Whether or not there should be poop when you wipe after using the bathroom is a common question that many people have. The short answer is that a small amount of stool after wiping is normal, but excessive or ongoing stool suggests an underlying issue may need attention. Keep reading as we explore the causes, evaluation, and treatments for continued soiling after defecation.
What Causes Poop When You Wipe?
There are a few potential reasons why stool remains after wiping:
Incomplete Evacuation
The rectum stores stool until you are ready to have a bowel movement. During defecation, muscles in the rectum contract to push out the stool. In some cases, the rectum does not fully empty, leaving behind residual stool. Reasons for incomplete evacuation include:
- Weakened pelvic floor muscles
- Constipation
- Obstructed defecation
- Hemorrhoids
- Neurological conditions impacting rectal sensation
With incomplete evacuation, you may pass small amounts of stool when wiping after a bowel movement. You may also feel like you need to go more, even though little comes out when trying again.
Messy Bowel Movements
Some people naturally have softer or messier stools that stick to the rectal walls when passing. Causes include:
- Diet – low fiber or high fat
- Rapid transit time
- Bacterial overgrowth
- Medications
- Diseases like irritable bowel syndrome
Loose or sticky stools can spread inside the anus during defecation, leaving residue you notice when wiping.
Anal Fissures
Anal fissures are small tears in the lining of the anus. They are often caused by passing hard or large stools, but irritation and infection can also lead to fissures. The tear leaves an opening for mucus or stool to leak out after a bowel movement.
Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids are swollen veins around the anus. They can bleed or leak mucus, causing staining when you wipe. Large internal hemorrhoids may also prolapse outside the anus during defecation. Prolapsed hemorrhoids can allow stool to escape around them.
When to See a Doctor
Occasional skid marks or minimal stool on the toilet paper after wiping are common and not necessarily a concern. You should see a doctor if:
- Ongoing excessive stool remains after wiping multiple times
- You feel the urge to defecate again soon after finishing
- Significant blood is noticed
- Discharge, itching, or pain are present
- Changes in bowel habits last more than a few weeks
These symptoms may indicate an underlying medical condition requiring diagnosis and treatment.
Medical Evaluation
To evaluate ongoing stool after wiping, the doctor will review your medical history and perform an exam. They may:
- Ask about bowel habits, diet, medications, and related symptoms
- Perform a digital rectal exam
- Test stool samples for blood, bacteria, or parasites
- Order imaging tests like a CT scan or colonoscopy
- Assess pelvic floor strength
- Refer you to a specialist like a gastroenterologist
Based on the evaluation, the doctor can identify any causes to target with treatment.
How to Treat
Treatment depends on the underlying reason for continued soiling after wiping. Options may include:
Diet and Lifestyle Changes
For mild symptoms, the doctor may recommend:
- Increasing fiber, fruits, vegetables, and water in your diet
- Avoiding foods that irritate the colon or cause loose stools like caffeine, alcohol, dairy, or fat
- Exercising regularly
- Setting time aside to fully pass stool
- Avoiding straining during bowel movements
These conservative steps can improve stool consistency and allow more complete evacuation.
Medications
Medications that may help include:
- Stool bulking agents like psyllium
- Over-the-counter anti-diarrheals
- Topical ointments to heal fissures
- Hemorrhoid creams with hydrocortisone
- Prescription laxatives or antidiarrheals
- Antibiotics for bacterial overgrowth
Your doctor can prescribe appropriate medications based on your symptoms.
Pelvic Floor Therapy
Pelvic floor exercises with a therapist can strengthen rectal muscles. Biofeedback training helps coordinate pelvic muscles to fully evacuate stool.
Hemorrhoid Treatments
For problematic hemorrhoids, additional treatments may include:
- Rubber band ligation
- Sclerotherapy injections
- Infrared coagulation
- Hemorrhoidectomy surgery
Bowel Management Techniques
Some patients benefit from scheduled bowel regimens, enemas, or suppositories to fully empty the bowels. Your doctor can suggest an individualized bowel management plan.
Surgery
If there is an anatomical cause like a rectal prolapse or stricture, surgery may be recommended. Procedures can repair pelvic floor or rectal structures.
Prevention
You can help prevent issues with stool remaining after wiping by:
- Eating a high fiber diet with fruits and vegetables
- Drinking plenty of fluids
- Not delaying bowel movements
- Avoiding straining during defecation
- Being active to stimulate the bowels
- Taking stool softeners if stools are hard
- Seeking treatment for chronic cough or constipation
- Keeping the anal area clean and dry
Proper toilet posture can also help – sit upright rather than leaning forward. A footstool may help get your knees above your hips for optimal positioning.
Coping Methods
While waiting for improvement, you can manage symptoms by:
- Using moist wipes for a more thorough clean
- Changing underwear after a bowel movement
- Using a barrier cream to protect skin
- Washing the area after bowel movements
- Wearing cotton underwear to absorb moisture
Practicing healthy bowel habits may also reduce issues over time. Don’t rush defecation – give yourself time to fully empty.
Outlook
For most people, having a small amount of stool on the toilet paper or underwear after wiping is common. Making dietary changes, adjusting toilet posture, improving bowel habits, and using moist wipes or barrier creams can help manage minor symptoms. However, ongoing excessive residue, bleeding, pain, or other changes in bowel habits should prompt medical evaluation. With treatment of any underlying conditions, you can achieve cleaner wiping after bowel movements.
| Cause | Symptoms | Treatment |
|---|---|---|
| Incomplete evacuation | Feeling of incomplete emptying, repeated urges to defecate | Diet changes, pelvic floor therapy, scheduled bowel regimen |
| Messy stools | Loose/sticky stools, residue on toilet paper | Medications, diet modification |
| Anal fissures | Tearing/burning pain, blood on toilet paper | Topical ointments, sitz baths |
| Hemorrhoids | Bright red blood, painful lump | Hemorrhoid creams, laxatives, surgery |
Summary
– Small amounts of stool on toilet paper after wiping is common
– Excessive or ongoing residue may indicate an underlying problem
– Potential causes include incomplete evacuation, messy stools, fissures, hemorrhoids
– See a doctor if symptoms persist more than a few weeks
– Treatment depends on the cause and may include diet changes, medications, pelvic floor therapy, or surgery
– Prevent issues by eating fiber, drinking fluids, not straining, and properly positioning yourself on the toilet
– Coping methods include moist wipes, barrier creams, and maintaining bowel hygiene
– Most cases can be improved with conservative self-care or medical treatments