Your anal sphincter is a muscle that holds the anus closed so stool doesn't leak out until you're ready to go. When the sphincter doesn't do its job — or if your stool is too loose or even too hard — leakage can happen. Fecal incontinence can occur once in a while or it may happen all the time.
These muscles need to relax to allow for a complete evacuation. If they are too tight or weak, you might not empty your bowels entirely, leading to the need for more wiping. Anal Fissures or Hemorrhoids: Conditions like anal fissures or hemorrhoids can cause more residue to remain.
Fecal incontinence or staining can be the resultant of constipation, not having the correct stool consistency, not fully emptying during defecation, and/or pelvic floor muscle weakness.
Key points about fecal incontinence
It can be caused by diarrhea, damaged muscles or nerves in your rectum, large hemorrhoids, constipation, or chronic illnesses.
Three possibilities that are common: Your bowel movements are not complete. You have a consistency issue and are having some oozing after you pass the solid portion of your BM. You're not cleaning up adequately afterward.
The soiling mostly happens after the bowel has been open (defaecation or using the toilet for your bowels) and for that reason it is called post defaecation soiling. It is generally because the bowel hasn't completely emptied and some of the stool has been trapped low down in the rectum (lowest part of the bowel).
The final type of ghost poop, sometimes called a ghost wipe, is poop that leaves no visible residue on toilet paper after wiping, or no trace after washing — no matter your preferred post-poop hygiene method, you can't find any evidence afterwards.
The most common causes of fecal incontinence include constipation, diarrhea and conditions that damage the muscles or nerves that help you poop. Prior surgeries and procedures can also play a role. Diarrhea: Loose, watery stools are much more challenging for your muscles to hold in than firm ones.
Pancreatic enzyme insufficiency causes pale, fatty, greasy, often foul-smelling stools, which don't easily flush away in the toilet. In terms of colour, the stool could be light green, pale brown, orange, yellowish, or even white. They tend to be frequent, loose, sloppy, and large in volume.
The occasional pebble poop usually means that a person did not get enough fiber or water that day. Minor stomach problems and infections can also temporarily slow digestion, causing constipation. When pebble poop lasts for days or weeks, however, it may be a sign of a serious problem.
Stool could be too soft for your pelvic floor to manage
Less efficient pelvic floor muscles may allow for accidental stool leaks even while you're trying to wipe clean. Plus soft, sticky stool leaves more fecal matter behind after you poop, causing you to have to work through more toilet paper than usual.
Mushy stool with fluffy pieces that have a pudding-shaped consistency is an early stage of diarrhea. This form of stool has passed through the colon quickly due to stress or a dramatic change in diet or activity level.
Medical Factors in Fecal Smearing
Medical problems such as constipation, diarrhea, gastrointestinal issues, and pain sensations can play a role in fecal smearing behaviors.
Health Digest characterizes ghost poops as “the most ideal bowel movement”. “Ghost poops could mean that you're eating (and properly digesting) all the right foods for a healthy bowel movement,” the outlet stated.
Check if you have bowel incontinence
poo leaking out without you being able to stop it. feeling like you need to poo, but not being able to get to the toilet in time.
People with diabetes may experience frequent diarrhea — loose, watery stools that happen at least three times a day. You may have fecal incontinence as well, especially at night. Diarrhea can also be due to metformin, a diabetes medication.
Stools that are pale, clay, or putty-colored may be due to problems in the biliary system. The biliary system is the drainage system of the gallbladder, liver, and pancreas.
Nerve or muscle damage: Any damage to the nerves that signals the need for a bowel movement or the muscles that control bowel movements can cause fecal incontinence. Causes of nerve damage include surgery, childbirth, spinal cord injury or other chronic health conditions, such as diabetes and multiple sclerosis.
Pencil-thin stool: Narrow, pencil-thin stool could indicate a blockage in the colon, often associated with colorectal cancer. This change in shape is a red flag that warrants medical attention. Flat stool: Stools that appear flat or ribbon-like might suggest a narrowing or obstruction in the colon.
The push helps evacuate stool during a bowel movement. It's estimated that up to 30% of women use this technique to occasionally help with bowel movements. "Hook your thumb in your vagina," the TikTok user explains. "You can feel the poop and you can just (pop sound) it out.
Tenesmus refers to a persistent and painful desire to evacuate the bowel, despite having an empty colon. It often involves cramping, involuntary straining, and the passage of little fecal matter. The sensation is not a condition in itself but a symptom of other health issues that can affect the gastrointestinal system.