Intestinal worms are parasites that live inside the digestive tract and can pass out of the body in your stool (poop). Infections can range from mild to severe. While some people may not notice any symptoms, others might experience stomach pain, diarrhea, nausea, fatigue, or even visible worms in their bowel movements.

These infections are more common in areas with poor sanitation, but they can occur anywhere in the world. Understanding how worms appear, their symptoms, and the treatment options can help you protect yourself and your family.

What Do Worms Look Like In Human Poop?

Worms in stool can vary in appearance depending on the type:

  • Pinworms look like tiny, thin, white threads.

  • Roundworms (Ascaris) resemble earthworms and can be several inches long.

  • Tapeworms often appear as flat, ribbon-like segments, sometimes moving.

  • Hookworms are shorter, hook-shaped worms, usually less than an inch long.

  • Flukes are flat, leaf-shaped parasites, though some species are too small to see with the naked eye.

Sometimes, you may see worms not only in stool but also around the anus, on underwear, or on bedding.

Symptoms Of Worms In Human Poop

Not everyone with intestinal worms will have noticeable symptoms. However, common signs include:

  • Diarrhea or dysentery (diarrhea with blood or mucus)

  • Nausea or vomiting

  • Stomach pain or bloating

  • Itching around the anus (especially at night with pinworms)

  • Fatigue and weakness

  • Weight loss or poor appetite

  • Rash or skin irritation

  • Frequent gas or abdominal discomfort

In severe cases, worms may cause:

  • Intestinal blockage

  • Protein loss

  • Iron deficiency anemia

  • Growth problems in children

Types Of Intestinal Worms In Human Poop

Pinworms (Threadworms)

  • Tiny, white, thread-like worms.

  • Spread easily, especially in children, through contaminated surfaces, bedding, or unwashed hands.

  • Main symptom: intense itching around the anus at night.

Ascaris (Roundworms)

  • Can grow up to 14 inches long.

  • Contracted from contaminated food or water.

  • May cause cough, breathing problems, poor growth, or worms emerging from the nose or mouth.

Hookworms

  • Enter the body through the skin (walking barefoot on contaminated soil).

  • Feed on blood inside the intestine.

  • Can cause anemia, fatigue, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.

Tapeworms

  • Flat, segmented worms that can grow over 12 feet long.

  • Infection usually occurs from eating undercooked beef, pork, or fish.

  • Symptoms include abdominal pain, nausea, and sometimes passing moving worm segments in stool.

Flukes

  • Flat, leaf-like worms, often contracted from contaminated water, fish, or plants.

  • Less common in the U.S.

  • May cause stomach pain, diarrhea, or bile in stool.

What Causes Worms In Human Poop?

Intestinal worm infections are usually spread through:

  • Contaminated food or water with worm eggs or larvae.

  • Eating undercooked meat (beef, pork, or fish).

  • Poor hygiene practices, like not washing hands after using the toilet.

  • Walking barefoot on soil contaminated with worm eggs.

  • Close contact with infected people (especially children in schools or daycare).

  • Pet exposure when animals carry certain parasites.

Risk Factors

You may be at higher risk of getting intestinal worms if you:

  • Live in or travel to regions with poor sanitation.

  • Eat raw or undercooked meat or fish.

  • Work in environments with frequent soil exposure.

  • Live with young children (who often spread pinworms).

  • Have a weakened immune system.

How To Diagnose Worms In Human Poop

A healthcare provider may use several methods to diagnose worms:

  • Stool sample test: checks for eggs or worm fragments under a microscope.

  • Tape test: often used for pinworms—sticky tape pressed around the anus and examined for eggs.

  • Blood tests: may show signs of anemia or high eosinophil count (a type of white blood cell).

  • Imaging (X-ray, ultrasound, CT): used in complicated cases where worms cause blockages.

Treatment For Worms In Human Poop

The main treatment is antiparasitic medication, prescribed based on the type of worm. Common options include:

  • Albendazole (Albenza)

  • Mebendazole (Vermox, Emverm)

  • Praziquantel (Biltricide) for tapeworms and flukes

Other steps include:

  • Treating all household members to prevent reinfection.

  • Managing complications such as anemia or blockages.

  • Practicing strict hygiene (handwashing, cleaning bedding, trimming nails).

Most people recover within a few weeks after treatment.

How To Prevent Worms In Human Poop

Simple preventive habits can reduce your risk:

  • Wash hands with soap and water before eating and after using the toilet.

  • Drink only safe, clean, or boiled water.

  • Cook meat and fish thoroughly.

  • Wash fruits and vegetables before eating.

  • Wear shoes outdoors to avoid soil contact.

  • Keep fingernails short and clean.

  • Regularly deworm pets as recommended by a vet.

  • Avoid sharing towels, bedding, or clothing in high-risk households.

When To See A Doctor

Seek medical care if you:

  • Notice visible worms in your stool.

  • Have severe stomach pain, diarrhea, or unexplained weight loss.

  • Experience persistent itching around the anus.

  • Develop signs of anemia (pale skin, fatigue, weakness).

  • See blood or mucus in your stool.

A Quick Review

Intestinal worms can appear in human stool as thread-like, round, flat, or ribbon-like parasites. Common types include pinworms, roundworms, hookworms, tapeworms, and flukes. While some people may have no symptoms, others may experience abdominal pain, diarrhea, fatigue, itching, or visible worms in stool.

Diagnosis usually requires a stool test, and treatment involves antiparasitic medications such as albendazole or praziquantel. Prevention focuses on good hygiene, safe food practices, and clean water.