Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Causes Incontinence Of Feces, Fecal Smell And Rectocele?
Question: I have been told that I have a fecal smell. I was diagnosed with a rectocele. It takes about an hour each day to have a complete bowel movement. I have to digitally stimulate my anal region and make sure that I have movement(s). I also swipe my anal region profusely to make sure it is completely devoid of feces. I do this thinking that no feces in my anal region will keep the smell at bay. However, I think I might be over-cleaning my anus and would like to know if this could be the cause of my odor.
Brief Answer:
To rule out incontinence
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Welcome to Healthcare-Magic'
Greetings of the day
Dear Ms,
The most commonest cause of fecal smell are
1. Incontinence of feces
2. Any infective/discharging lesion in the peri-anal region
3. Are you able to smell the fecal smell?
Rectocele alone does not cause incontinence of feces. If there is no soiling of your undergarments between two bowel movements then there is no incontinence. Excessive cleaning or prolonged contact with water can cause fungal infection of the region, which could also be associated with smell.
Thorough examination of the peri-anal region, ruling out any genital infection an incontinence is required.
1.Do you have any itching or redness in peri-anal region?
2. Is there any discharge from surrounding?
3. Is there any vaginal discharge?
Awaiting your response
Take Care
Best Regards
Dr T Shobha Deepak
MBBS,MD
To rule out incontinence
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Welcome to Healthcare-Magic'
Greetings of the day
Dear Ms,
The most commonest cause of fecal smell are
1. Incontinence of feces
2. Any infective/discharging lesion in the peri-anal region
3. Are you able to smell the fecal smell?
Rectocele alone does not cause incontinence of feces. If there is no soiling of your undergarments between two bowel movements then there is no incontinence. Excessive cleaning or prolonged contact with water can cause fungal infection of the region, which could also be associated with smell.
Thorough examination of the peri-anal region, ruling out any genital infection an incontinence is required.
1.Do you have any itching or redness in peri-anal region?
2. Is there any discharge from surrounding?
3. Is there any vaginal discharge?
Awaiting your response
Take Care
Best Regards
Dr T Shobha Deepak
MBBS,MD
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you for your prompt response! No, I don't have any itching or redness in the peri-anal region. I do not have fecal incontinence. I've had a defecography and barium enema done, but no problems there. The only thing that the specialist said was that there seemed to be an obstruction -that the uterus was prolapsed and pressing against the anal region. However, I don't think they believed this would impact my bowel movement in a major way. It is confusing tI have difficulty having bowel movements. I guess you can call it constipation (and I get enough fiber). The rectocele was the result of childbirth trauma. Although I don't have any abnormal vaginal discharge and
Brief Answer:
Perineal Exercise will be helpful
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Dear Ms
Retroverted non gravid uterus is unlikely to press on the rectum and cause the symptoms of constipation.
The cause of constipation could be due to never injury sustained during child birth. Do not worry it recovers back.
I would suggest you the following
1. Ensure good intake of water and fiber in diet daily.
2. Avoid excessive washing of area.
3. Seitz Bath: to a tub of lukewarm water add handful of common table salt. Sit in it for 15 to 20 minutes and after that have Bath. The warmthness will relax the muscle and stimulate the nerves and help in passing stools.
4. Perineal Exercise will be helpful.
Do keep me updated
Take care
Best regards
Dr T Shobha Deepak
MBBS, MD
Perineal Exercise will be helpful
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Dear Ms
Retroverted non gravid uterus is unlikely to press on the rectum and cause the symptoms of constipation.
The cause of constipation could be due to never injury sustained during child birth. Do not worry it recovers back.
I would suggest you the following
1. Ensure good intake of water and fiber in diet daily.
2. Avoid excessive washing of area.
3. Seitz Bath: to a tub of lukewarm water add handful of common table salt. Sit in it for 15 to 20 minutes and after that have Bath. The warmthness will relax the muscle and stimulate the nerves and help in passing stools.
4. Perineal Exercise will be helpful.
Do keep me updated
Take care
Best regards
Dr T Shobha Deepak
MBBS, MD
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
It's been more than 8 years since I had my last child. The problem still persists even after lots of rehabilitative exercises and tests. I will try the sitz bath and see how that works. I maintain a very healthy lifestyle with regular exercise and diet, which includes drinking lots of water and getting enough fiber. At this point, I am just very confused. If this is indeed an infection from too much cleaning, what should I do? Should I see a colo-rectal specialist or is this something that can be addressed by my primary care physician?
Brief Answer:
Initial assessment by primary care physician
Detailed Answer:
Dear Ms,
I would suggest assessment by pimary care physician initially.
TAke Care
Regards
Dr Shobha
Initial assessment by primary care physician
Detailed Answer:
Dear Ms,
I would suggest assessment by pimary care physician initially.
TAke Care
Regards
Dr Shobha
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
