Show Medically reviewed by Emelia Arquilla, DO — Written by Rachel Nall, MSN, CRNA on January 12, 2021 Share on PinterestScience Photo Library / Getty Images 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 fistulaAn 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 tagsAnal skin tags are skin growths that develop from recurrent friction, irritation, or inflammation. Common causes include:
Anal skin tags may catch stool and make it difficult to clean the rectal area after a bowel movement. Bowel leakageBowel 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. HemorrhoidsHemorrhoids are swollen veins inside or outside the rectum. They can cause symptoms such as itching, pain, and bleeding. Hemorrhoids are pretty common. Research estimates that 1 in 20 adults in the United States and about half of adults 50 and older have hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids may make it difficult to get completely clean because stool can catch on them. Pruritus aniThis condition is also known as anal itching. It can result from skin irritation, such as from:
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:
Men can face similar issues, including:
Several methods can improve feelings of cleanliness after a bowel movement. Use wet wipesWet 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 directionAlways wipe from front to back so you don’t introduce unwanted bacteria into the urethra. Rinse clean with a bidet or rinse bottleA 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 wipingExcessive 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 padSometimes, 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:
Just as there are tips to try, there are also things to avoid. These include the following:
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:
Talk with your doctor if OTC treatments aren’t working for your bowel and wiping issues. They can prescribe or recommend treatment, such as:
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. Last medically reviewed on January 12, 2021
I tend to end up with little bits of rolled up toilet paper stuck to my labia after I wipe. I have to try to pick them all off by hand after nearly every time I pee, and I'm always afraid I may have missed some. What brand(s) of toilet paper can I buy that're sturdy enough to avoid this problem? Go for the cheapo brands - I like the basic Scott rolls. All the fancy "quilted" or "super soft" or "like a blanket on your bum" fancy styles always leave annoying lint. The Scott Tissue 1000-sheets-per-roll kind, or any of its generic equivalents. You could also try flushable wipes. They're sturdy enough. Seconding flushable wipes. I converted from TP a few years ago and cannot imagine going back. Data point: the Costco brand (Kirkland) sucks, don't waste your time or money. Be cautious with flushable wipes if your ladyparts are at all prone to irritation. Most of them have a scent added to the long list of ingredients. Also, Consumer Reports recommends that wipes should go in the trash instead of the toilet because of plumbing issues - Google "softball plumbing clogs" if you're really really brave. You're wiping wrong. Try blotting, not rubbing. cottonelle Nthing Cottonelle - the double roll size. (triple seems too thick and cumbersome IMO). Yeah, change your technique. Dab gently instead of swiping or rubbing and you'll cut down on the bit-sticking. Seconding (thirding?) Scott tissue 1000 sheets a roll kind. Definitely wipe more gently, or dab only. That will solve most of the problem. And watch out for thick toilet paper and flushable wipes if you have older plumbing. Those things simply do not work in my (old) house. Seconding Trader Joe's house brand. I have very sensitive and persnickety bits, most tp is too lint-y, or the softeners or chemical bleach irritates my skin. Same thing with the wipes, can't use them regularly (the burning!) I use Costco's brand - and have never had this problem. If you live near a Target, their house brand Up & Up is very good. IIRC, it is a top performer on Consumer Reports, too. I came in to warn you about Cottonelle. I've had bad bad experiences with it. I trust Charmin Ultra. Had the same problem- Charmin Ultra is awesome! « Older We have a date -- now what? | Backup software copying entire contents of laptop... Newer » This thread is closed to new comments. |