It’s a fact that everyone poops. Maybe you go straight to the bathroom when you wake up or rush to the toilet only after having your breakfast.
Whatever time of day it is, everyone has their biological clock. So, it’s completely understandable if you get a little concerned when you start pooping more than usual.
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“While this can be a sign that something is wrong, it’s generally not a reason for a healthy woman to panic,” assures gastroenterologist Kyle Staller. “One of the most common causes of someone pooping too much is food intolerance. In other words, you ate something that didn’t agree with you,” he explains. If that’s the case, your intestinal flora will likely normalize in a few days, but if the problem persists, it’s worth paying attention to some of these possible reasons:
1 – Your diet is healthier
“One of the most common reasons why young women start pooping a lot is an increase in fiber intake,” reports gastroenterologist Rudy Bedford. So, if your extra bathroom trips coincide with the time you included more vegetables and legumes in your diet, that’s probably the case.
2 – You have an infection
“Viral and bacterial infections can cause excessive pooping and diarrhea,” explains Kyle. While this is normal, if you have blood in your stools or a fever, you should go to the hospital.
3 – You’ve increased your workouts
“Intensifying your exercise routine can make you go to the bathroom more frequently,” says Rudy. This is because exercise increases the muscle contractions of the colon, causing the stools to form more quickly in the body. That’s why some doctors recommend physical activity to relieve constipation.
4 – You have IBS
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is no joke, and Kyle reports that it’s common in young women. The condition is a gastrointestinal disorder that causes stomach pain, gas, and cramps, as well as frequent bowel movements. “The patient feels sudden abdominal pain and cramping associated with constipation or diarrhea,” explains the doctor. If you notice these symptoms, consult your doctor.
5 – You’re stressed
For people who already have gastrointestinal problems like IBS, stress can be a trigger. According to Kyle, many people have more intense bowel movements when under pressure. When the stress diminishes, the number of times you need to use the bathroom also decreases.
6 – You’re menstruating
Many women who are about to menstruate or are menstruating have more frequent bowel movements. And this is most likely due to a change in the hormones of the menstrual cycle (specifically progesterone). If you experience mild diarrhea during this time of the month, that may be the cause (which is completely normal).
7 – You’re overdoing it on coffee
Coffee acts as a pro-motility agent, meaning it promotes intestinal function. This is because caffeine stimulates the muscle contractions of the organ, making you need to go to the bathroom more. And the more you drink the liquid, the more you’ll feel its laxative effect. If you’re drinking coffee every day and going to the bathroom frequently, try reducing the amount you’re consuming.
8 – You have an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
Despite having similar names, IBD is different from IBS. It includes Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. These conditions cause chronic inflammation of the digestive tract, as the name suggests. If you have IBD, you may have ongoing issues with this. Therefore, proper diagnosis and treatment are necessary.
Other symptoms of IBD include bloody stools, weight loss, fatigue, severe abdominal pain, and persistent diarrhea.
9 – You’re taking stronger medication
Some medications, such as certain antibiotics, can alter your gastrointestinal tract, including its bacterial composition. As a result, you may poop a lot or even have diarrhea. This will likely stop once you finish the medication.
A note: If you have abdominal pain or notice blood in your stools, call your doctor. This could be a sign of a more serious problem, such as an infection, IBD, or colon cancer.
How do you know if pooping too much is a more serious problem?
Rudy says that abdominal pain, stools with blood, and mucus in the stool are clues that something is not right and that you should consult a doctor. Additionally, Kyle argues that if your digestive system is affecting your daily life and making you avoid social situations, it’s time to seek help.
