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Mumsnet has not checked the qualifications of anyone posting here. If you need help urgently or expert advice, please see our domestic violence webguide and/or relationships webguide. Many Mumsnetters experiencing domestic abuse have found this thread helpful: Listen up, everybody

How do I deal with my husbands hygiene going forward?

279 replies

Itsapersonalhygieneone · 16/04/2026 16:09

Hi, NC for obvious reasons. Sorry it's a tad long. There is so much more than the below but I need your advice how to deal with this going forward.

My husband has a hygiene problem that I am struggling to deal with and sick of having to deal with it. I want to make it clear that before I tell you the next part of this, he has been like this for a long time. This isn't a new thing but his medical situation now has exacerbated things.

My husband had a perianal abcess 2 years ago which has developed into a fistula. He is waiting on surgery and has been added to a list to now guarantee him surgery in 12 weeks. I am sick of him not washing properly in general, but more so now he has this fistula as it leaks fluid and will smell if not kept clean.

I have gone into the bathroom this morning and he has left a face cloth he has used to wipe his bum on the sink with streaks of shit on it. He didn't have a shower last night either, he has also not brushed his teeth.

This probably sounds like not a lot but I will summarise below things he does or doesn't do.

  1. He has shields and pads of various shapes sizes and texture to put over his fistula but doesnt wear them. This means the fluid leaks on his boxers/clothes. This smells and can also cause infection.

  2. Due to not wearing pads when he sits on the loo he leaves marks of fluid on the seat which he doesnt wipe, that is left to me.

  3. When he showers, the bum issues aside, he doesnt wash 100% and so when he dries himself he leaves dirt marks on the towel. He works in construction so muddy etc.

  4. He uses the soap in the shower and puts it back on the ledge with dirt all over it, dirt all over the shower tray etc.

I am actually so sick of it and his shit literally. We go around this cycle every few weeks and he improves then is all goes back to the same place.
It isn't a MH issue, he is on antidepressants when MIL passed away 3 years ago. He was like this before that.

I have sent him a message today re the cloth and saying it's either a MH issue or he is a lazy bastard. I said if it is the latter it stops today, if it is MH he needs a medication review.
I know with that last part I sound like a heartless cow. 💔

OP posts:
Itsapersonalhygieneone · 23/04/2026 13:55

I want to wait until I have the correct advice as to whar steps i need to take regarding the house and vehicles. He isnt stupid he knows it is over without me saying the words over and over. I told him I am done.

OP posts:
LouiseMadetheBestBroccoliPasta · 23/04/2026 13:59

Itsapersonalhygieneone · 23/04/2026 13:55

I want to wait until I have the correct advice as to whar steps i need to take regarding the house and vehicles. He isnt stupid he knows it is over without me saying the words over and over. I told him I am done.

I hope you manage to see a solicitor ASAP. It must be hard to have him still in your small space.

Leavesandthings · 23/04/2026 19:47

It's in crappy limbo right now but it will pass.
You are doing all the right things.

Hopefully meeting your friend will be a chance to relax, vent, laugh and look forward to the future x

BountifulPantry · 23/04/2026 19:51

Glad you’re seeing a friend OP. Take care of yourself.

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