reduced caliber stool

[jkim81]

I'm 30 yo and have been noticing that my stools kinda.look pencil shaped...theres also a demarcated line in the middle of the stools. I'm wondering if I need to do a colonscopy? I have no blood or abdominal pain..also no family history of colon cancer...

[mammo]

This is commmon from time to time, but if it lasts more than a week I would have it evaluated.  In the meantime add some fiber to your diet and see if this improves, I'm betting it will!  Take care.

[Dennisdrl1]

The change in the caliber of your stool or any associated straining or sensation of incomplete evacuation could be a result of inadequate fiber intake.  However, a general rule is that if you have an acute change in your bowel habit then it should be investigated by colonoscopy.  I am not saying that you have colon cancer but its presentation may be limited to such a change in bowel habit without pain, bleeding, weight loss, anemia, etc.  Colonoscopy is an easy exam as long as it is performed by an experienced endoscopist.  Get on done.