At one point or another, we’ve all had those awkward moments when we flush the toilet and, well, nothing happens. You’re standing there, staring at a monstrous clog, wondering how on earth your poop got that big. While it might feel embarrassing or even a little humorous, large bowel movements can actually be a sign of what’s going on inside your body.

But here’s the thing—giant stools that clog the toilet could point to something more than just an awkward bathroom moment. They may indicate certain health issues or habits that affect your digestive system.
Scroll down to figure out what might be happening if your poop is on the larger side.

Large Poops Can Result From Eating Fiber-Rich Foods

If you’re consistently dealing with large bowel movements, you might want to look at your diet first. One common reason for massive stools is a fiber-rich diet. Fiber helps to bulk up your stool by adding volume to it, which can sometimes lead to those big poops that leave you nervously reaching for the plunger.

Foods like whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and legumes are high in fiber, and while these foods are incredibly healthy, they can cause bulkier stools, especially if you’re not drinking enough water. That’s because fiber works by absorbing water to soften and increase the size of the stool.

Better Health Channel explains that if you’re going heavy on fiber-rich foods, it’s crucial to drink plenty of water to keep things moving smoothly. Otherwise, your poop might turn into a hard, bulky mass that not only clogs the toilet but also makes bowel movements uncomfortable.

Holding It In Can Lead to Large Stools

Here’s the deal: if you frequently hold in your bowel movements, it can actually cause your poop to get bigger. When stool sits in the colon for too long, the body absorbs water from it, causing it to become more dense and compact. This can result in harder, larger stools that are more difficult to pass.

Sometimes, people delay going to the bathroom because they’re busy or don’t want to use a public restroom. However, this habit can backfire by causing constipation, which leads to larger, harder stools.

According to Medical News Today, holding in your poop regularly can put you at risk for constipation and even hemorrhoids. Basically, the longer you wait, the larger and drier your stool gets, making it more likely to clog the toilet—and more difficult to pass. So, when nature calls, it’s better to answer sooner rather than later.

Constipation Is a Common Cause of Large Bowel Movements

Constipation doesn’t just mean infrequent bowel movements. It can also mean that your stools are unusually large. If you’re going days without a bowel movement, your stool will sit in the colon and become drier and harder, making it harder to pass.

The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) explains that constipation affects about 16% of adults, and when it’s chronic, it can lead to big, hard stools that may clog the toilet. If constipation is something you experience often, it’s a good idea to talk to your physician, as chronic constipation can sometimes indicate an underlying issue.

In order to prevent constipation and the large poops that come with it, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) recommends increasing your fiber and water intake. Getting enough fiber and staying hydrated can help regulate your bowel movements, making them softer and easier to pass.

You Might Be Eating Too Much

Sometimes, eating large quantities of food can simply lead to larger bowel movements. If you tend to eat a lot in one sitting or have a diet high in heavy, calorie-dense foods, that could lead to bigger stools. It’s all about what and how much you’re putting into your body.

Eating too much, particularly foods that are high in fat and low in fiber can cause larger, bulkier stools. This type of diet can slow digestion, allowing the stool to stay in the digestive tract longer and grow larger before it’s passed.

If large bowel movements have become a pattern for you, take a look at your portion sizes. You don’t necessarily have to cut out any foods, but scaling back your portions might help reduce the size of your stool and keep your plumbing happy.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Can Contribute to Large Stools

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is another condition that can lead to irregular bowel movements, including large, bulky stools. According to research, people with IBS often experience alternating episodes of diarrhea and constipation, and during those constipation phases, large stools can form.

If you have IBS and you notice that your bowel movements are often big and difficult to pass, it’s important to talk with your doctor. While IBS is generally not dangerous, it can be quite uncomfortable and may require lifestyle changes or medication to help regulate bowel movements.

Mayo Clinic recommends working with your physician and dietitian to manage IBS through dietary changes, stress management, and possibly medications to help regulate your digestion. In particular, adjusting your fiber intake and staying hydrated can help manage the constipation that sometimes leads to larger stools.

Large Bowel Movements Could Be a Sign of a Medical Condition

In some cases, if you’re regularly having extremely large poops that clog the toilet, it could be a sign of a more serious medical issue. Conditions such as megacolon or gastrointestinal obstructions can cause stools to be unusually large. Megacolon is when the colon becomes enlarged, and it can happen for several reasons, including chronic constipation or nerve problems.

For example, Hirschsprung’s disease, a condition where nerves in the colon are missing, can cause constipation and large stools. Additionally, gastrointestinal obstructions or motility disorders may also cause bowel movements to be infrequent and large.

If your large poops are becoming a regular issue and you’re concerned about an underlying health problem, it’s important to talk to your doctor. They can assess your symptoms, order tests if needed, and help you find the right treatment plan. In some cases, they might recommend seeing a specialist, such as a gastroenterologist, to investigate further.

When to See a Doctor for Large Bowel Movements

Generally, large bowel movements aren’t a reason to panic, but there are times when you should consult your doctor. If you’re experiencing pain, frequent constipation, or if your bowel movements are always very large and difficult to pass, it might be worth bringing up with your physician. In some cases, large stools can be a symptom of an underlying health condition that needs attention.

Dr. Iroko Anita suggests seeing your doctor if you experience any of the following:

Persistent constipation or diarrhea
Blood in your stool
Severe pain during bowel movements
Significant changes in your bowel habits

The Bottom Line

At the end of the day, having a large bowel movement that clogs the toilet isn’t usually something to stress over, especially if it only happens occasionally. However, if it becomes a frequent issue, or if you’re experiencing discomfort, constipation, or other concerning symptoms, it’s worth speaking with your doctor to make sure everything’s working as it should.