Fear of faeces (coprophobia)

Coprophobia is a fear of faeces, which can include seeing, smelling or coming into contact with poo, your own or anyone else’s. It may lead to avoiding public toilets, nappy changes or cleaning up after pets. Any change in bowel habits or other worrying symptoms should be checked with a GP rather than avoided.

About this phobia

The word comes from the Greek kopros, meaning dung. It is rare as a stand-alone term but links to better documented problems, including toilet anxiety and fears of contamination such as mysophobia. Some people with it also hold back from using the toilet, which can cause discomfort over time.

What it feels like

• Strong disgust or panic at the sight or smell of faeces
• Avoiding public toilets, nappy changes or picking up after a dog
• Holding on rather than using a toilet away from home

Explore more unusual fears in the rare phobias A to Z, or browse the common phobias.

Common questions

Can this fear affect going to the toilet?

It can. Some people delay going or avoid toilets outside the home, which can lead to constipation or discomfort. A GP can help with the physical side, and the fear itself can be worked on too.

How can you help?

I use hypnotherapy and NLP to change how your mind responds to the thing you fear, so the old alarm stops going off. Sessions are one to one over Zoom, and you get a recording of the hypnosis to listen to afterwards.

How many sessions will I need?

Many clients notice a real difference after one 90 minute session. If the fear goes back a long way, three sessions gives us room to make the change stick.

Ready to start?

Book a £49 consultation call and we’ll talk through your fear, or take the free suitability test first.

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