Symptom

Altered bowel habits

Altered bowel habits is a change in the frequency and/or consistency of your bowel movements.

Worried about your symptoms? Talk to a doctor.

Book a GP appointment

Changes in diet, medication or minor flu bugs can bring on bowel changes. Temporary constipation or diarrhoea is usually nothing to worry about.

However if you notice a consistent change in your bowel habits or any blood when your bowels move you should see your GP for an examination and diagnosis.

Related conditions

Anal tear (or anal fissure)

An anal tear or fissure is a cut or tear in the anal opening.

Anus and rectum

Bowel (Faecal) Incontinence

Lack of control as to when you open your bowels is called bowel (or faecal) incontinence.

Bowel cancer

Your bowels are made up of two sections - the small and the large bowel (or colon). If cells begin to develop and multiply abnormally in your bowel they can become cancerous.

Bowel Obstruction

A blockage in any part of your bowel can prevent digested food or liquid from passing through your system.

Colon cancer

Your bowels are made up of two sections – the small and the large bowel (or colon). If cells begin to develop and multiply abnormally in your bowel they can become cancerous.

Crohn's disease

Crohn’s disease is an inflammation of the bowel (gut). The disease most often affects the end part of the small bowel, however, it can affect any part of the bowel.

Diverticulitis

Diverticulitis, and diverticular disease, occur when one or more pockets of diverticula in your bowel wall becomes infected or inflamed.

Endocrine cancer

Your endocrine system is made up of all the glands in your body that produce hormones.

Haemorrhoids

Haemorrhoids, also known as piles, are soft fleshy lumps just inside the back passage (anus). They bleed easily, usually causing fresh bright-red bleeding when a motion is passed. They do not usually cause pain but can cause itching.

Inflammatory bowel disease

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is the term used to describe diseases that cause inflammation in your gastrointestinal (digestive) tract.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a very common disorder of your gastrointestinal (digestive) tract.

Liver disease

Your liver is one of the largest organs in your body. It acts to process and remove toxins from drugs and substances that may harm your body. Your liver makes blood clotting factors, proteins, and enzymes, helps maintain hormone balances, and stores vitamins and minerals. Bile is transported through ducts directly or via the gall bladder to the small intestine to help you digest fats.

Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

Ovarian cancer

Ovarian cancer is the fifth most common cancer in women in the UK. It usually affects women who have reached menopause.*

Ovarian cysts

A cyst is a fluid filled sac that can develop in any area of the body. Ovarian cysts can develop in or around your ovaries.

Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS)

Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) can be a side effect from Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) injections used in IVF and ICSI treatments.

Parkinson's Disease

Parkinson’s disease occurs when cells in your brain are damaged over time. Called a progressive neurological condition, symptoms occur due to a lack of a chemical called dopamine.

Pelvic oncology

Pelvic oncology involves the diagnosis and treatment of cancers of the organs in the lower part of your body.

Ulcerative colitis

Ulcerative colitis is a form of inflammatory bowel disease. It usually begins in your rectum (back passage) but can also affect your colon (large instestine).