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Bowel Change Evaluation in Katy & Cypress, TX
Changes in Bowel Habits Evaluation in Katy, Cypress & Near Fulshear, TX
A new change in how often you go, how your stool looks or how bowel movements feel is common and usually has a treatable cause, but lasting changes deserve a proper evaluation. United Gastroenterology Associates evaluates new constipation, persistent diarrhea, alternating bowel habits and stool changes at our offices in Katy and Cypress, TX. Most major insurance plans are accepted. Check insurance information.
Dr. Muhammad Ali Khan, MD, FACP, FASGE
Board-Certified Gastroenterologist & Hepatologist
Meet Your Bowel Habits Specialist: Muhammad Ali Khan, MD, FACP, FASGE
BOARD-CERTIFIED Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist
CREDENTIALS AT A GLANCE
Board-Certified
Gastroenterology, hepatology, and internal medicine
Academic Medicine
Former Associate Professor, UT MD Anderson Cancer Center
Published Research
More than 100 peer-reviewed articles in gastroenterology
FACP and FASGE
Fellow, American College of Physicians and American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
Dr. Muhammad Ali Khan, MD, FACP, FASGE
Board-certified gastroenterologist and hepatologist, United Gastroenterology Associates
About Dr. Muhammad Ali Khan, MD, FACP, FASGE
Dr. Muhammad Ali Khan, MD, FACP, FASGE, is a board-certified gastroenterologist and hepatologist who sees patients at the United Gastroenterology Associates offices in Cypress and Katy. He evaluates changes in bowel habits, constipation, diarrhea and bleeding, and performs colonoscopy when it is clinically appropriate.
Dr. Khan earned his medical degree at Dow Medical College, completed an internal medicine residency at the University of Toledo, and completed a gastroenterology and hepatology fellowship at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center. He served as an Assistant Professor at the University of Alabama at Birmingham and as an Associate Professor at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center.
He is board-certified in gastroenterology, hepatology, and internal medicine, is a Fellow of the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (FASGE) and the American College of Physicians (FACP), and has authored more than 100 peer-reviewed articles. Read Dr. Khan’s full profile.
Professional Memberships
- American College of Gastroenterology
- American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (Fellow)
- American Gastroenterological Association
- American College of Physicians (Fellow)
- Texas Medical Association
- Texas Society of Gastroenterology & Endoscopy
Areas of Care
- Changes in bowel habits
- Chronic constipation
- Chronic diarrhea
- IBS
- Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis
- Blood in the stool
- Colonoscopy
- Colorectal cancer screening
Board-Certified
Gastroenterology, hepatology, and internal medicine
Academic Medicine
Former Associate Professor, UT MD Anderson Cancer Center
Published Research
More than 100 peer-reviewed articles in gastroenterology
FACP and FASGE
Fellow, American College of Physicians and American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
What Is Considered a Change in Bowel Habits?
A change in bowel habits means a noticeable, lasting shift from what is normal for you: how often you have bowel movements, the consistency, size or shape of your stool, or how bowel movements feel, such as urgency, straining or a sense of incomplete emptying. Normal ranges vary widely, from about three times a day to three times a week, so the change from your own baseline matters most.
Short-lived changes after travel, illness, a new medication or a change in diet are common and often settle within days. Changes that persist for more than a few weeks should be discussed with a doctor.
Common Changes Patients Notice
People describe bowel changes in many ways. The most common are:
New Constipation
Fewer bowel movements, hard stools or straining that is new for you.
Alternating Diarrhea and Constipation
Swings between loose and hard stools, often seen with IBS.
Narrow or Thin Stools
Stools that are consistently thinner than usual; usually benign, but a lasting change is worth checking.
Changes in Stool Consistency
Stools that are greasy, pale, very hard, very loose or contain mucus.
More or Fewer Bowel Movements
A clear increase or decrease in frequency compared with your usual pattern.
Urgency or Incomplete Emptying
A sudden need to go, accidents, or a feeling that the bowel does not empty.
Blood in the Stool
Red blood, maroon stools or black stools always deserve evaluation.
When Should New Bowel Changes Be Evaluated?
See a gastroenterologist when a change in bowel habits lasts more than a few weeks, keeps returning, or affects daily life. Get evaluated sooner if the change comes with any warning signs listed here, or if it starts after age 45 or you have a family history of colorectal cancer or inflammatory bowel disease.
Most bowel changes are caused by conditions such as IBS, diet, medications or infection, and a new change does not mean you have cancer. An evaluation helps find the cause and the right treatment.
When to seek emergency care
Call 911 or go to the emergency room for heavy rectal bleeding, black or tarry stools with dizziness, severe abdominal pain, inability to pass stool or gas with vomiting, or high fever.
Warning signs that need prompt evaluation
- Blood in the stool or black stools
- Unintentional weight loss
- Iron-deficiency anemia
- Ongoing abdominal pain or bloating
- Symptoms that wake you at night
- Diarrhea with fever or dehydration
- New symptoms after age 45
- Family history of colorectal cancer or IBD
These symptoms have many possible causes and should be evaluated by a qualified medical professional.
Conditions That Can Affect Bowel Habits
Many conditions can change bowel habits, and more than one can be present. Common causes include:
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Recurring abdominal pain with diarrhea, constipation or both, without visible inflammation.
Diet, Medications and Routine
Changes in fiber, fluids, travel, stress, and medicines such as antibiotics, iron, opioids and some diabetes medicines.
Infections
Bacterial, viral or parasitic infections, usually short-lived, occasionally lasting longer.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis cause inflammation, often with diarrhea, urgency and bleeding.
Celiac Disease and Intolerances
Celiac disease, lactose intolerance and other food intolerances can cause diarrhea, gas and bloating.
Thyroid and Other Conditions
Overactive or underactive thyroid, diabetes and pelvic-floor problems can affect bowel habits.
Hemorrhoids and Fissures
Common causes of bright red blood and discomfort, although bleeding still needs evaluation.
Polyps and Colorectal Cancer
Less common causes, especially in younger people, but the reason lasting changes after 45 and bleeding are taken seriously.
Gastroenterology Care for Fulshear Patients
Patients from Fulshear and nearby communities can conveniently visit our Katy gastroenterology office at 23920 Katy Freeway, Suite 555, Katy, TX 77494, about 21 minutes away. United Gastroenterology Associates welcomes new patients seeking evaluation for changes in bowel habits, constipation, diarrhea, IBS, colonoscopy and other digestive concerns.
When Colonoscopy May Be Considered
Many people with bowel changes are diagnosed and treated without a colonoscopy, based on their history, examination and simple tests. A colonoscopy may be recommended when:
Warning Signs Are Present
Bleeding, iron-deficiency anemia, unexplained weight loss or an abnormal examination.
Screening Is Due
You are 45 or older and have not had colorectal cancer screening, or you are due for follow-up after polyps.
Symptoms Persist or Suggest Inflammation
Ongoing diarrhea, a positive stool test, or symptoms that suggest inflammatory bowel disease.
Blood and stool tests, including tests for infection, inflammation and celiac disease, are often the first step.
Changes in Bowel Habits After Age 45
Current U.S. guidance recommends that people at average risk begin colorectal cancer screening at age 45. If you are 45 or older and notice a new, lasting change in bowel habits, it is a good time to discuss both your symptoms and screening with a gastroenterologist. Symptoms should be evaluated on their own, not delayed until a screening date.
Most bowel changes after 45 still have benign causes such as IBS, diet, medications or hemorrhoids. Evaluation is about finding the cause promptly and giving you peace of mind.
Colon cancer screening in Katy and Cypress · Colon cancer symptoms under 50
Bowel Change Evaluation at Our Katy and Cypress Offices
Dr. Khan sees patients at the Cypress office at 21216 Northwest Freeway, Suite 640, Cypress, TX 77429, serving Cypress, Tomball, Jersey Village and northwest Houston, and at the Katy office at 23920 Katy Freeway, Suite 555, Katy, TX 77494, serving Katy, Fulshear, Richmond, Rosenberg and west Houston. Fulshear-area patients usually find the Katy office most convenient. Both offices share one phone number for scheduling.
United Gastroenterology Associates – Cypress Office
Cypress office – Northwest Freeway (US-290)
- Address: 21216 Northwest Freeway, Suite 640, Cypress, TX 77429
- Phone: (346) 340-4414
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–5:00 PM (closed 12:00–1:30 PM for lunch; last appointment 4:30 PM)
United Gastroenterology Associates – Katy Office
Katy office – Katy Freeway (I-10) near the Grand Parkway
- Address: 23920 Katy Freeway, Suite 555, Katy, TX 77494
- Phone: (346) 340-4414
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–5:00 PM (closed 12:00–1:30 PM for lunch; last appointment 4:30 PM)
Insurance and Self-Pay Options
United Gastroenterology Associates accepts most major insurance plans. Insurance coverage, benefits and patient responsibility vary by plan and should be verified before treatment or procedures; the office can help you check your benefits. Self-pay options are available.
A carrier logo does not guarantee coverage for a specific plan or service. Call (346) 340-4414 to confirm your benefits.
What Patients Say About Dr. Khan
These reviews were shared by patients of United Gastroenterology Associates and are published on the practice website.
“Dr. Khan is an exceptionally kind and compassionate physician. He truly listens to his patients and takes the time to explain everything clearly and thoroughly. His treatment plans are straightforward and easy to understand, and he provides a very personalized, attentive level of care. I felt respected, heard, and genuinely cared for throughout my visit.”
Maria Andreina Behrens · Katy
“Dr Kahn and his staff are AWESOME. He is thorough, kind, listens and puts you at ease. The staff are patient and very helpful. I was so afraid of having a colonscopy. Dr Kahn was wonderful. My procedure went so well. It was over and done with in what seemed like a minute! So expect that! Dr Kahn is excellent, I trust him completely. And I recommend him, and his staff.”
Steph Apie · Fulshear
“Dr. Khan is an amazing physician. He is so kind hearted & wants to help you in every way possible. He listens & doesn’t make you feel rushed. I feel so comfortable talking to him about anything. I am so glad to have him as my gastro doctor. His staff is outstanding as well. Shout out to Dr. Khan & his staff.”
Donna LaPlante · Cypress
Related Conditions and Patient Guides
These pages explain conditions and tests related to changes in bowel habits.
Constipation and Diarrhea
Constipation specialist
Chronic diarrhea
Persistent diarrhea causes
IBS and IBD
Bleeding and Screening
Changes in Bowel Habits: Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common questions about bowel changes and when to see a gastroenterologist in Katy and Cypress.
What counts as a change in bowel habits?
A lasting shift from your normal pattern in how often you go, stool consistency or shape, or how bowel movements feel, such as urgency or incomplete emptying.
How long should a bowel change last before I see a doctor?
If a change lasts more than a few weeks, keeps coming back or affects daily life, schedule an evaluation. See a doctor sooner for bleeding, weight loss, anemia or severe pain.
Does a change in bowel habits mean cancer?
Usually not. Most changes are caused by IBS, diet, medications, infection or hemorrhoids. Lasting changes are evaluated so that less common causes, including polyps or cancer, are not missed.
Are narrow stools a concern?
Occasional thin stools are common and usually harmless. Stools that stay consistently narrower than usual, especially with bleeding or other symptoms, should be evaluated.
Will I need a colonoscopy?
Not always. Colonoscopy is recommended for warning signs, when screening is due at 45 or older, or when symptoms persist or suggest inflammation.
Can stress change bowel habits?
Yes. Stress can affect bowel habits, particularly in people with IBS, but persistent changes should not be assumed to be stress-related without an evaluation.
Where can I get bowel changes evaluated near Katy, Cypress or Fulshear?
Dr. Muhammad Ali Khan sees patients at 23920 Katy Freeway, Suite 555, Katy, TX 77494 and 21216 Northwest Freeway, Suite 640, Cypress, TX 77429. Fulshear patients usually visit the Katy office. Call (346) 340-4414.
Need a Gastroenterology Appointment?
United Gastroenterology Associates welcomes new patients at our Katy and Cypress offices. Send a request and our team will contact you to schedule, or call (346) 340-4414.
- Board-certified gastroenterologist & hepatologist
- Most major insurance plans accepted
- Katy and Cypress locations
- Convenient access for Fulshear patients at the Katy office
- Colonoscopy and endoscopy available when clinically appropriate
Request an Appointment
Tell us how to reach you. Please do not include detailed medical information; we will discuss your symptoms when we call.
Prefer to book yourself? Use our online scheduler. Insurance coverage, benefits and patient responsibility vary by plan and should be verified before treatment or procedures. View insurance information. For a medical emergency, call 911.
Sources
- US Preventive Services Task Force. Screening for Colorectal Cancer: US Preventive Services Task Force Recommendation Statement. JAMA. 2021;325(19):1965–1977. doi.org/10.1001/jama.2021.6238
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Constipation and Diarrhea. niddk.nih.gov/constipation · niddk.nih.gov/diarrhea
This page provides general educational information and does not replace medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Symptoms should be evaluated by a qualified medical professional. For a medical emergency, call 911. Content reviewed by United Gastroenterology Associates, PLLC. Last updated September 30, 2026.