What is change in bowel habit?
A simple way to think about bowel changes
A change in bowel habit means your bowel movements are noticeably different from what is normal for you. This may include going more often or less often than usual, experiencing looser or harder stools, noticing a change in stool size or shape, or developing new urgency or difficulty passing stool. Because your body usually follows a pattern, a change that persists or feels unusual is worth taking seriously.
Common reasons your bowels may change
Everyday bowel changes can happen due to lifestyle factors such as stress, diet shifts, travel, infections, or temporary gut irritation. Constipation, diarrhoea, irritable bowel symptoms, or mild inflammation may explain many short-term bowel changes. These are often manageable and settle with time, especially when linked to food changes, illness, or routine disruption.
When change becomes clinically important
A change in bowel habit deserves medical assessment when it lasts longer than a few weeks, keeps returning, feels progressively worse, or does not have an obvious explanation. Concerning features may include unexplained weight loss, abdominal pain that does not settle, persistent diarrhoea, ongoing constipation, anaemia, rectal bleeding, or feeling that your bowel does not fully empty. You should also be more cautious if you are older, have a family history of bowel disease, or have other ongoing health conditions.
Why seeing your GP matters
Your GPās role is to listen to your symptoms, understand your normal pattern, assess your health background, and decide whether investigations are needed. Sometimes reassurance, guidance, and sensible monitoring are all that is required. Other times, simple tests, stool assessment, blood work, or imaging may help clarify the cause. Early, structured evaluation supports safe care and reduces the chance of missing important conditions.
Supporting your bowel health going forward
If you notice a persistent change in your bowel habit, it is better not to ignore it or assume it will always settle on its own. Seeking timely GP review gives you clarity, reassurance, and a clear plan forward. Most causes are manageable, and when something more serious is present, earlier attention supports safer outcomes.
This article supports understanding and does not replace personalised medical advice. Please speak with your GP for guidance suited to your health and circumstances.