Ghost poop is more common than you think, but what is it?

The term ‘ghost poop’ might sound like something that belongs in a Halloween tale, but there’s nothing supernatural about it. There are no eerie apparitions (or the famous Halloween candies) here—just a quirky name for a common bathroom experience that, surprisingly, signals your gut might be in top shape.
Ghost poop, also known as phantom poop, refers to the feeling of having passed a bowel movement, but without a trace. Yes, that happens. Sometimes, there’s no residue on the toilet paper either, adding to the confusion. But is it common and easy to achieve?
Dr Narendra Singhla, lead consultant of internal medicine at the CK Birla Hospital, Delhi, explains, “Ghost poop refers to the sensation of having a bowel movement without seeing any stool in the toilet. It can occur when the stool is very light or breaks apart and disperses into the water. Sometimes, people also use the term to describe a bowel movement that feels clean, leaving no need for wiping. Essentially, it’s the feeling that you’ve gone to the bathroom, but there’s little visible evidence left behind.”
The concept made waves on TikTok recently.
The reason ghost poop seems to disappear without a trace is because they’re actually quite dense. Unlike stools that float, which can be buoyant due to excess gas or issues with digesting carbs or fats, ghost poop is packed with fibre, explains Kate Scarlata, a Boston-based dietitian and gut health expert, in an interview with Self magazine.
This added bulk gives them the weight to sink and seemingly vanish, she further explains. Moreover, their well-formed shape indicates a healthy balance of water content, she adds.
“Ghost poop doesn’t typically indicate a bad gut condition. In fact, it can sometimes suggest that your digestive system is functioning well, especially if you’re experiencing smooth, easy-to-pass stools,” says Dr Singhla.
Ghost poop is more common than you might think. Many people experience it at some point, and it’s generally nothing to worry about.
“It can happen when the stool is soft, light, or well-formed, making it easy to pass without much residue or clean-up required. It’s typically a sign that your bowel movement is efficient and not linked to a health issue,” notes Dr Singhla.
It’s normal to experience ghost poops from time to time, but if they happen frequently, it could be influenced by factors such as your diet, hydration levels, or even your posture while using the toilet, according to experts.

Many people experience ghost poop at some point, and there’s generally nothing to worry about. (Photo: Unsplash)

While ghost poop is generally nothing to be alarmed about, if it’s accompanied by other symptoms like bloating, discomfort, or changes in bowel habits, it might be worth consulting a doctor to rule out any underlying digestive issues.
“If you regularly feel like you need to have a bowel movement but aren’t able to, or you are just farting, 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,” says Dr Rabia De Latour, a gastroenterologist at NYU Langone Health, in an interview with TODAY.
She explains that these sensations can result from inflammation in the rectum, which can interfere with the signalling between the nerves and the brain.
It’s also important to note that while ghost poop is normal, not experiencing it doesn’t indicate a problem either. So, there’s no need to worry if the “magic” doesn’t happen in the commode.
TikTok’s fascination with ghost poop is oddly relatable—after all, who wouldn’t celebrate a clean, effortless bathroom experience? While the idea might sound a bit strange, there’s nothing to worry about.
Dr Mark Iwanicki, a naturopathic doctor, suggests that if you’re aiming for an easy, smooth bowel movement, “try psyllium husk powder or capsules.” He adds, “However, always take the supplement with plenty of water, as they can cause constipation if you don’t stay hydrated.”