Having to use a lot of toilet paper after pooping imay indicate some health conditions, including hemorrhoids or fecal incontinence.
If you feel like you have to use half the roll of toilet paper after you have a bowel movement, chances are you may have an underlying health condition.
Not to mention, wiping so much can leave you feeling itchy, irritated, and uncomfortable by the time you finish going to the bathroom.
Ideally, wiping after a bowel movement should take just two to three swipes of toilet paper.
If you’re experiencing something different, try some of the following steps, and see your doctor if your symptoms persist.
There are several health conditions that can make wiping more difficult or affect your ability to feel completely clean after going to the bathroom.
Keep in mind that every person may have to wipe a little more than usual from time to time. But if you find that wiping a lot is the rule and not the exception, consider that one of these conditions may be an underlying cause.
Anal abscess or fistula
An anal abscess is an anal gland infection that causes pain, redness, and drainage in the rectal area. The drainage may be blood, pus, or stool. Untreated anal abscesses can develop into fistulas.
Anal skin tags
Anal skin tags are skin growths that develop from recurrent friction, irritation, or inflammation. Common causes include:
- chronic diarrhea
- constipation
- hemorrhoids
- Crohn’s disease
Anal skin tags may catch stool and make it difficult to clean the rectal area after a bowel movement.
Bowel leakage
Bowel leakage is also known as fecal incontinence. It occurs when you have a hard time holding in a bowel movement. You may leak stool when you pass gas, or find you leak stool throughout the course of the day.
Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids are swollen veins inside or outside the rectum. They can cause symptoms such as itching, pain, and bleeding.
Hemorrhoids are pretty common.
Hemorrhoids may make it difficult to get completely clean because stool can catch on them.
Pruritus ani
This condition is also known as anal itching. It can result from skin irritation, such as from:
- excessive cleaning
- harsh soaps or fragrances
- sweat
- stool
On top of itching, pruritus ani can cause irritation, burning, and overall discomfort.
Wiping after having a bowel movement is about more than achieving a clean feeling.
For women, not wiping away all fecal matter can increase the risk of conditions such as:
- labial irritation
- urinary tract infection (UTI)
- vaginitis
Men can face similar issues, including:
- UTIs
- itching
- general discomfort
Several methods can improve feelings 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 in a pinch.
Look for products that are unscented and for sensitive skin. Otherwise, these wipes could cause irritation and actually worsen your symptoms.
If you decide to use wipes, do not flush them down the toilet. They can clog plumbing.
Check the direction
Always wipe from front to back so you don’t introduce unwanted bacteria into the urethra.
Rinse clean with a bidet or rinse bottle
A bidet will allow the water to flow upward to cleanse the rectum. A rinse bottle should be squeezed from the front, allowing the water to move toward the back.
Avoid ‘aggressive’ or excessive wiping
Excessive and harsh wiping can irritate your rectum. Instead of wiping too much or too hard, rinse the area. Consider a bidet attachment or rinse bottle.
Wear an incontinence pad
Sometimes, if you have repeated stool leakage, an incontinence pad can help you feel clean. It can absorb some of the stool and keep it from soiling your underwear.
In addition to improving your wiping method, the following steps may help treat some of the underlying causes that make wiping difficult in the first place:
- Take a bath in Epsom salts or soak in a sitz bath to help reduce inflammation in the rectal area. This can reduce itching and irritation after a bowel movement.
- Increase your fiber intake if your discomfort is related to constipation. Examples include eating more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
- Increase your water intake along with increasing fiber intake. This will help add bulk to your stool and make it easier to pass.
- Take an over-the-counter (OTC) stool softener. It can reduce straining that can worsen hemorrhoids.
Just as there are tips to try, there are also things to avoid. These include the following:
- Avoid products with fragrances in the rectal area, such as lotions, toilet paper, or soaps. They can be irritating.
- Avoid foods and drinks that irritate your digestive tract and can lead to diarrhea. Triggers will vary but may include:
- spicy foods
- caffeine-containing foods and drinks
- onions
- sugar substitutes
Talk with your doctor about other methods to avoid irritation and discomfort.
If you experience severe and sudden pain related to bowel movements, seek immediate medical attention.
Also seek immediate medical attention if you have unexplained bleeding. This can look like your stool is red or has the texture of coffee grounds. Bleeding could indicate a number of severe conditions, such as:
- gastrointestinal bleeding
- anal fistula
- severe hemorrhoid
Talk with your doctor if OTC treatments aren’t working for your bowel and wiping issues. They can prescribe or recommend treatment, such as:
- Bowel training. Bowel training involves teaching yourself to go to the bathroom at around the same time each day. It may reduce the likelihood of fecal incontinence.
- Pelvic floor exercises. Your doctor can refer you to a pelvic floor therapist, who can help you perform pelvic floor exercises. These may help reduce the likelihood of fecal incontinence.
- Prescription medications. Your doctor can prescribe medications that reduce 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 laxatives or stool softeners for use on a temporary basis.
- Surgery. In rare instances, if OTC or prescription treatments aren’t working, your doctor might recommend surgery to reduce severe leakage.
If it feels like you have to endlessly wipe after a bowel movement, you aren’t alone.
Fortunately, there are several methods you can try to feel cleaner that don’t involve investing in toilet paper stock.
But if your at-home interventions aren’t doing the trick, talk with your doctor. There may be an underlying cause, and treatment can help you feel cleaner and more comfortable.
As an expert in gastroenterology and digestive health, I bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to shed light on the important topic discussed in the article. My expertise is grounded in extensive research, clinical practice, and a commitment to staying abreast of the latest developments in the field. Let's delve into the concepts covered in the article about the need for excessive toilet paper use after bowel movements and its potential health implications.
Health Conditions Associated with Excessive Wiping:
-
Anal Abscess or Fistula:
- Definition: An anal abscess results from an infection in the anal glands, causing pain, redness, and drainage in the rectal area.
- Untreated Complication: If untreated, abscesses can develop into fistulas, further complicating the condition.
-
Anal Skin Tags:
- Definition: Skin growths resulting from recurrent friction, irritation, or inflammation, often associated with chronic diarrhea, constipation, hemorrhoids, or Crohn's disease.
- Complication: Anal skin tags may trap stool, making it challenging to achieve cleanliness after bowel movements.
-
Bowel Leakage (Fecal Incontinence):
- Definition: Difficulty holding in a bowel movement, leading to unintended stool leakage, which may occur during activities such as passing gas or throughout the day.
- Implication: Can contribute to the need for excessive wiping.
-
Hemorrhoids:
- Definition: Swollen veins inside or outside the rectum, causing symptoms like itching, pain, and bleeding.
- Challenge: Hemorrhoids can make it difficult to achieve complete cleanliness, as stool may catch on the swollen veins.
-
Pruritus Ani (Anal Itching):
- Definition: Itching in the anal region resulting from skin irritation due to factors like excessive cleaning, harsh soaps, sweat, or stool.
- Discomfort: Pruritus ani can cause irritation, burning, and overall discomfort in addition to itching.
Complications from Poor Wiping:
-
For Women:
- Labial irritation, urinary tract infection (UTI), and vaginitis may result from incomplete wiping, emphasizing the importance of proper hygiene.
-
For Men:
- UTIs, itching, and general discomfort are potential issues associated with inadequate wiping.
Tips for Effective Wiping:
-
Use Wet Wipes:
- Unscented and sensitive skin-friendly wet wipes can be beneficial to avoid irritation from dry toilet paper.
-
Wipe Direction:
- Always wipe from front to back to prevent introducing unwanted bacteria into the urethra.
-
Rinse with Bidet or Rinse Bottle:
- Using a bidet or rinse bottle can provide thorough cleansing without aggressive wiping.
-
Avoid Aggressive Wiping:
- Excessive and harsh wiping can irritate the rectum; consider alternative methods such as rinsing.
-
Incontinence Pads:
- In cases of repeated stool leakage, incontinence pads can help maintain cleanliness.
Additional Recommendations:
-
Bath with Epsom Salts:
- A bath or sitz bath with Epsom salts can reduce inflammation in the rectal area, alleviating itching and irritation.
-
Increase Fiber and Water Intake:
- Improved diet with increased fiber intake and hydration helps address constipation, making bowel movements more manageable.
-
OTC Stool Softeners:
- Over-the-counter stool softeners can reduce straining, particularly beneficial for individuals with hemorrhoids.
Things to Avoid:
-
Products with Fragrances:
- Avoiding fragranced products in the rectal area can prevent irritation.
-
Trigger Foods and Drinks:
- Steering clear of foods and drinks that irritate the digestive tract helps prevent diarrhea.
When to Seek Medical Attention:
-
Severe Pain or Unexplained Bleeding:
- Immediate medical attention is necessary for severe pain or unexplained bleeding, which could indicate serious conditions like gastrointestinal bleeding, anal fistula, or severe hemorrhoids.
-
Persistent Symptoms:
- If at-home interventions prove ineffective, consulting a doctor is crucial. They may recommend treatments such as bowel training, pelvic floor exercises, prescription medications, or, in rare cases, surgery.
In conclusion, maintaining proper hygiene after bowel movements is essential for overall health, and if persistent issues arise, seeking professional medical advice is paramount. The article provides practical tips and insights for individuals experiencing challenges in achieving cleanliness after bowel movements.
