I am male over 70 and have been experiencing this off and on since my 50s. Drs have found no cause but one suggested the cause as summer diets rich in fresh fruit and berries. I have not been able to correlate what causes it or cures it; but recently it has become more continuous. I have read all the posts here and would like to contribute a few pieces of information that might be helpful. First, the anus has two sphincter muscles, the interior and exterior muscles. The fact that the fecal material leakage is temporary after a bowel movement (mine is and some of the respondents reported this), seems to imply that the problem leakage is only at the exterior muscle and once the material that is trapped between the two muscles after a bowel movement leaks out during physical activity such as walking or running or climbing stairs, the leakage stops until the next BM.. There seems to be three possible causes of this that I have discovered by reading on the internet: 1. weak or damaged sphincter muscle. 2. Disease of the nervous system effecting the control of the sphincters. 3. Hemoroid or fissure causing the inability of the sphincter to completely seal the anal opening due to these obstructions.
How I deal with it: After a bowel movement and a wipe; if the anal area will not come clean I rinse the anus by sitting on the edge of the tub and use a hand held shower hose and warm water. Dry with toilet paper and dispose in toilet. Take 1 sheet of toilet tissue, (2 folded over if it is thin) tuck it into the crack between the buttocks up close to the anus and get dressed. I think a bidet would be even better; but do not have one at present. When out in public, I obviously can't use the hand held shower so I just clean up as well as I can and put the paper pad in place. After a half hour or hour I visit the toilet and clean up and repad.
I join in with asking the medical field to do some investigation in this area as there appears to be a number of us suffering from the same malady and the only way to find any information seems to be on the internet; but no definitive cause or cure.
How I deal with it: After a bowel movement and a wipe; if the anal area will not come clean I rinse the anus by sitting on the edge of the tub and use a hand held shower hose and warm water. Dry with toilet paper and dispose in toilet. Take 1 sheet of toilet tissue, (2 folded over if it is thin) tuck it into the crack between the buttocks up close to the anus and get dressed. I think a bidet would be even better; but do not have one at present. When out in public, I obviously can't use the hand held shower so I just clean up as well as I can and put the paper pad in place. After a half hour or hour I visit the toilet and clean up and repad.
I join in with asking the medical field to do some investigation in this area as there appears to be a number of us suffering from the same malady and the only way to find any information seems to be on the internet; but no definitive cause or cure.
Replying to porter (I assume ALANIS is responding to the one above that!):
Your description sounds exactly like what's happening to me. Some kind of inability to control the external sphincter, and I suspect that with me it is at least partially some kind of nervous system thing, since it's worse when I feel anxious about something. Overall, my condition is much better than it had been, but still the key is not having anything extra between the sphincters: if the BM feels complete (smooth, doesn't look broken off at the end) then I'm much better off throughout the day. Fiber helps this, but it doesn't cure it. I think I've leveled off with the probiotics; I'm just not seeing any increasing benefit anymore.
The solution of spraying water does not seem to work for me; if often just irritates the skin for some reason. And the toilet paper in the crack doesn't feel good to me either, although I have a feeling this solution may be more widespread than people realize: a few times over the years at work, I've seen a piece of toilet paper on the floor near the bathrooms that looked like it had been used for just that purpose. According to my dermatologist, even unscented, white toilet paper can have chemicals that irritate the skin, by the way.
And again, no one, not even most doctors, wants to talk about this openly (my dermatologist is the exception, but she doesn't have any solution beyond the ointments—which did and do help somewhat—and just "keeping fecal matter out of the area"—which is the whole point!). The Wikipedia entry on this (pruritis ani) says that this condition can become a consuming obsession. Hmmm. But anyway, I'm staying active, going to the gym, traveling, going out to events and everything. In the end, a sedentary life is the worse option, and could possibly be a contributor to this condition itself, I think (I mean, what are you sitting on, after all??).
my identical problems startred after a course of antibiotics for diverticulosis, it's either that or something in our food but my doctor doesn't know or want to know about it.
This is bopperg (I couldn't figure out my password and the "help with password" was no help) Anyway... My last post had me trying a new probiotic (align) Unfortunatley, it was no help either. I did try using the metemucil powder and that did help. What's weird is I tried the metamucil pills,early in my butt troubleshooting, which didnt help. I now drink 2 glasses of the metemucil a day and my discharge is a small amount of clear liquid with no smell. Every few hours I give my self a wipe to minimize the burning sensation down there.The problem is much worse during weight lifting,during sex,and if I get hot and sweaty from being outside. Eventually I'll go back to the gastro doc and have an internal hemroid removed,which was close to the inside of my sphincter.But reading this forum, many others have this issue without an internal hemroid.Basically, I think we may have to live with this... I'll post if I have any more usefull info.
bopperg, I do have an internal hemorrhoid, and I keep thinking that's my next step, too. I'm worried that I'll get rid of it and it won't help, but I'll talk to my doctor too. I tried going off the powder for a few days; great for a day or two, but then it went downhill again, so I've resumed the powder.
Seems to get worse after sexual activity for me, too.
Here's a fascinating article, and perhaps a hopeful sign. This well-known scientist/researcher has Crohn's, and he's been measuring his blood, his stool, and all kinds of things to try to figure out a way to beat it. Some info on the many types of flora in the gut, and promising research on how to balance that all out eventually, perhaps including the problem many of us are having.
http://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2012/07/the-measured-man/9018/
I have this condition too..... after taking a course of antibiotics.... leaking yellow, brown, orangey smelly poo.
After reading this thread i started taking metumucil powder drink + naturopathica gastrohealth4, super strength probiotic 20 billion non refrigerated. I spent about $22 on these two items.
After 18 hours, i only get slight clear leakage. Fingers crossed.
One girl at the gym noticed the smell once. I overheard her tell her freind, "that guy smells".
Overcoming this problem would help my confidence greatly.
After reading this thread i started taking metumucil powder drink + naturopathica gastrohealth4, super strength probiotic 20 billion non refrigerated. I spent about $22 on these two items.
After 18 hours, i only get slight clear leakage. Fingers crossed.
One girl at the gym noticed the smell once. I overheard her tell her freind, "that guy smells".
Overcoming this problem would help my confidence greatly.
HI
MY NAME IS JERRY AND I HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM.
I USE COTTON BALLS TO CLEAN IT UP AND SHOVE ONE UP THERE AND SOMETIMES THE LEAKING STOPS AND SOMETIMES IT DOES NOT AND HAVE TO CHANGE THE COTTON BALL SEVERAL TIMES A DAY.
MY NAME IS JERRY AND I HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM.
I USE COTTON BALLS TO CLEAN IT UP AND SHOVE ONE UP THERE AND SOMETIMES THE LEAKING STOPS AND SOMETIMES IT DOES NOT AND HAVE TO CHANGE THE COTTON BALL SEVERAL TIMES A DAY.
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I too, have an internal hemorrhoid and was heading towards that direction. I knew I had it before I got this problem. I keep thinking that after a bowel movement, my internal hemorrhoid could be engorged with blood, which could be pushing against my internal sphincter, allowing it to slightly open. I'm on the same boat with you on whether removing it will solve the problem at all. I know it will solve my bleeding problem if I overexercise during the itchy, burning discomfort. Many people will not know if they have an internal hemorrhoid because they may not have discomfort after a bowel movement.
Okay side from the whole hemorrhoid removal idea, my problem seems to come back now. The fiber pills just arent doing it for me anymore. I seem to have the discharge after every bowel movement. Maybe I should move onto the powder and see if that helps.
Okay side from the whole hemorrhoid removal idea, my problem seems to come back now. The fiber pills just arent doing it for me anymore. I seem to have the discharge after every bowel movement. Maybe I should move onto the powder and see if that helps.
I haven't tried the pills but the granular metumucil has reduced about 80% of leakage
This problem seems to be prevalent among Antibiotic users. Because of this I wonder why the Medical establishment is playing dumb. Not one member here has had their Doctor diagnose this problem. All the doctors play stupid and for what reason I ask? It's now so prevalent that the probiotics pill manufactures are jumping on the band wagon and running TV commercials for "Intestinal upset" due to Antibiotics.
I firmly believe the answer to my question is: Don't cure this problem, just keep them coming back for the billing.
I also have come to the conclusion that the Probiotic pills help, but to a very small degree and after two jars and trillions of probiotics in my intestion I will not buy a third jar. However Metamucil at "1 teaspoon 2 x per day" is the ticket to keeping it under control. It's now been 1 year since this first started and I still get "squishy butt" if I miss my Metamucil for more than 2 days.
I firmly believe the answer to my question is: Don't cure this problem, just keep them coming back for the billing.
I also have come to the conclusion that the Probiotic pills help, but to a very small degree and after two jars and trillions of probiotics in my intestion I will not buy a third jar. However Metamucil at "1 teaspoon 2 x per day" is the ticket to keeping it under control. It's now been 1 year since this first started and I still get "squishy butt" if I miss my Metamucil for more than 2 days.
I am 59 female and have had the anal discharge and fecal discharge for well over a year. It is consistent now with every bowel movement small or large. I have tried all the suggestions, probiotic, fiber, eating healthy, etc. and it is my only consistent. I have had the colonoscopy, rectal exam, etc. Nothing. Further info: when sitting the discharge is not as bad but standing, walking, running, etc. the discharge quickly infects my rectum and can hardly move.
I met with a new doctor yesterday and she has a name for my problem and it makes perfect sense: RECTOCELE aka rectal prolapse. For me it makes perfect sense when sitting the pulge that collects the fecal cannot get out and collects but when standing allows it to move out even though not normal.
research words: pelvic organ prolapse; rectocele; I documentation I received was from Ferri's Netter Patient Advisor 403.
I will keep you posted. I'm going to see a specialist on Aug 23rd.
I met with a new doctor yesterday and she has a name for my problem and it makes perfect sense: RECTOCELE aka rectal prolapse. For me it makes perfect sense when sitting the pulge that collects the fecal cannot get out and collects but when standing allows it to move out even though not normal.
research words: pelvic organ prolapse; rectocele; I documentation I received was from Ferri's Netter Patient Advisor 403.
I will keep you posted. I'm going to see a specialist on Aug 23rd.
All I know is that I've had two doctors prescribe probiotics to me, and I've tried three different ones altogether. I agree: it's the fiber that keeps it under control (I'm taking the "bulk-forming" type; not sure how those results differ from Metamucil).
One thing I don't understand: when a doctor prescribes antibiotics, they tell you to take them for a period of time (10-14 days) and then stop. With probiotics, it's totally open-ended, and no one seems to know which ones work for different people, or against which antibiotics. I'm not saying it's a conspiracy, but shouldn't there be some more research to determine how to use these things? (I'm hoping that the guy in the article I mentioned a few posts above makes some progress.) It certainly does seem like a lot of guessing, and yeah, they keep getting paid every time you go back!
stj: I certainly hope you've found the answer for yourself, but alas, rectoceles apparently only happen in women, so we men will have to wait for a different solution.
One thing I don't understand: when a doctor prescribes antibiotics, they tell you to take them for a period of time (10-14 days) and then stop. With probiotics, it's totally open-ended, and no one seems to know which ones work for different people, or against which antibiotics. I'm not saying it's a conspiracy, but shouldn't there be some more research to determine how to use these things? (I'm hoping that the guy in the article I mentioned a few posts above makes some progress.) It certainly does seem like a lot of guessing, and yeah, they keep getting paid every time you go back!
stj: I certainly hope you've found the answer for yourself, but alas, rectoceles apparently only happen in women, so we men will have to wait for a different solution.
Ive' been eating a big bucket of probiotic yoghurt everyday + pills.
How long until i see the results?
How long until i see the results?
behindit wrote:
Hi good to hear their is a reason for this. At least for women. I did a search on the subject and here is what I found below. Hrdley applicable to men.
Summary
A rectocele is the protrusion of the rectum into the vagina. Risk factors include difficult childbirth and the use of forceps during delivery, but women who have never had children can also develop rectocele. Treatment options include management of constipation, exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor, and a vaginal pessary. Surgery is needed in severe cases.
Jim1960 wrote:
This problem seems to be prevalent among Antibiotic users. Because of this I wonder why the Medical establishment is playing dumb. Not one member here has had their Doctor diagnose this problem. All the doctors play stupid and for what reason I ask? It's now so prevalent that the probiotics pill manufactures are jumping on the band wagon and running TV commercials for "Intestinal upset" due to Antibiotics.
I firmly believe the answer to my question is: Don't cure this problem, just keep them coming back for the billing.
I also have come to the conclusion that the Probiotic pills help, but to a very small degree and after two jars and trillions of probiotics in my intestion I will not buy a third jar. However Metamucil at "1 teaspoon 2 x per day" is the ticket to keeping it under control. It's now been 1 year since this first started and I still get "squishy butt" if I miss my Metamucil for more than 2 days.
All I know is that I've had two doctors prescribe probiotics to me, and I've tried three different ones altogether. I agree: it's the fiber that keeps it under control (I'm taking the "bulk-forming" type; not sure how those results differ from Metamucil).
One thing I don't understand: when a doctor prescribes antibiotics, they tell you to take them for a period of time (10-14 days) and then stop. With probiotics, it's totally open-ended, and no one seems to know which ones work for different people, or against which antibiotics. I'm not saying it's a conspiracy, but shouldn't there be some more research to determine how to use these things? (I'm hoping that the guy in the article I mentioned a few posts above makes some progress.) It certainly does seem like a lot of guessing, and yeah, they keep getting paid every time you go back!
stj: I certainly hope you've found the answer for yourself, but alas, rectoceles apparently only happen in women, so we men will have to wait for a different solution.
Hi good to hear their is a reason for this. At least for women. I did a search on the subject and here is what I found below. Hrdley applicable to men.
Summary
A rectocele is the protrusion of the rectum into the vagina. Risk factors include difficult childbirth and the use of forceps during delivery, but women who have never had children can also develop rectocele. Treatment options include management of constipation, exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor, and a vaginal pessary. Surgery is needed in severe cases.
Probiotic yogurt is not what they say it is. In order to kill microbes for human consumption, the yogurt needs to be heated (pasteurized) and during the heating process it kills any probiotics within the yogurt. So they add Psyllium husk to the yogurt to make you believe the probiotics are keeping you regular. It's a scam.
If you want a real probiotic drink, then drink one glass of Keefer Milk (Trader Joes) daily and take the pills.
Taking the pills and probiotics alone will not stop this problem. It's the fiber drinks that stop it. And after you take the first three fiber drinks, expect an immediate result.
If you want a real probiotic drink, then drink one glass of Keefer Milk (Trader Joes) daily and take the pills.
Taking the pills and probiotics alone will not stop this problem. It's the fiber drinks that stop it. And after you take the first three fiber drinks, expect an immediate result.