “And remember to schedule your routine colonoscopy starting at age 45, or sooner if you have a family history of colon cancer.”