Noticing that your stool looks different can be unsettling – but it’s an important sign that your body might be trying to tell you something. At The The Midlands Bowel Clinic, we take changes in stool appearance seriously, especially when they occur alongside other bowel symptoms like pain, weight loss or bleeding. If something doesn’t look right, it’s worth getting checked.

What counts as a change in stool appearance?

Everyone’s stool can vary a little from day to day, depending on diet, hydration and stress levels. But a persistent or unexplained change in how your stool looks may need investigation.

Common changes in appearance include:

• Blood in the stool – bright red, dark red, or black
• Mucus in the stool – jelly-like or slippery coating
• Pale, grey or clay-coloured stool
• Greasy or oily-looking stool – may float or be difficult to flush
• Very dark or tarry stool (melaena)
• Narrow, ribbon-like stool – thinner than usual

What causes changes in stool appearance?

There are a number of bowel conditions that can alter the look of your stool. These include:

• Haemorrhoids or anal fissures – can cause bright red blood
• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) – such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, may cause blood, mucus or loose stool
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) – often causes mucus in stool or variation in form and texture
• Bowel cancer or polyps – can lead to blood in the stool or narrowing of the stool
• Coeliac disease – may cause pale, loose, or greasy stools due to poor nutrient absorption
• Pancreatic or liver problems – can result in pale or oily stools
• Gastrointestinal bleeding – especially higher up in the gut, may cause very dark or black stool

When to seek help

You should speak to a bowel specialist if you notice:

• A change in stool appearance that lasts more than 2–3 weeks
• Blood in or on your stool
• Mucus or greasy-looking stool
• Stools that are very pale, very dark, or unusually thin
• Stool changes accompanied by weight loss, fatigue or abdominal pain
• A family history of bowel cancer, polyps or IBD

These symptoms may not always mean something serious, but early assessment helps ensure peace of mind – or faster treatment if needed.

Other symptoms to watch for

Changes in stool appearance often happen alongside:

• Diarrhoea or constipation
• Bloating or abdominal discomfort
• Fatigue or low energy
• Loss of appetite
• Unintentional weight loss
• Urgency or incontinence

If you notice any combination of these signs, don’t delay booking an appointment.

How we investigate changes in stool appearance

At The Midlands Bowel Clinic, we offer fast, comprehensive investigations to understand what’s causing your symptoms. Your consultant may recommend:

• Blood tests – to check for anaemia, inflammation, and liver or pancreatic function
• Stool tests – for infection, inflammation (calprotectin), hidden blood or fat malabsorption
• Colonoscopy or flexible sigmoidoscopy – to examine the bowel lining and take biopsies
• Coeliac screening – to rule out gluten-related bowel damage
• Imaging tests – such as CT, MRI or ultrasound scans to assess bowel structure and function

We take time to explain everything and guide you through the process with care and compassion.

Treatment options

Once we’ve identified the cause of the stool changes, we tailor your treatment accordingly. This may include:

• Dietary advice or supplements
• Medication for inflammation, infection or digestive support
• Lifestyle support and specialist dietitian input
• Surgery or cancer treatment, if serious findings are discovered
• Monitoring and follow-up where appropriate

Our team works with you every step of the way to restore your digestive health and confidence.

Why choose The Midlands Bowel Clinic?

We’re a leading centre for bowel health in the Midlands, offering fast access to expert care and advanced diagnostics. Our experienced consultants work with you to find the cause of your symptoms and deliver safe, effective treatment in a comfortable setting.

Contact us

If you’ve noticed a persistent change in the appearance of your stool, don’t ignore it. Contact The Midlands Bowel Clinic today to book a consultation with one of our expert bowel specialists. Early investigation can make all the difference.