What to Do When Your Poop Is Too Big and Painful to Pass

Key takeaways:

• Large, hard-to-pass stools are common but can often be managed with simple diet and lifestyle changes.
• Persistent symptoms can signal a bigger issue, so it’s important to know when to seek medical advice.
• Having strategies to ease discomfort now can prevent future problems and keep your digestive system running smoothly.

Most of us don’t give much thought to our bathroom trips until something goes wrong. Experiencing a large or painful bowel movement can be uncomfortable, frustrating, and even worrisome. When stools become especially large or hard, they can cause a lot of strain and stress—both physically and mentally. Fortunately, there are strategies to make things easier and help prevent future issues.

This article explores common causes of large, painful stools and also reviews several remedies you can try at home. We’ll also highlight signs that signal a doctor’s attention is necessary. With the right approach, you can get your digestion back on track and make each trip to the bathroom a little easier. Let’s start by understanding what might be behind this discomfort and how to deal with it effectively.

Causes of painful, large, and hard-to-pass poop

Sometimes, a large stool is a one-time issue. But if it’s happening regularly, there are some common causes to consider:

Dehydration

Without enough water, stools can become hard and difficult to pass. Staying hydrated is key to keeping your digestion moving smoothly because water helps soften stool, making it easier for your body to process and pass.

Dehydration doesn’t just impact your bowel movements—it can also affect your energy and overall health, so drinking enough water has benefits beyond the bathroom.

Low-fiber diet

Fiber is essential for making stools bulkier and softer, which helps them move along easily.

A diet that lacks fiber from fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can make stools harder, drier, and more difficult to pass. High-fiber foods such as oats, beans, apples, and carrots give stools the bulk they need to keep moving along smoothly.

Holding in stool

Delaying a bathroom trip often means the stool sits in the colon longer, where the body continues to absorb water from it.

This can make it harder and drier. Ignoring your body’s signals can lead to discomfort and even larger, more painful bowel movements, so try not to delay if you feel the need to go.

Lack of physical activity

Physical activity naturally encourages the digestive system to function well. When we’re inactive, digestion can slow, which can lead to larger, harder stools.

Even if it’s light, regular exercise can help keep things moving in your digestive system.

Stress and anxiety

Stress affects many systems in the body, including digestion. Anxiety can disrupt normal bowel movements, slowing things down and leading to constipation.

Finding ways to manage stress, such as practicing mindfulness or engaging in gentle exercise, can help your digestive system stay on track.

Read our guides on different types of stool, stool colors, and healthy vs. unhealthy stool for more.

Home remedies to try passing painful, large, and hard-to-pass stool

If you’re struggling with a painful or large stool, some home remedies can help ease the discomfort. Here are a few tips that may provide relief:

Increase water intake

Drinking more water throughout the day keeps stool soft and easier to pass. Aim for at least eight glasses daily, and consider a glass of warm water in the morning to get things moving.

Herbal teas can also be a soothing choice that supports hydration and digestion.

Eat fiber-rich foods

Adding more fiber to your diet can improve stool consistency. Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes are great options that help promote easier bowel movements.

Increasing fiber gradually is key to avoiding bloating, and always pair fiber with enough water for the best results.

Gentle physical activity

Light exercise, like walking or stretching, can stimulate the digestive system and help move stool through the intestines.

Even a short walk after meals can encourage natural movement and help prevent stools from becoming hard or large.

Warm bath

A warm bath can relax the muscles around your intestines, which may help reduce strain. Soaking can also be a great way to relieve stress, which may contribute to more regular and comfortable bowel movements.

Stool softeners

Available at most pharmacies, over-the-counter stool softeners can help make stool easier to pass by drawing water into it.

Use stool softeners for short-term relief, and follow the instructions on the label. If you’re unsure, check with a healthcare provider.

Enemas

If other methods haven’t worked, an enema can be a gentle option to relieve constipation and make passing stool easier. Enemas are commonly used to clear the lower bowel by introducing fluid into the rectum, which helps soften stool and stimulate movement. They’re available over the counter and come in saline, mineral oil, and other formulations that provide lubrication and ease.

An enema may be helpful if you’re experiencing persistent discomfort or feel “backed up” despite trying other remedies. People with certain health concerns, such as heart or kidney issues, inflammatory bowel disease, or recent bowel surgery, should ask a healthcare provider before trying an enema. Getting advice first can help make sure it’s a safe and comfortable option. Enemas can impact your body’s fluid balance, so for those with specific health needs, it’s important to get guidance before trying one.

For those who can use them safely, following the instructions on the product packaging and using them sparingly is key. Enemas are best used occasionally rather than as a daily solution. Overuse can disrupt the natural rhythm of your digestive system, so it’s wise to see them as a short-term option. If constipation is a frequent concern, it’s worth discussing it with a healthcare provider who can guide you on the most effective long-term strategies.

Read our guide on how to encourage a bowel movement for more.

When you should see a doctor about large, painful, and hard-to-pass poop

Sometimes, home remedies aren’t enough, and it’s important to know when to seek medical advice.

You should go to the doctor:

• You’re experiencing painful bowel movements on a regular basis.
• Your stool is frequently large and hard despite dietary changes.
• Mild pain persists and doesn’t improve with home remedies.
• You notice a small amount of blood in your stool.

You should go to the emergency room if:

• There’s a moderate or large amount of blood in your stool.
• You have severe abdominal pain that doesn’t resolve.
• You experience signs of severe dehydration, such as dizziness, confusion, or a rapid heartbeat.

Questions to ask your doctor about large, painful, and hard-to-pass poop

Being prepared with questions can help you get the best care for your symptoms:

• What can I do to prevent large or painful stools in the future?
• Could there be an underlying issue causing these symptoms?
• Are there specific foods I should avoid or add to my diet?
• Could my medications be contributing to my constipation?

How a doctor can help treat large, painful, and hard-to-pass poop

If medical intervention is needed, a doctor can offer treatments that may help you feel more comfortable. Here are a few options they might recommend:

Prescribe a laxative or stool softener

For severe constipation, doctors may prescribe a stronger laxative or stool softener. Prescription options are typically stronger than over-the-counter ones and are used only under medical guidance to prevent dependency.

Suggest dietary modifications

A doctor can work with you on a diet that promotes regular bowel movements, which may include specific fiber recommendations and guidance on certain trigger foods to avoid. If necessary, they may also recommend fiber supplements.

Perform a physical exam

Sometimes, a physical exam is necessary to rule out conditions like stool impaction or identify any blockages. If needed, a doctor can take steps to relieve the blockage safely and may conduct further tests if they suspect other digestive issues.

Frequently asked questions: large, painful, and hard-to-pass poop

It’s normal to have questions about managing painful bowel movements. Here are some of the most common:

Is it okay to remove a large stool with your fingers?

Manually removing stool isn’t recommended, as it can lead to injury or infection. Instead, try remedies to soften the stool. If you’re having consistent issues, a healthcare provider can help guide you on safe solutions.

What if the stool is stuck halfway out?

If stool is partially out, try relaxing your body, taking deep breaths, or using a warm compress. Avoid straining, which can increase discomfort. If the issue persists, seek medical help for a safe solution.

How can you soften stool that is ready to come out?

You can soften stool that’s ready to come out by using a stool softener, increasing your water intake, or gently massaging your lower abdomen. These steps can encourage movement and make passing stool easier.

Managing large, hard-to-pass stool

Managing large, hard-to-pass stools can be uncomfortable, but there are ways to handle the symptoms and lessen the chance of it happening again. Staying hydrated, eating fiber-rich foods, and keeping active are a few habits that support regularity and ease. If symptoms are ongoing or get worse, a healthcare provider can offer treatments to fit your needs. Taking steps to care for your digestive health can make a big difference in your comfort and well-being.

General Medicine follows a strict editorial process, including using real experts to write our articles, vetted primary sources, fact-checking, a secondary medical review, and updates as necessary. This article was medically reviewed and fact checked by Dr. Pallabi Sanyal-Dey, MD.

Sources

Arnaud MJ. Mild dehydration: a risk factor of constipation? Eur J Clin Nutr. 2003 Dec;57 Suppl 2:S88-95. doi: 10.1038/sj.ejcn.1601907. PMID: 14681719. https://www.nature.com/articles/1601907

Yang J, Wang HP, Zhou L, Xu CF. Effect of dietary fiber on constipation: a meta analysis. World J Gastroenterol. 2012 Dec 28;18(48):7378-83. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v18.i48.7378. PMID: 23326148; PMCID: PMC3544045. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3544045/pdf/WJG-18-7378.pdf

Gaylord SA, Palsson OS, Garland EL, Faurot KR, Coble RS, Mann JD, Frey W, Leniek K, Whitehead WE. Mindfulness training reduces the severity of irritable bowel syndrome in women: results of a randomized controlled trial. Am J Gastroenterol. 2011 Sep;106(9):1678-88. doi: 10.1038/ajg.2011.184. Epub 2011 Jun 21. PMID: 21691341; PMCID: PMC6502251. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6502251/pdf/nihms-1023208.pdf

Hannoodee S, Patel P, Annamaraju P. Docusate. [Updated 2023 Aug 17]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK555942/

Mendoza J, Legido J, Rubio S, Gisbert JP. Systematic review: the adverse effects of sodium phosphate enema. Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2007 Jul 1;26(1):9-20. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2036.2007.03354.x. PMID: 17555417. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1365-2036.2007.03354.x