What Causes Unusually Large Stool Which Are Hard To Pass?

Posted on Sun, 15 Jan 2017

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sun, 15 Jan 2017 Answered on

Wed, 8 Feb 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : During the last two weeks, I have experienced larger than normal stools, to the point that they are getting extremely difficult to pass. I drink 6 glasses of water a day, take stool softeners, have fiber in my diet, don't smoke or drink liquor or coffee. Any suggestions?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Klerida Shehu (55 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Please follow..

Detailed Answer:
Hi and thank you for asking.

You are reporting to have had hard and large stools recently.
These symptoms may be due to low physical activity, low fiber inexpensive diet.
If I were your treating doctor I would suggest to:
- use olive oil two teaspoons per day
- take plenty of water 2-3lt per day
- increase physical activity
- use fresh fruits and vegetables
- continue to use stool softeners 2-3 times per day
If your symptoms persist more than 8 weeks than you need to be examined with :
- colonoscopy
- abdominal ultrasound
Wish you fast recovery!

Dr.Klerida

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar