Unusual Bowel Movements: What You Need to Know

Strange conditions

I have a question for the doctor and hope to get some clarification.
I'm not quite sure how likely it is for stool to pass without any sensation.
This concern arose a few days ago when I went to the bathroom in the morning, wiped myself, and confirmed that there was no stool left.
However, later that evening while showering, I felt a long, tubular object.
Is this normal? In the morning, I had a bowel movement, and then I felt some discomfort after drinking tea, which made me feel like I needed to go again.
I went to the bathroom, but nothing came out, and I was certain of that.
Yet, later that night, I felt that long object.
It seemed very strange that I had no sensation throughout the day, and there was no odor until I noticed it while showering.
Typically, shouldn't there be a feeling of heaviness? To be honest, when I used toilet paper to remove the object, I didn't look closely, but I saw it was brown and assumed it was stool.
However, when I was washing, I clearly touched it, and it felt soft and elongated.
I want to know, is stool really that soft? It didn't seem to break apart when I pressed on it, and the water remained clear without any discoloration.
Is this definitely stool, or could it be some kind of secretion? Is this situation normal, and could it have any impact on my health?

Lei, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/07/18

Dr. Ke Fangxu reply Surgery

Indeed, this phenomenon can occasionally occur, particularly when the stool is softer.
As long as there are no episodes of incontinence, it is not a concern.
However, if such episodes do occur, it is advisable to consult a physician to examine whether there are any issues with anal sphincter pressure.

Reply Date: 2021/07/18

More Info

Understanding unusual bowel movements can be quite perplexing, especially when they involve unexpected sensations or findings. Based on your description, it seems you experienced a situation where you felt confident that your bowel movements were complete, yet later discovered a long, soft object during personal hygiene. This raises several questions about what might be happening in your gastrointestinal system.

Firstly, it is important to understand that the bowel can sometimes retain small amounts of stool, which may not be felt or perceived during the initial bowel movement. This can happen for a variety of reasons, including the presence of gas, the consistency of the stool, or even the sensitivity of the rectal area. In some cases, if the stool is particularly soft or formed in a way that allows it to remain in the rectum without causing a strong urge to evacuate, it may not be expelled completely. This could explain why you felt no sensation of needing to go again after your initial visit to the bathroom.

The fact that you later discovered this object during your shower suggests that it could indeed be a small amount of stool that was retained. The soft, elongated shape you described is consistent with the form of stool, especially if it was not hard or dry. It's also worth noting that stool can vary in consistency based on diet, hydration levels, and overall digestive health. If you have been consuming more fiber or fluids, this could contribute to softer stools.

Regarding the absence of a strong odor, this is also not unusual. Sometimes, stool that is retained may not have the same odor intensity as freshly passed stool, particularly if it has been in the rectum for a shorter period of time. The rectum can also contain mucus, which is a normal secretion that helps lubricate the passage of stool. This mucus can sometimes be mistaken for stool, especially if it is in a long, thin shape.

As for the sensation of not feeling a "drop" or urge to evacuate, this can be influenced by various factors, including anxiety, stress, or even the body's natural rhythms. Some individuals may experience a heightened awareness of their bowel movements, while others may not feel the need to go until the urge is quite strong.

In terms of health implications, if this is an isolated incident and you are not experiencing any other symptoms such as pain, bleeding, or significant changes in your bowel habits, it is likely not a cause for concern. However, if you find that this happens frequently, or if you experience discomfort, changes in stool color, or any other unusual symptoms, it would be wise to consult a healthcare professional. They may recommend further evaluation to rule out any underlying gastrointestinal issues.

In summary, while it may feel unusual to discover a long, soft object after believing you had completed your bowel movement, it is not necessarily abnormal. Variations in bowel habits can occur due to many factors, and as long as you are not experiencing distressing symptoms, it may simply be a quirk of your digestive system. However, maintaining open communication with your healthcare provider about any ongoing concerns is always a good practice for your overall health and peace of mind.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Unusual Bowel Movements: When to Seek Medical Advice

Hello Doctor, In the past week, I have noticed an increase in my food intake, and I find myself going to the bathroom 4-6 times a day. I often feel the urge to go again shortly after finishing a bowel movement. Before each bowel movement, I tend to pass gas repeatedly. The shap...

Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: Softer stools may become narrower when passing through the anal canal due to compression. Hemorrhoids could also lead to this outcome, and it is not necessarily a tumor. You might consider dietary adjustments (reducing irritant foods). If the issue persists, you should con...

Understanding Abnormal Bowel Movements: When to Seek Medical Attention

Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing unstable bowel movements for a long time. In recent years, I have had intermittent constipation, mostly passing small, pellet-like stools or sometimes formed stools, and occasionally loose stools. After bowel movements, I often notice mucus ...

Dr. Chen Shidian reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Bleeding is likely due to anal fissures. It is important to pay attention to hydration, consume fruits and vegetables, and engage in regular exercise. If necessary, the use of stool softeners is recommended. If concerned, a medical examination with an anoscope can be performed.

Understanding Unusual Stool: Dark Floating Particles and Gastrointestinal Concerns

Hello, doctor. Today I had a very unusual bowel movement. It was loose and disintegrated easily with water, and there were floating substances resembling seaweed. The stool had a very dark color, and the water around it was a deep yellow. The odor was much stronger than usual. Wh...

Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: You can start with a light diet and then monitor your bowel movements. There's no need to worry too much. If the situation does not improve, you may visit a gastroenterologist to see if a routine stool examination is necessary. Changhua Hospital cares about your healt...

Understanding Abnormal Bowel Movements: Symptoms and Concerns

Recently, I have been experiencing abnormal bowel movements that are not smooth. Previously, my stools were normal, golden yellow, and had little odor. However, lately, they have been wet, sticky, and very foul-smelling, with a strange orange-red color. Sometimes, there are strea...

Dr. Xu Kaixi reply Surgery
Blood in the stool, along with changes in gastrointestinal function and bowel habits, as well as alterations in stool characteristics, are all abnormal symptoms. Possible diagnoses range from hemorrhoids to other serious gastrointestinal diseases, and the severity should not be t...