Incomplete Bowel Movements: When to Seek Medical Help

Incomplete bowel evacuation?

In elementary school, my bowel movements were normal, with yellow, solid stools that felt like they were completely emptied.
Now that I'm in high school and trying to lose weight, I've been eating more high-fiber foods, fruits, and vegetables to maintain a balanced diet.
Every morning, right after I wake up, I eat an apple, and shortly after, I feel the urge to go.
However, the stools that come out are not complete; they are softer than a solid piece but not liquid, and they are thinner than what I had in elementary school.
Some of the stools are separated.
I haven't had a complete bowel movement in several years.
Sometimes I feel the urge but can't go.
Previously, after several days without a bowel movement, I drank a lot of water, and when I finally went, the stool was somewhat hard and dark, and there was some blood.
I looked online and found that it could possibly be colon cancer.
Which department should I visit to find out what is wrong with my bowel movements?

Ru Ru, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2015/10/28

Dr. Cai Jinji reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology

You can first consult a colorectal specialist.

Reply Date: 2015/10/28

More Info

When dealing with incomplete bowel movements, it's essential to understand the underlying causes and when to seek medical help. Your description of having soft, incomplete stools, occasional hard stools, and even blood in your stool raises some important considerations that warrant further investigation.

Firstly, it's good to hear that you are focusing on a high-fiber diet, which is crucial for maintaining healthy bowel movements. Fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help improve stool consistency and promote regularity. However, the fact that you are experiencing incomplete bowel movements and have not passed a complete stool in years suggests that there may be more to your situation than just dietary factors.

The presence of blood in your stool is particularly concerning. While it can be caused by benign issues such as hemorrhoids or anal fissures, it can also indicate more serious conditions, including colorectal cancer, especially if you are experiencing changes in your bowel habits. Given your age and symptoms, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional as soon as possible.

In the United States, the appropriate specialist to consult for bowel-related issues is typically a gastroenterologist. They specialize in diagnosing and treating conditions related to the gastrointestinal tract, including the esophagus, stomach, intestines, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. A gastroenterologist can perform various diagnostic tests, including a colonoscopy, which allows direct visualization of the colon and rectum, and can help identify any abnormalities such as polyps, inflammation, or tumors.

In addition to a colonoscopy, your doctor may recommend other tests based on your symptoms, such as imaging studies or stool tests. These can help rule out conditions like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), infections, or functional bowel disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

It's also important to consider your overall health and any other symptoms you may be experiencing. For example, weight loss, changes in appetite, or persistent abdominal pain should be discussed with your doctor, as they can provide additional clues about your condition.

In summary, if you are experiencing incomplete bowel movements, especially with the presence of blood, it is crucial to seek medical attention promptly. A gastroenterologist will be able to assess your symptoms, perform necessary tests, and provide a diagnosis and treatment plan tailored to your needs. Remember, early detection and intervention are key to managing any potential gastrointestinal issues effectively.

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