If you notice blood in the toilet bowl or on your toilet paper after a bowel movement, you’re likely to be concerned. There are many reasons your stool could contain blood, and while most causes are ...

Eating more fiber and drinking more fluids can help treat or prevent hard stools. Hard stools occur when your colon absorbs too much water from your stool. Dehydration and a low-fiber diet are common ...

Discovering blood in your stool can trigger immediate anxiety and concern, but understanding what this symptom means helps distinguish between minor issues and serious conditions requiring prompt ...

Possible causes of blood in stool include gastroenteritis, anal fissures, hemorrhoids, inflammatory bowel disease, and more. Treatment can depend on the underlying cause. Below, learn more about the ...

Jay N. Yepuri, MD, MS, FACG, is a board-certified gastroenterologist and member of the Digestive Health Associates of Texas Board of Directors and Executive Committee. Long-term constipation can lead ...

Irritable bowel syndrome can cause constipation plus abdominal cramps, pressure, and bloating from irregular intestinal muscle contractions and hard stools. Constipation pain often centers in the ...

Constipation may cause frequent urination due to the anatomical proximity of the colon and the bladder. Hard stools in the colon can put pressure on the bladder, reducing its capacity, and making it ...

The carnivore diet eliminates all foods except meat and animal products, which may slow digestion and lead to constipation. This can result in hard stools that are more difficult to pass. This may ...