Long-Term Bowel Irregularities: Causes and Concerns

Long-term irregular bowel movements?

Hello, doctor.
I have been experiencing irregular bowel movements since I was 17 years old, which is now 7 years ago.
Although I have a regular daily bowel movement, the stool feels formed when it passes through the anal opening but disintegrates in the toilet.
An X-ray taken at that time indicated the presence of retained stool and possible irritable bowel syndrome.
Despite maintaining a regular routine and exercise habits, there has been no improvement.
Recently, I have often been passing mucus stools, where the front part is formed stool and the back part is either watery diarrhea or a long, thin stool.
The consistency varies daily.
Even though I drink plenty of water, exercise twice a week, and have maintained a low-fat, low-salt diet for nearly a year, I would like to know if this type of bowel pattern is related to hemorrhoids or colorectal cancer.
Should I consult both a gastroenterologist and a colorectal surgeon for further evaluation? Additionally, could a trace result in a stool occult blood test be related to this issue? I have also been under significant stress lately; is there a greater correlation between my gastrointestinal issues and this stress?

Lin, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/10/02

Dr. Ke Fangxu reply Surgery

Although the probability of developing colorectal cancer at the age of 24 is not zero, it is generally very low.
Based on your description, it seems more likely to be irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), which is often related to diet and stress.
It is recommended to start with a light diet and maintain a good lifestyle.
Spicy, irritating, and greasy foods should be avoided, and increasing dietary fiber intake can also be beneficial.
If symptoms persist without improvement, you may consult a physician for medication or to undergo a colonoscopy.

Reply Date: 2022/10/02

More Info

Understanding long-term bowel irregularities can be quite complex, especially when symptoms persist despite lifestyle changes. Based on your description, it seems you have been experiencing a range of bowel issues for several years, including the passage of formed stools that then disintegrate in the toilet, mucus in your stools, and variations in stool consistency.
Firstly, it’s important to recognize that bowel irregularities can stem from a variety of causes, including dietary factors, stress, and underlying gastrointestinal conditions. The symptoms you describe, such as the presence of mucus and the inconsistency in stool form, could be indicative of several conditions, including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), which is characterized by abdominal pain and altered bowel habits. IBS can lead to both constipation and diarrhea, and stress is known to exacerbate symptoms.

The presence of mucus in the stool is not uncommon and can occur in conditions like IBS or even infections. However, it can also be a sign of more serious conditions, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or colorectal cancer, especially if accompanied by other symptoms such as significant weight loss, blood in the stool, or persistent abdominal pain.

Regarding your concerns about hemorrhoids or colorectal cancer, it’s essential to consider your age and the duration of your symptoms. While hemorrhoids can cause changes in bowel habits and discomfort, they are generally not associated with the type of stool changes you are describing. On the other hand, colorectal cancer can present with changes in bowel habits, especially in individuals over 50 or those with a family history of the disease. However, at 24 years old, the likelihood of colorectal cancer is relatively low, but it should not be entirely ruled out, especially given your symptoms.

The trace of blood in your stool (as indicated by a fecal occult blood test) can be concerning and warrants further investigation. While it could be due to benign causes such as hemorrhoids or anal fissures, it can also indicate more serious conditions. Therefore, it is advisable to follow up with a gastroenterologist for a comprehensive evaluation, which may include a colonoscopy to visualize the colon and rectum directly.

In terms of managing your symptoms, maintaining a balanced diet rich in fiber, staying hydrated, and managing stress through relaxation techniques or counseling can be beneficial. Since you mentioned that you have been under significant stress, it’s worth exploring stress management strategies, as stress can significantly impact gastrointestinal health.

In conclusion, given your symptoms and the presence of blood in your stool, it is prudent to seek further evaluation from both a gastroenterologist and possibly a colorectal surgeon. They can provide a thorough assessment and determine if any diagnostic procedures, such as a colonoscopy, are necessary to rule out serious conditions. Early intervention is key in managing gastrointestinal issues effectively, so don’t hesitate to seek the care you need.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Bowel Issues: Causes and Solutions for Irregular Stool

Doctor, I would like to ask about my recent bowel movements. Sometimes my stool is in a complete cylindrical shape, while at other times I experience diarrhea-like, mushy stools coming out simultaneously. I maintain an exercise routine and consume yogurt, but I still cannot resol...

Dr. Hu Guozheng reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Dear Ian, Changes in bowel habits are actually quite common. Aside from pathological conditions such as intestinal inflammation or tumors, benign factors can also lead to these changes, such as alterations in diet and lifestyle, stress, changes in gut microbiota, or intolerance...

Understanding Long-Term Stool Changes: Dietary Issues or Gastrointestinal Concerns?

Hello doctor, I have noticed that for the past few months, my stools have been more like a lump rather than a formed log, but they are not watery enough to be considered diarrhea. I also feel discomfort during intestinal peristalsis. Could this be related to my diet, or is it pos...

Dr. Chen Shidian reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
If there is no weight loss or blood in the stool, it is mostly due to motility disorders (such as irritable bowel syndrome). However, if there are concerns, a stool occult blood test can still be performed.

Understanding Long-Term Constipation: Causes, Effects, and Solutions

1. I have been experiencing chronic constipation for over 20 years, primarily straining to have bowel movements, which has led to decreased bowel function. Now my stools are soft, and sometimes I experience cramping diarrhea that I cannot pass without taking a deep breath. What c...

Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
1. After abdominal surgery, the intestines are more prone to adhesions, leading to chronic constipation. Sometimes, holding one's breath can increase abdominal pressure, which may assist in bowel movements. 2. A barium enema is an examination of the lower gastrointestinal ...

Understanding Anal Health Issues from Long-Term Constipation Habits

Long-term habits of withholding bowel movements can lead to several anal conditions. In your case, the history of constipation during childhood may have contributed to issues such as anal fissures, hemorrhoids, or even fecal impaction, which can result in abnormal odors and disch...

Dr. Hou Yongji reply Surgery
Dear netizen: 1. Please consult a colorectal surgeon for a detailed evaluation. 2. Is "holding in bowel movements" referring to constipation? I cannot provide further explanation without understanding its meaning. 3. Our hospital's website contains some educational...