Anal Seepage

[jta2006]

Over the past few weeks, I have been experiencing some anal seepage. I am a young, in shape, straight male. I will go to the restroom and have a bowel movement, make sure I wipe thoroughly, and start to feel some discomfort back there after a short time. I go back and rewipe, finding mucus on the toilet paper. This problem is very uncomfortable and embarrassing. I am afraid that this problem may be a sign of something more dangerous. Thanks for all of your help.

[boron]

Mucus can be due to infection, inflammation or a polyp (also a cancer, but not likely, if you're young).

1. Stool test for microorganisms and blood will be necessary to rule out infection and bleeding.
2. Colonoscopy, or first sigmoidoscopy (only the last part of colon investigated) is needed to find inflammation

[CalGal]

Mucus is produced as a normal part of the process of protecting the bowel. The majority of the digestive tract is lined by mucus, however, we typically don't notice it. The production of mucus can be more visible when the GI tract is irritated or otherwise facing a challenge.

It's possible it may be seeping if you're experiencing hemorrhoids, since the tissues may not properly 'close down' or retract after a bowel movement. It's time to check with your doc.

[drubes82]

I have the same problem as you.Sometimes I actually get a stain all the way through my pants and it`s so embarrassing ! I`ve been to the doctor ,had a colonoscopy and still I have this problem.I do believe it is due to my problem with 1 hemoriod I`ve had for years.I was told to use some kind of a drying agent but it still doesn`t work.I suggest seeing your doctor.

[boron]

Yes, it can be connected with internal hemmorhoids or other rectal issue, which can be checked by SIGMOIDOSCOPY.
augs.org/custom/kb/answer.cfm?id=37

The cause can be often treated with a simple surgical or laser procedure.

[nandy1]

I am a 26 year old male with Hepatitus C. I was diagnosed with this years ago and so far my liver in imflamed but otherwise working well. Last nite I awoke and found the I had leaked this brown mucus like liquid onto my bed from my anus. I then got up to go the the washroom and a bit more came out and it felt like a needed to have a movement and the need to push but nothing came out. This is greatly worrying me as I am afraid it could be a sign of liver failure. What could have caused this.

[boron]

The only change in the stool, which speaks for liver disease, is the PALE color and/or sticky/foamy stool, which means, less bile is excreted.

The fact, that you were not able to hold the mucus, speaks for some physical change in the rectum or anal canal, which prevents normal anus closing. In most cases this is from hemorrhoids (internal or external), but it could also be a polyp, or inflammation or infection of rectum - proctitis. If the mucus was greenish, it is possible that more bile was excreted - this results from its impaired absorption.

[boron]

Actually...in hepatitis C, cholestasis (the blockage of bile excretion from the liver into intestine) may occur, and bile acids enter the blood, and from there, they may increase secretion from colonic wall.

http://www.medscape.com/medline/abstract/9571377?src=emed_ckb_ref_0

[memeanne]

I have had diarrhea for over 3 weeks now and for the past 7 nights have experienced anal seepage.  I'm not talking about a little mucous, but alot of liquid stool coming out.  I've had to change night clothes 2 to 3 times nightly, as well as towels, sheets, etc. I am a 52 year old female who had a small hemorrhoid a couple of weeks ago that I attributed to straining while having bowel movements.  I've had a colectomy and only have about 18 inches left.  My M.D. doesn't seem to know what the problem is.  I am taking over the counter diarrhea meds to try and stop it, but the anal seepage is more worrisome to me than the diarrhea.  Can anyone help me with this?

[boron]

Which part of the colon was removed? Ileocecal valve remained? Do you feel bloated and gassy?

[kat250]

my dad had colon cancer surgery over 10 years ago he is 79 years old and in great health for his age.  They removed a tumor and a valve is gone.  He is tortured by the seepage and it has pretty much kept him confined to the house and afraid to go out, because he never knows when it is going to happen.  He takes immodium sometimes, but does not want to interfer with regular bms.  Does anyone have any suggestions for things he can eat or do to stop this or at least subside?

[CalGal]

Kat, the best suggestion I can come up with is to use or eat as much fiber-rich foods/products as is comfortable. The more fluids the fiber can 'sop up' perhaps the less seepage will occur.