Frequent bowel movements

DEFINITION

There’s not a generally accepted clinical definition for frequent bowel movements. Most people consider several bowel movements a day to at least be unusual, particularly if this pattern is a change from what’s normal.

However, if nothing else about your bowel movements is different — no loose, watery stools, abdominal cramping or bloody stool — the change is probably not a sign of any illness.



CAUSES

If you’re having bowel movements more often than usual, chances are you’ve made some change in your lifestyle. You may, for example, be:

  • Eating more fruits, vegetables and whole grains, which increases fiber intake
  • Getting regular exercise or increasing your exercise
  • Drinking more water

More-frequent bowel movements could also be related to a mild, self-limiting illness that will take care of itself. If there are no other signs or symptoms, you’re probably in good health.



WHEN TO SEE A DOCTOR

See your doctor if more-frequent bowel movements are also accompanied by any of the following signs or symptoms:

  • Changes in the consistency, volume or appearance of your bowel movements, such as repeatedly passing narrow, ribbon-like stools or loose, watery stools
  • Abdominal pain
  • Blood, mucus or pus in your feces

Diseases and other conditions that may cause such signs and symptoms include:

  1. Celiac disease
  2. Crohn’s disease (a type of inflammatory bowel disease)
  3. Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid)
  4. Irritable bowel syndrome
  5. Medication side effects
  6. Ulcerative colitis