Brown Ring Around Stool in Toilet Water: Causes and Concerns

Bowel movement issues

Hello, doctor.
After bowel movements, I noticed that after waiting for about a few minutes, there is a brownish ring around the stool in the water.
What could be the reason for this?

Niming, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2018/07/14

Dr. Ke Fangxu reply Surgery

This phenomenon is often due to the release of bilirubin in the stool and does not require excessive concern.
A stool occult blood test can also be accepted to rule out the possibility of lower gastrointestinal bleeding.

Reply Date: 2018/07/14

More Info

The appearance of a brown ring around stool in toilet water can be a common observation and is often a source of concern for many individuals. This phenomenon can be attributed to several factors, primarily related to the composition of the stool and the interaction with water.
Firstly, the brown color of stool is primarily due to the presence of bilirubin, a byproduct of the breakdown of red blood cells. When bilirubin is processed by the liver, it is converted into stercobilin, which gives stool its characteristic brown color. When stool is released into water, it can sometimes create a halo effect, especially if the stool has a high fat content or if it is particularly soft. This is because fats can create a film on the surface of the water, leading to the appearance of a brown ring.

Additionally, the water in the toilet can also play a role in this phenomenon. If the water is treated with certain chemicals, such as chlorine, it can react with substances in the stool, potentially altering its appearance. Moreover, if the toilet bowl is not cleaned regularly, residual stains or deposits can mix with the stool, contributing to the visual effect.

It is important to note that the presence of a brown ring around the stool is generally not a cause for concern unless accompanied by other symptoms. If you notice changes in your stool color, consistency, or if you experience symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, or blood in the stool, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional. These could be signs of underlying gastrointestinal issues, such as infections, inflammatory bowel disease, or other conditions that may require medical attention.

In conclusion, the brown ring around stool in toilet water is typically a benign occurrence related to the stool's composition and the interaction with water. However, maintaining awareness of any accompanying symptoms is crucial for overall health. If there are any concerns, especially if the appearance of the stool changes significantly or if there are additional gastrointestinal symptoms, seeking medical advice is always a prudent step. Regular check-ups and open communication with healthcare providers can help ensure any potential issues are addressed promptly.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Brown Discoloration Around Stool: Is It Normal?

Hello, Dr. Chen. Recently, I noticed that my stools are large enough to touch the water in the toilet, and there is a brown discoloration around the stool. Upon closer inspection, the stool itself is brown, and while I am not experiencing diarrhea, I do have occasional constipati...

Dr. Chen Qifeng reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, the color of stool is primarily related to dietary pigments. However, if there is the presence of tarry stools, gastrointestinal bleeding should be suspected. Sincerely, Dr. Chen Chi-Feng, Attending Physician, Department of Gastroenterology, Taoyuan General Hospital, Minis...

Understanding Dark Brown Toilet Water: Is It Normal After Bowel Movements?

1. I noticed that the water in the toilet was dark brown after having a bowel movement today. Is this situation normal? I did not see any blood on the toilet paper, there is no diarrhea, and the shape of the stool is normal! 2. I often feel a dull pain in my abdomen about three ...

Dr. Chen Qifeng reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
1. The color of the stool is often related to the color of the food consumed. 2. The location of the pain is in the intestines, and the nature of the pain is more likely to be cramp-like. If the symptoms persist, a visit to a gastroenterologist is recommended.

Understanding Brown Stool: Is It Normal or a Cause for Concern?

Hello, the appearance of my stool is a normal brown color. When I use the toilet, I usually spend about ten minutes on my phone, and later when I flush, I notice a brown liquid settling at the bottom of the toilet. Could this be due to the stool sitting too long, or is there anot...

Dr. Chen Shidian reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
It should not be abnormal; further observation is recommended.

Understanding Blood in Toilet Water: Causes and When to Seek Help

I have not experienced diarrhea in the past few instances. On September 2nd, I had a bowel movement, and the stool was black, shaped like a thick log. Since it was the first time I encountered this situation, I felt a bit uneasy. I researched the causes of black stools online. A ...

Dr. Huang Zhihui reply Surgery
Based on your age and your description, it is likely that you have mild hemorrhoids, which could be causing the slight rectal bleeding. However, for safety reasons, it is recommended that you visit a specialist for an anoscopy to confirm the diagnosis. If the physician suspects a...