The Mystery of Ghost Poops: What They Are and Why They Happen
Ever taken a “ghost poop?” For a topic most people shy away from talking about in real life, bowel movements are an extremely popular subject of discussion online. So-called ghost poops have gone viral on social media, with countless videos of people discussing this mysterious fecal phenomenon.
Typically, when we go No. 2, we see some evidence in the toilet bowl or on toilet paper. When you could’ve sworn you passed stool but there’s no sign of it, you may have had a “ghost poop.”
While “ghost poop” isn’t a term you’ll find in medical literature, many people are curious about it. So, what exactly is a ghost poop?
What is a Ghost Poop?
According to social media and gastroenterologists, a ghost poop can refer to a few different bowel-related phenomena:
- The sensation of needing to poop, which ends up being gas: Sometimes, the bowel movement we sense coming isn’t poop at all — it’s gas. You may feel the sensation of needing to go No. 2, sit on the toilet, and try to push but nothing comes out. During this type of phantom poop, your body and brain gear up for a bowel movement without actually having one.
- A stool that sinks to the bottom of the toilet and disappears: Another type of ghost poop is one that passes quickly and sinks to the bottom of the toilet and disappears before you can see it. You may go to flush and realize there’s no sign of stool in the bowl.
- A stool that leaves no trace on toilet paper after wiping: The final type of ghost poop, sometimes called a ghost wipe, is poop that leaves no visible residue on toilet paper after wiping, or no trace after washing — no matter your preferred post-poop hygiene method, you can’t find any evidence afterward.
What Causes Ghost Poops?
There are several explanations for why you might experience each type of ghost poop:
- Gas instead of stool: The body can normally distinguish between stool and gas. However, sometimes too much gas can build up in the rectum and feel like stool, giving your brain the cue to sit on the toilet. This can occur after eating too many gas-causing foods or from being bloated. Excess gas in the intestines can also be caused by constipation, digestive disorders, bacterial imbalances, and food intolerances.
- Sinking stool: Whether a stool floats or sinks has a lot to do with what we eat. Diets higher in fiber can make the bowel movement more formed, causing it to go straight down the toilet. Non-absorbable or undigested food such as seeds or corn can also make the stool heavier. Stool that floats often contains more fat or gas, which may occur if someone has a high-fat diet or their body can’t absorb fat appropriately.
- Ghost wipes: When wiping after a poop, it’s normal for some remnants of a bowel movement to remain in or on the anus. But when a bowel movement leaves no residue or trace after wiping, this generally means the stool is very well-formed, firm, and easily passed. The texture of stool and how much you need to wipe can depend on factors such as fiber intake, gut health, the amount of water and other nutrients absorbed from stool in the large intestine, and how well the anal sphincter muscles function.
Are Ghost Poops Healthy?
A stool that is easily passed, disappears to the bottom of the toilet, and leaves no trace after wiping is generally a good sign. It indicates a healthy bowel movement. However, if you regularly feel like you need to go No. 2 but aren’t able to, or are only passing gas, it may be time to see a doctor. While it could be something as simple as excess gas in the digestive tract, these types of phantom poops could be a sign of a health problem.
Other Poop Problems to Look Out For
Health care professionals use the Bristol Stool Chart to classify poop into seven different types based on shape and consistency. Types 1 and 2 are usually a sign of constipation, while types 6 and 7 indicate diarrhea, which can suggest an illness or other digestive issue.
When to Seek Help
No matter how much you have to wipe, never ignore blood or pain during bowel movements. Persistent loose stools, blood, or pain can be signs of serious health issues and should be discussed with a healthcare provider.
In most cases, a ghost poop is nothing to be spooked by. It’s a quirky and often humorous part of our bodily functions. However, if you have any concerns or notice sudden changes in your bowel habits, it’s always best to talk to your doctor. Understanding the causes and signs of different types of bowel movements can help you maintain better digestive health and overall well-being.
