Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Protection built in.

Meet the Other Phone.
Protection built in.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
General health

Mumsnet doesn't verify the qualifications of users. If you have medical concerns, please consult a healthcare professional.

Original poster

Bum... issue

30 replies

Yuckyyuckyuckity · 27/12/2023 17:35

NC for this because well, it's embarrassing.

I have an ongoing issue with bum... residue. For context I am female, mid 30's, normal weight, no major bowel issues just sluggish bowels/mild constipation every now and then. I tend to have a bowel movement every 2-3 days which has been normal for me for years.

The last few months I have had this issue. When I go for a bowel movement, I always wipe until I'm clean. Often that's using water (eg I wet the loo roll under the tap to wipe more thoroughly) but not always. Either way, I wipe till completely clean.

Yet a couple of hours or so later, I will feel a bit icky there, go to the loo and wipe, and lo and behold there is residue when I wipe my bum. It's brown so obviously is poo, but often it's not the same shade of brown as my most recent one and it doesn't smell the same. Obv there is a bit of a faeces smell but the main smell is foul in a different way. I can't describe it. It's a bit yeasty, but I've tested for thrush and don't have it, plus I tried canesten anyway and it didn't do anything. Also I don't have any itching or soreness at all, front or back. I always wipe front to back. I have a shower daily. (I'm trying to provide all the info possible that someone may ask me!)

I've been to the GP, they looked down there but all normal. I don't have piles.

What the heck is this? It's not hygiene, because I always wipe till clean. Even after I've had a shower and cleaned thoroughly, inevitably a few hours later I will get that dirty feeling and the residue will be there, even if I've not had a bowel movement since the shower. Also I never used to have this issue, but it's been ongoing the last few months now. I don't feel any leakage and I never get skid marks in my underwear, it's literally just residue around my butt hole basically.

It's driving me insane. I feel so disgusting. Can anyone help please?

OP posts:
Chuffaluffa · 27/12/2023 18:21

Following as having similar issues. Sorry you’re also suffering.

Original poster
Yuckyyuckyuckity · 27/12/2023 20:05

Hopeful bump

OP posts:
Original poster
Yuckyyuckyuckity · 28/12/2023 10:42

Anyone at all?

OP posts:
Cluborange666 · 28/12/2023 10:45

Sounds like IBS to me. I spent a lot of money on woo stuff like colonic irrigation, having my poo analysed etc, had a colonoscopy etc etc only to discover (via the Fodmap diet) that I just can’t tolerate garlic, onions or dairy.
You’re obviously also constipated btw. You need to take Fibogel every day (dr recommended it to me). One poo every 2/3 days raises your risk of bowel cancer.

LightSpeeds · 28/12/2023 10:51

Is it mucous?

Original poster
Yuckyyuckyuckity · 28/12/2023 10:54

Very occasionally it will be a bit mucousy, but generally no.

Also never any bleeding.

OP posts:
Bemyclementine · 28/12/2023 10:57

I get this too OP but I have minor case of piles after DC2 birth, and I put it down to that.

RainbowZebraWarrior · 28/12/2023 10:57

Cluborange666 · 28/12/2023 10:45

Sounds like IBS to me. I spent a lot of money on woo stuff like colonic irrigation, having my poo analysed etc, had a colonoscopy etc etc only to discover (via the Fodmap diet) that I just can’t tolerate garlic, onions or dairy.
You’re obviously also constipated btw. You need to take Fibogel every day (dr recommended it to me). One poo every 2/3 days raises your risk of bowel cancer.

I'd also echo this as I've been through the same diagnostic / process of elimination. (Literally - i did an elimination diet for 6 montsh with an allergy dietitian) Dairy, garlic and onions for me too as well as a few other culprits like alcohol and some fruit and veg.

With me it also causes itching which drives me mad. All the more reason to follow my FODMAP to the letter.

Another possibility is Bile Acid Malabsorption. Usually occurs in those with high fat diets.

Get it checked out to be sure.

MerryCheesemas · 28/12/2023 10:57

I was told by my DD’s GP that when she’s constipated the bowel will naturally produce stuff to help the process. What you’re seeing could be that, which suggests trying to get on top of your slow transit.

marmaladeandpeanutbutter · 28/12/2023 12:08

You are not obviously constipated. Research says that 3 times a day to once every 3 days is ok and normal (Tim Spector study).

shearwater2 · 28/12/2023 12:11

I'd try doing pelvic floor exercises every day and see if it improves.

Vroomfondleswaistcoat · 28/12/2023 12:15

Have you tried...ummm, pushing down a little (like bearing down or when you're having a poo) when you wipe? I've found that sometimes there's some residue that gets stuck just up inside and comes out if I fart or am very active. I can usually avoid it by pushing as I wipe just to get that last little bit off.

Good grief, this is something I never thought I'd write...

Cluborange666 · 28/12/2023 12:16

marmaladeandpeanutbutter · 28/12/2023 12:08

You are not obviously constipated. Research says that 3 times a day to once every 3 days is ok and normal (Tim Spector study).

My GP told me that even if you go ever other day, your risk of bowel cancer is doubled. Every three days would be worse. I think the FODMAP diet plus Fibogel would sort it all out. I eat a much higher fruit and veg diet these days (FODMAP friendly) and don’t need the Fibogel now as I go at least once a day. Think we need to talk about these things a lot more. I didn’t know the harm I was doing to myself in always being constipated (I had a lot of symptoms inc the itchy bum, bladder problems, bloating etc). I’m much better now.

Cluborange666 · 28/12/2023 12:16

marmaladeandpeanutbutter · 28/12/2023 12:08

You are not obviously constipated. Research says that 3 times a day to once every 3 days is ok and normal (Tim Spector study).

My GP told me that even if you go ever other day, your risk of bowel cancer is doubled. Every three days would be worse. I think the FODMAP diet plus Fibogel would sort it all out. I eat a much higher fruit and veg diet these days (FODMAP friendly) and don’t need the Fibogel now as I go at least once a day. Think we need to talk about these things a lot more. I didn’t know the harm I was doing to myself in always being constipated (I had a lot of symptoms inc the itchy bum, bladder problems, bloating etc). I’m much better now.

Wherethewildthymeblows · 28/12/2023 12:20

On an occasional basis (ie from time to time, not all the time) this is entirely normal for me. I have had IBS to one degree or another all my life. Its been a lot worse in the last 5 years, but still IBS (have had every test and investigation going). I'd say it sounds like you have a degree of IBS too.

CattingAbout · 28/12/2023 12:41

I wonder if you are actually more constipated than you think, and it's overflow soiling (small amounts of runny poo squeezing round a harder blockage further up). I'd try taking some stool softeners and trying to get up to at least a poo every day for a few weeks.

Whoopstheregoes · 28/12/2023 13:08

NC for this.

I actually have a GP appt this pm to discuss the same as your issue. I will let you know what they say.

marmaladeandpeanutbutter · 28/12/2023 13:15

@Cluborange666 I have a high fruit and veg diet myself and don't share the OPs issues personally. I'm just quoting recent, respected research.

MooBaggage · 28/12/2023 14:38

Following because I also have this - but to be honest thought everyone was like this..?! I do have IBS symptoms (undiagnosed) - basically the opposite to you, where I'll go to the loo 3 - 4 times a day and have very runny poos, so just assumed the residue problem is due to that. The IBS is on my list to go to the GP about in 2024 - Happy New Year.... 🙄

comfyoldcardi · 28/12/2023 14:53

Did GP check for rectocele? Sometimes you can get residue stuck in the bulge and it leaks once you stand up/walk around. I remember seeing this on Embarrassing Bodies.

Original poster
Yuckyyuckyuckity · 28/12/2023 17:52

Thanks everyone. Tbf my diet hasn't been great over the last couple of years (I used to be super healthy, but motherhood and all that comes with it has made me reach for alllll the sugar a bit too often) and I suspect that has a lot to do with it. And I know I don't drink enough water which doesn't help.

The constipation thing is debatable, yeah I agree that every 2-3 days is not great but any GP I've discussed it with has said that it can be normal for some. It would be so nice to be a clockwork once a dayer!

I've always had low grade IBS issues as well, gassiness and bloating etc. I think it's become so normal that I barely notice! Going to make a conscious effort to combat this in 2024!

OP posts:
Original poster
Yuckyyuckyuckity · 28/12/2023 17:53

Defo no rectocele @comfyoldcardi but this is great to know and hopefully helps others!

OP posts:
Whoopstheregoes · 29/12/2023 12:44

Saw the GP. I have been told to do exercises for the muscles in my bottom. They also said I had several skin tags so all in all, no reason why I am leaking so just to try the exercises and keep hygiene up. They also gave me a FIT test to complete. Also said if it does not improve within 3 months, to go back.

Seaoftroubles · 29/12/2023 14:53

@Whoopstheregoes what were the exercises that the Dr suggested? Was it similar to pelvic floor exercises but for your bottom?

Swipe left for the next trending thread