Poop red flags you need to know about
Here’s when to worry if something’s not coming out right.
Jan, 2026
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Slide 1
Everyone hopes for predictable poops. But if you happen to find a surprise in the toilet, how do you know whether to worry or flush and forget it?
Here are seven types of bowel movements that you should know about, and when to call your healthcare provider (HCP).
Written byRose Hayes, MA, RN.
Medically reviewed byMegan Burke, MD.
Sources: MedlinePlus. Black or tarry stools. Page accessed on November 2 + 10
- MedlinePlus. Black or tarry stools. Page accessed on November 2, 2022.
- American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy. Understanding Minor Rectal Bleeding. Page accessed on November 2, 2022.
- MedlinePlus. Stools-pale or clay-colored. Page last updated on June 16, 2020.
- Cleveland Clinic. Adult Jaundice. Page last updated on July 23, 2018.
- Mayo Clinic. Narrow stools: Should I be concerned? Page last updated on July 2, 2022.
- Johns Hopkins Medicine. Constipation. Page accessed on November 2, 2022.
- Mayo Clinic. Diarrhea. Page last updated on August 18, 2021.
- The Mayo Clinic. Vasovagal syncope. February 19, 2021.
- National Cancer Institute. Anal Cancer Treatment (PDQ)–Patient Version. Updated October 27, 2021.
- Mayo Clinic. Anal cancer. August 12, 2021.
- American Cancer Society. Signs and Symptoms of Anal Cancer. Last revised September 9, 2020.
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