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Post by Master, Doctor Mai Vien Phuong - Department of Examination & Internal Medicine - Vinmec Central Park International General Hospital
If you have to use half a roll of toilet paper after having a bowel movement, chances are you have an underlying medical condition. Not to mention, wiping a lot can make you itchy and uncomfortable when you finish going to the toilet. Ideally, after a bowel movement should only use two to three times to wipe the toilet paper. If you're experiencing something that's bothering you, see your doctor if your symptoms persist.
1. Why do I have to wipe my anus after going to the bathroom so much?
There are a number of health conditions that can make wiping more difficult or affect your ability to feel completely clean after going to the bathroom.
Remember that every person may have to wipe a little more than usual from time to time. But if you find that excessive wiping is the rule and not the exception, consider that one of these conditions could be the underlying cause.
Anal abscess or fistula An anal abscess is an infection of the anal gland that causes pain, redness, and drainage in the rectal area. The discharge may be blood, pus, or stool. An untreated anal abscess can develop into a fistula. Anal fasciitis are skin masses that develop as a result of friction, irritation, or recurrent inflammation. Common causes include:
Chronic diarrhea Constipation Hemorrhoids Crohn's disease The skin of the anus can stick to the stool and make it difficult to clean the anorectal area after a bowel movement.
Leaky gut Leaky gut is also known as fecal incontinence. It happens when you have trouble having a bowel movement. You may leak stool with gas or find yourself leaking stools throughout the day.
Hemorrhoids Hemorrhoids are swelling of the veins inside or outside the rectum. They can cause symptoms such as itching, pain, and bleeding.
Hemorrhoids are quite common. Research estimates that 1 in 20 adults in the United States and about half of adults age 50 and older have hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids can be difficult to clear completely because stool can get on them.
Itchy anus This condition is also known as anal itching. It can be caused by skin irritation, such as from:
Over-cleansing Soaps or strong perfumes Perspiration In addition to itching, anal itching can cause irritation, burning, and discomfort.
2. Complications due to unclean wiping
Wiping after a bowel movement isn't just about cleaning the anal area.
For women, not wiping off stool can increase the risk of conditions such as:
vagin*l irritation Urinary tract infections (UTIs) Vaginitis Men can experience similar problems, including Includes:
Urinary tract infection Itching anal discomfort
3. Tips to clean up after a bowel movement
Several methods can improve the feeling of cleanliness after a bowel movement.
Use wet wipes Wet wipes can help you avoid irritation from dry toilet paper. Even wet toilet paper can work.
Look for products that are fragrance-free and for sensitive skin. Otherwise, these wipes can irritate and actually worsen your symptoms.
Check wiping direction Always wipe from front to back to avoid introducing unwanted bacteria into the urethra.
Rinse with a bidet or wash bottle A bidet will allow water to flow up to clean the rectum. It is recommended to squeeze the washing water bottle from the front so that the water flows out the back.
Avoid 'aggressive' or excessive wiping
Excessive and vigorous wiping can irritate the rectum. Instead of wiping too much or too vigorously, rinse the area thoroughly.
Wear a urinary incontinence pad
Sometimes, if you have frequent bowel movements, a urinary pad can help you feel clean. It can absorb some stool and won't stain your underwear.
Other ways: In addition to improving your mopping method, the following steps can help treat some of the underlying causes that make wiping difficult in the first place:
Shower with Epsom salts or soak in a hot tub to help reduce inflammation in the rectal area. This can reduce itching and irritation after a bowel movement. Increase fiber intake if your discomfort is related to constipation. For example, eat lots of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Increase water intake along with increasing fiber intake. This will help bulk up your stool and make it easier for you to pass. Take an over-the-counter (OTC) stool softener. It can relieve stress that can worsen hemorrhoids. Just as there are tips to try, there are also things to avoid. These include the following:
Avoid scented products in the rectal area, such as lotion, toilet paper, or soap. They can be annoying. Avoid foods and drinks that irritate your digestive tract and can lead to diarrhea. Triggers will vary but may include: Spicy foods Caffeinated foods and drinks Onions sugar substitutes
4. When to talk to a doctor
If you have sudden and severe pain associated with bowel movements, see your doctor promptly.
Also seek immediate medical attention if you experience unexplained bleeding. This may look like your stool is red or has the texture of coffee grounds. Bleeding can indicate a number of serious conditions, such as:
Stomach bleeding Anal fistula Severe hemorrhoids Speak to your doctor if over-the-counter treatments are not effective for these conditions. bowel problems and constant wiping problems after a bowel movement. Your doctor may prescribe or recommend treatment, such as:
Bowel habits. Train yourself to go to the bathroom at the same time each day. It can reduce stool incontinence. Pelvic floor exercises. You may need a pelvic floor therapist, who can help you with pelvic floor exercises. These can help minimize the possibility of fecal incontinence. Prescription drugs. Your doctor may prescribe medication to relieve diarrhea or symptoms that can occur with conditions such as Crohn's disease, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and ulcerative colitis. If constipation is the underlying cause, they may prescribe a laxative or stool softener for temporary use. Surgery. In rare cases, if over-the-counter or prescription treatments don't work, your doctor may recommend surgery to reduce a severe leak.
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References
Chang J, et al. (2016). Anal health care basics. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5101094/ Curran K, et al. (2018). Causes of bowel leakage. ouh.nhs.uk/patient-guide/leaflets/files/11857Pbowel.pdf Definition & facts of hemorrhoids. (2016). niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/hemorrhoids/definition-facts Treatment of fecal incontinence. (2017). niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/bowel-control-problems-fecal-incontinence/treatment
