Can a hemorrhoid cause a false urge to defecate?

[Bravefire]

For more than six months I've been suffering from a 'false sense of defecation' - a feeling that I might need to pass a stool, no matter how inconvenient/impossible that might be.

It's causing major disruption to my daily activities, because I always feel that I should be close to a toilet. Paradoxically, my BMs are always normal and regular but that does nothing to make me feel less anxious about the problem.

I have a hemorrhoid which protrudes most of the time - suspect that must interfere with sphincter control - and wonder if it's causing the false 'call to stool'?

Also, when I fart a small amount of stool - justa smear -  lands in my anus and usually needs a wipe if I'm to be comfortable. Could that also be connected with the hemorrhoid?

Any thoughts much appreciated.

[Bravefire]

Thank you very much for that helpful reply.

I've had a full blood work up with good results and clear CT scan (with contrast) of my abdomen and pelvis.

What sort of hormonal/endocrine issues might be at work here?

[S. Kaul, MD]

Hi there!

Well, without a detailed clinical evaluation it would be difficult to determine the cause of your symptoms. Possibilities that may need to be considered include stress/ anxiety, hormonal/ endocrine causes, IBS, primary GI motility issues, infection/ inflammation, malsorption syndromes, metabolic issues, medication side effect, growths/ masses (including haemorrhoids) etc. I would suggest considering an evaluation by a primary care physician or a gastroenterologist and depending on the cause identified, a management plan can be initiated accordingly.
Hope this is helpful.

Take care!