Why Do I Have to Endlessly Wipe After a Bowel Movement?

Multiple medical issues — such as abscesses and fistulas — can make cleaning after a bowel movement more challenging or leave you feeling not fully clean.

If it seems like you’re going through half a roll of toilet paper after each bowel movement, there’s a good chance an underlying problem is contributing.

Ideally, wiping following a bowel movement should take two or three swipes of toilet paper. If you’re consistently needing more, try the suggestions below and see a healthcare provider if the problem continues.

What causes excessive wiping?

Occasional extra wiping can happen to anyone. But when it becomes a persistent issue, one of the following conditions might be responsible.

Anal abscess or fistula

An anal abscess is an infection of the anal glands that produces pain, redness, and drainage at the rectum. That discharge may include blood, pus, or stool. If not treated, an abscess can evolve into a fistula.

Abscesses and fistulas can create pockets that trap stool, making you feel like you must wipe repeatedly.

Anal skin tags

Anal skin tags are benign skin overgrowths that form from repeated friction, irritation, or inflammation. Typical causes include:

• chronic diarrhea
• constipation
• hemorrhoids
• Crohn’s disease

These tags can catch fecal matter and make it hard to clean the area completely after a bowel movement.

Bowel leakage

Bowel leakage, also called fecal incontinence, happens when you have difficulty retaining bowel movements. You may leak stool when passing gas or experience leakage at various times during the day.

Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids are swollen veins located inside or around the rectum. They can cause itching, pain, and bleeding. Stool can get caught on hemorrhoids, making complete cleaning difficult.

Problems from not wiping well

Wiping after a bowel movement is about more than comfort. Failing to remove all fecal material raises the risk of problems such as:

• itching and skin irritation
• urinary tract infection (UTI)
• vaginitis

Helpful wiping techniques

Several approaches can improve how clean you feel after using the toilet.

Use wet wipes

Wet wipes can reduce the irritation that dry toilet paper sometimes causes. Choose unscented, sensitive-skin formulas to minimize the chance of irritation.

Do not flush wipes down the toilet; they can cause clogs.

Wipe in the right direction

Always wipe from front to back to avoid transferring unwanted bacteria toward the urethra.

Try a bidet or rinse bottle

A bidet sprays water upward to cleanse the rectal area. A rinse bottle should be squeezed from the front so the water flows back toward the rear.

Avoid aggressive or excessive wiping

Vigorous or repeated wiping can aggravate the rectal skin. Instead of scrubbing, consider rinsing with water using a bidet attachment or rinse bottle.

Wear an incontinence pad

If you frequently have stool leakage, an incontinence pad can help you feel fresher by absorbing some stool and protecting underwear.

Change pads often; a soiled pad left against the skin can lead to irritation.

Other measures that may help

Beyond improving wiping technique, the following actions may address root causes that make cleaning difficult:

• Soak in an Epsom salt bath or take a sitz bath to reduce rectal inflammation. This can relieve itching and discomfort after bowel movements.
• Increase water and fiber intake to add bulk to stools and make them easier to pass.
• Use an over-the-counter stool softener to decrease straining that can worsen hemorrhoids.

Avoid fragranced products near the rectal area — such as scented toilet paper, lotions, or soaps — since they can be irritating.

Also avoid foods and beverages that can upset your digestive system and cause diarrhea. Triggers vary but may include:

• artificial sweeteners
• caffeine
• spicy foods
• onions

Learn more about related concerns, such as how persistent hair in the rear crease can create hygiene challenges: hairy butt crack, and about natural options that might ease symptoms of hemorrhoids: essential oils for hemorrhoids.

When to see a healthcare professional

Seek immediate care for sudden, severe pain associated with bowel movements or unexplained bleeding. Blood in the stool can make it look bright red or dark and granular, like coffee grounds.

See a clinician if over-the-counter measures aren’t effective. They may suggest:

• Bowel training: Establishing regular bathroom times can help reduce episodes of fecal incontinence.
• Pelvic floor therapy: Your doctor can refer you to a pelvic floor specialist who will teach exercises to strengthen muscles and reduce leakage.
• Prescription medications: Medications may be prescribed to treat underlying problems that interfere with cleaning, such as hemorrhoids, constipation, anal fistulas, IBS, or inflammatory bowel disease.
• Surgery: In uncommon cases where conservative and medical treatments fail, surgery may be recommended to address severe leakage.

The takeaway

If you feel like wiping endlessly after a bowel movement, you’re not alone. There are practical strategies you can try to feel cleaner without relying solely on more toilet paper.

If home remedies don’t help, consult a healthcare professional. Your symptoms could signal an underlying condition, and timely diagnosis and treatment can make you more comfortable.