Gastrointestinal Issues: When Bowel Movements Become Irregular

My lower body feels completely off?

Recently, I have been experiencing irregular bowel movements.
I used to have a consistent routine of two bowel movements a day (once in the morning and once in the evening), but now I feel the urge to go throughout the day.
However, when I do go to the bathroom, I only pass a small amount, just a little bit each time.
It feels like there is always stool in my rectum.
Sometimes, I have to strain hard to pass a stool that is only about the size of a small thumb, and then I no longer feel the presence of stool.
At times, I also feel a wet, sticky sensation around my anus, as if fluid is leaking out.
The most concerning issue is that my anus is constantly contracting, which leads to soreness and numbness in the inner thighs, and it can also cause difficulty urinating.
Occasionally, I experience a sensation where I feel the urge to have a bowel movement but it turns out to be a need to urinate, or vice versa.
I apologize for the complexity of my issues; I wonder if these problems are interconnected.
If there is indeed a problem, which medical specialty should I consult? Thank you, doctor, for taking the time to respond.

ugvb, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2009/09/30

Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology

Hello, if you are experiencing constipation, feeling that there is stool in the rectum that you cannot fully evacuate, or experiencing contractions of the anal sphincter, it is advisable to pay attention to your diet and consult a colorectal surgeon or a gastroenterologist.
Wishing you good health.
Sincerely, Dr.
Lin Ming-Hui, Taoyuan Hospital, Department of Health.

Reply Date: 2009/09/30

More Info

Understanding gastrointestinal issues can be quite complex, especially when symptoms like irregular bowel movements, discomfort, and confusion between bowel and urinary urges arise. Based on your description, it seems you are experiencing a range of symptoms that could be indicative of several underlying conditions, primarily related to functional gastrointestinal disorders.

Firstly, the changes in your bowel habits from regular movements to feeling a constant urge to defecate, yet producing very little, suggest a possible case of constipation or a functional bowel disorder such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). IBS is characterized by abdominal pain or discomfort associated with changes in bowel habits, which can include constipation, diarrhea, or alternating between the two. The sensation of incomplete evacuation, where you feel as though there is still stool in the rectum after a bowel movement, is a common symptom of IBS.

The feeling of wetness or mucus discharge from the rectum could also be related to IBS or could indicate a condition known as rectal tenesmus, which is the sensation of incomplete evacuation and can be accompanied by mucus discharge. This can occur due to increased sensitivity of the bowel or inflammation, which may not always be visible on standard tests.

The symptoms of leg numbness or discomfort you mentioned could be related to prolonged straining during bowel movements or could be a result of nerve compression due to pelvic floor dysfunction. The pelvic floor muscles play a crucial role in bowel and bladder control, and any dysfunction in this area can lead to overlapping symptoms between bowel and urinary issues.

Given the complexity of your symptoms, it is advisable to consult a gastroenterologist, who specializes in digestive system disorders. They can perform a thorough evaluation, which may include a physical examination, a review of your medical history, and possibly further diagnostic tests such as a colonoscopy or imaging studies to rule out any structural abnormalities or inflammatory conditions.

In the meantime, consider keeping a symptom diary to track your bowel habits, dietary intake, and any associated symptoms. This information can be invaluable for your healthcare provider in determining the best course of action. Additionally, lifestyle modifications such as increasing dietary fiber, staying hydrated, and regular physical activity can help improve bowel function. Stress management techniques may also be beneficial, as stress can exacerbate gastrointestinal symptoms.

In summary, while your symptoms may seem interconnected, they could stem from a functional gastrointestinal disorder like IBS or pelvic floor dysfunction. A visit to a gastroenterologist will help clarify the diagnosis and guide appropriate treatment options tailored to your specific needs.

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