Eight out of ten (84%) Brits only ever go for a poo in their own home, with many admitting they would rather hold it in for hours or even days than use a public toilet, according to a new poll of 2,000 UK adults.
The findings, which have been released for IBS Awareness Month this April, also found that the issue is affecting social lives with more than half (55%) saying they have had to leave a social situation because of bowel issues.
The most feared places to poo
Train toilets emerged as the most feared place to open one’s bowels, with almost half (47%) admitting they refuse to go on the move, followed closely by aeroplane toilets, which 38% said were completely off limits, even on long-haul flights.
The idea of using train station toilets (38%), public toilets in shopping centres (37%) and pub toilets (36%) also ranks high on the list of places Brits avoid.
Restaurant toilets also make many people feel uncomfortable, with one in three (32%) say they would only use them in an absolute emergency.
A growing constipation crisis
Experts believe this reluctance could be contributing to a growing constipation crisis. The research, commissioned by gut health brand Symprove to mark its nationwide launch into Tesco, found that one in five (22%) only go for a poo two or three times a week, with one in twenty (5%) going just once a week - a clear sign of constipation.
One in ten (11%) describe themselves as being regularly constipated, while 16% said bloating is a near-daily problem.
Diet may be playing a major role, with more than half (55%) admitting that they don’t eat enough fibre, with 15% admitting they only eat one piece of fruit or vegetable a day. A fifth (21%) go a step further and say they haven’t eaten a green vegetable in almost a month, while 37% admit they rarely eat beans, lentils, and legumes.
GP and broadcaster Dr Sarah Jarvis, who is working with Symprove, said, “Many people feel embarrassed about using toilets outside the home, but regularly holding in bowel movements can contribute to constipation and may worsen symptoms for people living with IBS. Diet and looking after your gut health both play an important role in supporting healthy digestion”
And it seems that even familiar places don’t ease our discomfort when it comes to having a poo. Almost a third (30%) would never go for a number two in a work loo, whilst 24% would avoid going at their best friend’s house and 22% wouldn’t dream of using their in-law’s place.
One in six (14%) would rather hold it in than poo at their partner’s house.
More than a third (35%) avoid public toilets altogether, whilst 27% say they struggle to go for a poo unless they are at home, with a tenth (11%) going so far as to plan their day around when and where they can go to the toilet comfortably.
Brits still feel awkward talking about poo
The study also reveals just how awkward Brits feel talking about bowel movements, even with their partners.
While most people feel comfortable discussing money, work, and future plans early in a relationship, just a quarter (25%) would be happy to talk about their bowel movements with a new partner straight away. Half (50%) would wait a few months before introducing it into the conversation – with the average person waiting around five months.
In contrast, one in four (25%) would NEVER talk to a partner about how often they poo.
And our embarrassment doesn’t stop there. Four in ten (41%) say they have reluctantly been to see their GP about digestive issues, although a quarter (25%) say they waited a month before booking the appointment.
Top 15 places Brits refuse to poo
- Train toilets – 47
- Aeroplane toilets – 38%
- Train station toilets – 38%
- Shopping centre toilets – 37%
- Pub toilets – 36%
- Any public toilets – 35%
- Restaurant loos – 32%
- Work loos – 30%
- Their best friend’s house – 24%
- The gym loo – 22%
- The in-law’s toilet – 22%
- Church toilets – 22%
- Toilets at school or college – 21%
- Library loos – 20%
- Partner’s toilet – 14%
To learn more about other gut health topics, visit Symprove’s Gut Hub.
The findings presented in this release are based on a nationally representative online survey conducted for Symprove via research and insights agency Perspectus Global in February 2026.
