Unusual Seed-like Structures in Stool: Possible Explanations
At 39 years old, I am a healthy male weighing 80 kg and standing at 6 feet tall, with a balanced diet and moderate exercise routine. Recently, I have noticed strange seed-like items in my stool. I am uncertain whether these could simply be undigested seeds from foods such as bread, or if they might be worm eggs. I have documented the appearance of two distinct types of these structures, including one where I examined the contents more closely. Any insights would be appreciated!
Answers (1)

7/12/2025, 12:40:35 PM
OpenHealth AI
Your observation of unusual seed-like structures in your stool can be concerning but may arise from a variety of benign sources. Here’s an outline of the main points and steps you can take to address this situation.
Main Points:
- The seed-like structures may be undigested food, such as seeds from fruits or grains.
- They could also be related to digestive processes or, less commonly, parasites.
- Keeping track of changes and any accompanying symptoms is important for understanding the situation better.
Explanation:
The appearance of seeds in feces can be attributed to several factors:
- Undigested Food: If you've been consuming foods high in seeds (e.g., whole grains, fruits), it's not uncommon for those seeds to appear in your stool.
- Dietary Sources: Bread with seeds or salads containing seeds may not fully break down during digestion, leading to their presence in your stool.
- Parasites: Although less common, some parasitic infections (like pinworms) can create structures that may resemble seeds.
Given your healthy lifestyle and diet, it's likely these structures are from undigested food. However, if you notice changes or develop additional symptoms, such as abdominal pain, changes in bowel habits, significant weight loss, or fatigue, it’s essential to consider further evaluation.
Next Steps:
- Monitor Symptoms: Keep a journal of your bowel movements and any additional symptoms (like changes in frequency, consistency, or related discomfort).
- Diet Reflection: Reflect on recent dietary changes to identify if you’ve consumed foods likely to result in undigested seeds.
- Hydration and Fiber Intake: Ensure you're drinking enough water and getting adequate fiber, which can support digestive health.
- Look for Companions: If you continue to see these seed-like structures or if you notice changes in your stool uniformity, consider collecting a sample to share with a healthcare professional if needed.
Remember, it’s understandable to feel uneasy about changes in your body. Tracking your observations closely will provide insights and help you understand when or if further attention might be necessary. If your concerns persist, expanding the conversation with a healthcare provider can provide additional clarity.
Related Questions
Inadvertently Consumed 800mg of Ibuprofen
I’m a 29-year-old individual, weighing 60 kilograms and standing at 5 feet 6 inches. Earlier today, I mistakenly reached for what I assumed was a 200mg ibuprofen, but it turned out to be a 400mg dosage instead. I ingested 400mg at approximately noon on Friday and then another dose at 2 AM. Is it alright if I refrain from taking any additional ibuprofen for the next 24 hours? Or do I need to take any specific precautions regarding this situation?
Should I Visit a Doctor?
Hello everyone! So, here’s a little story: I accidentally cut my finger while ziplining yesterday. I’m currently working at a summer camp, and we took some kids to a ropes course. While ziplining (even if that may not be the exact term, you get the idea), I noticed a child stepping onto the platform I was approaching. I panicked a bit, fearing a collision, and I foolishly placed my hands in front of the trolley to brake myself. Unfortunately, my finger got caught in the mechanism. After finishing the course, I cleaned my finger and noticed only a bit of minor bleeding at first. However, several hours later, I started seeing pus coming from the wound. As of today, my finger remains swollen and still has pus. I mentioned this to my parents (I’m a 17-year-old girl), and they told me to just wait it out. By the way, I had a tetanus shot about five years ago, so I think that's covered. It probably isn’t anything serious, but I tend to worry about infections, so I’d love to hear any suggestions or advice on whether I should see a doctor or not.
Concerns About My Toenail Appearance
I’m a 40-year-old woman weighing 120 pounds and standing 5'6". I do not smoke, use drugs, or take any medication. Recently, I’ve noticed something unusual with my toenail. It seems like it hasn’t been growing properly. I don’t believe I’ve injured it, yet the discoloration persists and has not fully grown out. I appreciate any insights!
Persistent Red Bumps on the Scalp
Greetings, I'm a 22-year-old Caucasian male weighing 90 kg. For quite some time—possibly years—I’ve been dealing with two red bumps on my scalp that resemble pimples. My scalp experiences alternating sensations, feeling both itchy and oily, yet somewhat dry at the same time. These red spots feel firm and have maintained their size without any changes throughout the years. Initially, I assumed they were just pimples, but now I’m beginning to think they might be connected to my ongoing scalp itchiness.
Unexpected Blood in Semen: What Could Be Wrong?
I'm a 19-year-old male in good health, and I just experienced something unusual while masturbating about half an hour ago. Everything seemed normal until I noticed a small amount of blood in my semen. It was a bit alarming, but there wasn’t any pain involved. Afterward, I went to urinate and my urine was clear, which was a relief. - Possible Explanations Lately, I've noticed that my libido has increased significantly, especially since returning from a vacation without my girlfriend. I've also been engaging in masturbation more frequently, and we recently resumed having more intimate relations after stopping condom use about a month ago, as she is now on birth control. Occasionally, after masturbation, I experience a mild burning feeling in my urethra, but that sensation typically subsides within half an hour. This has been an ongoing issue for years, and I always thought it was a normal occurrence, although I had never seen blood before. Just the day prior, I had spent about seven hours outdoors in sweltering 95-degree heat. After that, I hit the gym for an extended run. I’m wondering if dehydration could be a contributing factor to this. - Feeling Anxious I'm not generally squeamish about blood, but this incident has left me feeling uneasy. I'm hesitant to see a doctor because I live with my parents, and I’m concerned they might find out about this issue. My girlfriend and I are planning our first vacation together soon, and I’m worried that this might complicate our plans. Should I seek medical advice, or is there something I can do to address this situation myself?