There are things that we have always wanted to ask a doctor, but we have not dared out of shame. Don't worry because today we will do the dirty work for you. Ideally, you should need to clean up a couple of times after pooping. Cleaning once, twice or three times is probably totally normal.
But in case you're wondering, it's not crazy to spend time thinking about your butt cleaning habits, as they can give you clues about your gut health.
How to clean your butt depending on the type of poop?
Soft or mushy poop
If there is a lot of loose or pasty stools, you probably didn't empty things completely. You may need to give yourself more time next time or reconsider your position. Using a toilet stool, leaning forward, and avoiding clenching your jaw or wrinkling your face can help you have a complete bowel movement.
Sticky stools that make cleaning difficult can also indicate lactose intolerance . Or it can also be an indication of a gastrointestinal condition . Celiac disease or certain types of gastrointestinal infections are also causes of sticky stools.
If what you are cleaning is greasy or oily, then there may be a malabsorption problem. This means that the food you eat is not breaking down as it should, which may indicate a problem with your intestines, pancreas, or liver. This is called steatorrhea , and you will know something is up because it is bad-smelling poop.
Formed stool
If you only have to clean once, that's great!
Most people with loose, formed stools will not notice any residue on their toilet paper after a single wipe.
If this is your case, do not clean yourself too much, because when it is not necessary, you can irritate the area.
Small or hard poops
There are times when you think you don't even need cleaning because your poop is small and hard, and it can be a sign of being constipated. Constipation is defined as having fewer than three bowel movements a week and hard, dry stools.
In that case, increase your intake of dietary fiber or consider taking a fiber supplement. Fiber-rich foods include fruits, vegetables, beans, lentils, and whole grains.
Constipation can also occur as a result of taking medications or supplements or an underlying gastrointestinal condition, such as irritable bowel syndrome with constipation.
However, not cleaning at all can also be totally normal. If there is no effort and you are regular, then you are fine . The most important thing here is the quality of your stool, not the number of times you need to clean.
Stools that are somewhat soft, easy to pass, and have small cracks are the gold standard for stools. It means that you are drinking a lot of water and getting enough fiber for a proper bowel movement.
Blood appearances
It is worth looking at the toilet before flushing the toilet. Do you see blood? There are a few reasons why you shouldn't be concerned about bright red blood, such as hemorrhoids .
Exerting yourself (or pushing too hard) causes the blood vessels in the anus to stretch too much. The veins become bulky and irritated, which can often cause painless bleeding during a bowel movement. These usually go away on their own, or you can relieve symptoms (such as itching) with creams.
Even if you think they are hemorrhoids, you can go to your doctor. Blood when cleaned cannot just be expelled. It is extremely important that you tell your doctor, as other causes must be excluded.
How many times should you wipe?
The truth is that cleaning is an individual preference. You probably find that you have a standard number of times that you tend to clean, and that can vary from person to person.
However, if you notice that your bowel movements suddenly deviate from your norm and you have other new symptoms (such as a change in bowel habits, bloating, and / or abdominal pain), it is important to talk to your doctor, who may need to investigate further.
Bottom line: clean until clean. Over-cleaning can cause irritation, so go about business, wash your hands, and get on with your day.
