SPOT THE SIGNS

PROBABLY OKAY

Bright-red blood on your toilet paper post-poo. Chances are you’ve simply got a small anal tear or a harmless haemorrhoid.

PROBABLY NOT

Darker blood or clots. The colour indicates how long it’s been in the bowel, which in turn shows how high up it’s come from. It could be a sign of colon bleeding.

PROBABLY OKAY

A stretch (even a week or two) of constipation or straining. You may simply be dehydrated.

PROBABLY NOT

Prolonged constipation for three weeks or more, together with narrow or thin, pencil-like stools. Constipation is relative – everyone poos with differing frequency; look for what’s out of the ordinary for you.

PROBABLY OKAY

Cramping or bloating.

PROBABLY NOT

Regular abdominal pain that interrupts your routine. See your GP ASAP.