6 toilet habit changes you should always see a doctor about
No one enjoys talking about bowel movements. But ignoring the signs your body is trying to send you can mean putting off a diagnosis you really need to hear. Just ask TOWIE star Chloe Meadows.
The reality TV regular recently shared on Dr Oscar Duke's Bedside Manners podcast that she'd spent a decade silently struggling with bleeding, stomach pain and extreme fatigue before finally getting a diagnosis: ulcerative colitis, a chronic condition that causes inflammation and ulcers in the colon.
She lived with on-and-off symptoms for years, assuming they'd passed. It wasn't until age 26, when she became visibly unwell, that a blood test led her to A&E and finally, a diagnosis.
Meadows' experience is an important reminder that when your toilet habits change – and stay changed – it's time to talk to your GP.
Below, we break down six toilet-related red flags that experts say you should never ignore. And no, it's not just about your bowel movements; your wee, urgency levels, and even smells all matter, too.
Whether you're suddenly constipated, dealing with constant diarrhoea, or noticing your stool looks different (narrower, paler or greasy), changes that last longer than a few weeks are worth investigating.
The NHS advises that ongoing shifts in bowel habits could be linked to anything from diet and stress to Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), coeliac disease or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
In some cases, persistent symptoms could be a sign of bowel cancer, so don't brush them off.
When to see your GP: If your usual routine has changed for more than two to three weeks, especially if it's paired with stomach pain, fatigue, or weight loss.
It might be bright red or dark and tarry; either way, it's not something to ignore.
Bright red blood can come from piles or small tears, but darker blood might mean there's bleeding higher up in the digestive system.
When to see your GP: If you see blood in your poo. You may be offered a stool test, or in some cases, a referral for further checks.
If anything feels amiss and suddenly starts to sting, burn or feel uncomfortable, you might assume it's a urinary tract infection (UTI). And often, that's true. But it can also be a sign of kidney stones or bladder issues.
Blood in your urine should also be taken seriously, even if it only happens once.
When to see your GP: If you have pain while urinating, see blood or feel the urge to go far more often than usual.
Needing the loo more often than usual (especially at night), feeling like you can't wait, or leaking a little when you cough, sneeze or laugh could signal an overactive bladder, prostate issues (in men), or pelvic floor dysfunction.
These symptoms might feel embarrassing, but they're generally common and manageable with the right support.
When to see your GP: If bladder leaks or urgency interfere with your daily life, or if you notice a sudden change in how often you need to go.
A little mucus in your stool isn't always a worry, but frequent slimy stools can be a sign of infection or inflammation in your gut.
When to see your GP: If mucus appears regularly, especially if it comes with bloating, pain or a change in bowel movements.
If going to the toilet has become uncomfortable, painful, or feels like hard work, that's your body waving a red flag.
Regular straining can cause or worsen hemorrhoids, but it might also signal bowel issues or even neurological problems affecting your pelvic floor.
When to see your GP: If you're straining often, feel like you're not fully emptying your bowels, or notice pain during or after a bowel movement.
If you're unsure, remember that everyone has their own baseline of what's 'normal'. However, there are a few simple signs to watch for as a guide.
According to the Bladder and Bowel Health Service, healthy bowel movements should be soft, smooth and easy to pass; ideally at least three times a week. You should also be able to urinate without pain or discomfort.
If you also notice you're often bloated, tired, straining, or notice blood or mucus, it's time to speak to your GP. Changes might be harmless, but they're always worth checking.
Read more on bowel habits:
This Poop Chart Will Tell You If Your Bathroom Habits Are Actually Healthy Or If You Need To See A Doctor ASAP (Buzzfeed, 4-min read)
How 'blowing bubbles' and 'mooing' can help ease constipation, according to NHS doctor (Yahoo Life UK, 4-min read)
Bowel cancer cases in young people rising sharply in England, study finds (PA Media, 4-min read)
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