Frequent bowel movements happen when you have more bowel movements than what's typical for you. There's no set number that defines frequent bowel movements. You may consider several a day to be unusual, especially if it's a change from what you usually experience. Frequent bowel movements without other symptoms might be caused by your lifestyle, such as eating more fiber. Symptoms such as watery stools and belly cramps might signal a problem.

See your health care provider if more-frequent bowel movements also are accompanied by any of the following signs or symptoms:

  • Changes in the consistency, volume or appearance of your bowel movements, such as repeatedly passing narrow, ribbonlike stools or loose, watery stools
  • Abdominal pain
  • Blood or mucus in your feces
Nov. 04, 2022