Why is My Poop so Big it Clogs the Toilet

I once heard, “You do not know the pain of a gigantic poop until you have one.” And that is why we completely get you if you are wondering, “Why is my poop so big it clogs the toilet?”

While it is important to consult a doctor if you have been going through gut-tearing pain in the toilet, pooping hard and big occasionally could be due to numerous reasons like diet, lifestyle, and stress.

Let’s tell you everything about poop and why it is so big.

Normal Poop Size

While you might not know, the Bristol Stool Form Scale [2] is a visual criterion to understand the different types and sizes of poop that can be considered “normal.”

The ideal average poop should be brownish in color and sausage-like in shape and consistency for easy passage (not the comparison you want to hear!)

What is a Big Poop?

A big poop usually looks like a thick cylindrical poop, difficult to push out of your system; often, it’s the poop that clogs your toilet.

At the same time, if it is too long and seems to keep coming, you may also call it a big poop. Sometimes, people do not experience large, long poop. Instead, it is hard but small marble-like.

Why is My Poop Big?

Now that you know your poop is bigger than normal, the question arises, “Why is my poop so big?”

There are multiple reasons for a disturbed stomach and big poop, including diet, lifestyle, and other reasons. We’ll discuss the primary of them below:

Constipation

Constipation is the most common reason for a big, difficult-to-eliminate bowel that clogs the toilet. While it is not necessary to defecate every day, the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases [1] defines constipation as less than three bowel movements in a week and hard and dry stool, which is difficult to pass. Constipation is even a big concern of pregnant ladies, so it’s better to find its cure as soon as possible. You can try having apple juice, bananas, or even homemade drinks to make you poop immediately.

Sedentary Lifestyle

If you stay in bed all day or have a job that requires sitting for long hours, it can contribute to abnormal pooping habits. Physical movement and exercise decrease the retention time in the large intestine, making it easy to pass poop.

Pooping Incompletely

People with pelvic floor dysfunction often have to push too hard for the poop to come out. Unlike others whose pelvic floor relaxes when the rectum is full, you might have to push too hard. Lifting your feet to fix the angle and allow the anus to defecate properly is recommended. Alternatively, you can use a bathroom stool.

Megacolon

Another concern in people with a large poop is the possibility of a megacolon. When you experience constipation for a long time, the colon becomes overstretched and holds more stool. Eventually, when you go to the toilet, you push a large piece you did not expect.

This condition can be genetic or caused by other factors like bacterial or parasitic infections. At the same time, diseases like IBD, hypothyroidism, and diabetic neuropathy also contribute to developing megacolon.

Encopresis

Encopresis is a condition among children, usually over four years of age. It results from chronic constipation and when children hold their poop for a long time. The child may experience painful, hard-to-pass stools or leaking of liquid stools. Children often poop in their pants or on the floor as they cannot understand poop signals.

Pregnancy

Pregnancy leads to numerous changes in the body, and constipation is one of the worst!

A large fraction of pregnant women experience constipation, and you may have heard at least one around you say, “My poop is so big it clogs the toilet.”

As the baby pushes the stomach, small and large intestines into a tiny space, they cannot metabolize or churn food properly. Additionally, lesser physical activity is the last nail in the coffin that worsens the situation.

Stress

You might be surprised, but stress is one of the most influential factors when it comes to your digestive system. Studies show that physical and emotional stress, including physical symptoms of anxiety and sleep deprivation, can cause constipation regardless of the cause.

How to Fix Big Poop?

As there could be various reasons behind pooping hard, you can improve it by controlling the causes. Here’s how you can reduce the size of your poop and make it easy to eliminate.

Eat Fiber-rich Foods

One of the major reasons for constipation among adults is the lack of adequate fiber in their diet. Thus, you might be suffering for the same reason. You may add psyllium husk to your diet as a steady fiber supply. Other choices include grains, whole-wheat bread, fruits, and vegetables.

Increase Physical Activity

People often say that they eat fiber-rich foods and drink enough water but still face constipation; the reason is a sedentary lifestyle usually. If you do not move around, your body does not function as well as it should, thus also impacting your poop quality.

Drink More Water

Keeping yourself hydrated is vital to avoiding constipation when you have big poop that clogs the toilet. You must consume at least two to three liters of water daily to improve hydration.

Take More Meals

Healthcare experts always encourage multiple meals throughout the day with adequate portions. Control carbs and calories, and increase fruits and vegetables in your diet. It allows your intestines to process a small amount of food at one time instead of dealing with bulk.

Avoid Laxatives

Sometimes, people suffering from big poop rush to take laxatives due to the pain associated with excretion. But it is not the best way. Increasing your water and fiber intake before resorting to laxatives is better and offers a natural resort to your body.

When Should You See a Doctor?

Changes in your bowel movement do not only indicate GI issues but also be a sign of other underlying issues. If you have a big poop occasionally, it’s okay. But you must not overlook the situation if you experience big poops that clog the toilet frequently.

You might not know you have chronic constipation, IBD, megacolon, or pelvic floor dysfunction, but large poops could indicate that. In any of these conditions or diseases, diagnosing and treating them in time is important.

Also, immediately consult a doctor if you have constant stomach aches, inability to control bowel movements, hard or black stools, blood in stools or rectum bleeding, lower back pain, unintentional weight loss, etc. Special care should be taken if you’re pregnant as sometimes you may observe green poop during this phase. If this specific green color appears with any unusual pain, smelly stool, or bloating, talk to your gynecologist.

The Bottom Line

Many people globally think to themselves every morning, “Why is my poop so big it clogs the toilet.” It could be due to constipation, megacolon, pelvic floor dysfunction, encopresis, pregnancy, or specific medication. Dietary changes like increased water and fiber intake followed by lifestyle modifications can be helpful when you have no underlying medical reasons. If you experience the same for longer, you must consult your doctor immediately.

FAQs

Why is my poop so long and soft?

If you have long and cylindrical poop that seems like diarrhea, it is called “loose stool.” It could be due to certain medications, spoiled food, or GI infections. Meanwhile, some people normally produce long and soft poop, and it’s nothing to worry about.

Are really long poops healthy?

Long and cylindrical is considered the ideal form of poop. But if your poop feels like it is continuously coming out and you have to push harder, it is unhealthy and may indicate an underlying issue.

What is fecal impaction?

A fecal impaction refers to a large, hard mass of stool stuck badly in your colon or rectum that you are unable to push out. It may result from chronic constipation and is quite common in the elderly population.

How to unclog the toilet when the poop is too big?

When your poop is so big that it clogs the toilet, you can try the following to unclog it:

• Toilet plunger
• Toilet auger
• Baking soda and vinegar
• Epsom salt
• Dish Soap
• Clog opening products

How do I stop big poop from clogging my toilet?

You can prevent big poop from clogging the toilet by adding liquid soap, detergent, or baking soda with vinegar to the toilet bowl before flushing

References:

• [1] https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/constipation/definition-facts
• [2] https://pediatricsurgery.stanford.edu/Conditions/BowelManagement/bristol-stool-form-scale.html