Unexpected Discovery During Wiping: What Could It Be?
While I was cleaning myself after using the restroom, I noticed something protruding from my rear. Curious, I grasped it gently with toilet paper and pulled, and to my surprise, it came out easily. I’m a 17-year-old guy, and I can assure you that I’ve never inserted anything into that area. What might this strange thing be? Could it possibly be a tapeworm?
Answers (1)
6/21/2025, 7:20:29 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds concerning to notice something unusual during your personal hygiene routine. Based on your description, it's possible that what you felt could be a hemorrhoid, a skin tag, or even an anal polyp, rather than a tapeworm. Here's a breakdown to consider:
What Could It Be?
- Hemorrhoids: These are swollen blood vessels in the rectal area and can protrude during or after a bowel movement, often causing discomfort or bleeding.
- Skin Tags: Sometimes, extra skin can develop around the anal area, which may be mistaken for something more serious.
- Anal Polyps: Non-cancerous growths in the rectal area could also protrude if they become irritated or inflamed.
Next Steps
- Observe Symptoms: Keep an eye on any additional symptoms like pain, bleeding, or changes in bowel habits.
- Gentle Cleaning: Continue to maintain proper hygiene to keep the area clean, avoiding any harsh scrubbing. Use soft toilet paper or moistened wipes.
- Avoid Probing: Resist pulling or prodding the area further to avoid irritation or causing potential injury.
- Monitor Changes: If the protrusion reappears, changes in size, or if you experience any discomfort, note these symptoms.
Reassurance
While it’s natural to worry about unusual changes in the body, many causes are benign and treatable. If you continue to feel uneasy about the situation, gather your observations, and consider discussing them with a healthcare professional. They will provide tailored advice based on your specific symptoms and history.
Please let me know if you have any further questions or need more information.
Related Questions
Concerns About My Mole on the Upper Arm
I've had a mole on my upper arm for about a month now, and it's been unchanged since I first noticed it. I'm starting to wonder whether it could be a cause for concern. What do you think?
Is It Safe to Consume Soup Made from Fridge Produce?
At first glance, this inquiry may seem unusual, yet it arose during an incident when my mother and I unknowingly returned home with a bedbug fogger and proceeded to open the refrigerator. I'm a 13-year-old Asian, weighing between 80 to 90 pounds, and I don't have any diagnosed health issues.
Unexpected Torso Bruising After Ludwig’s Angina Hospitalization
I appreciate any insights you can offer! I am a 47-year-old woman with a medical background including ulcerative colitis, which led to a complete colectomy and j-pouch creation in 1998 and 1999 due to toxic megacolon. Additionally, I have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and recently underwent a uterine ablation in May 2025. I also cope with PTSD largely due to past medical traumas. Currently, I'm on a regimen that includes duloxetine, buspirone, prazosin, and amitriptyline. I take phenergan when necessary and use cannabis-based edibles for nausea related to my previous colitis condition, especially under my medical card. Last Sunday, I began experiencing discomfort in my lower left jaw, which escalated by the evening to a near intolerable level of pain. My dentist examined me the following day, diagnosing a molar abscess. He prescribed antibiotics, specifically amoxicillin, and recommended an endodontist for further treatment. I began the amoxicillin on Monday at 2 PM and also took Tylenol for relief. By Monday night, I had not shown any significant swelling. However, overnight on Monday into Tuesday, my face and neck swelled dramatically, making my appearance quite alarming—comparable to that of a bullfrog. The pain persisted intensely, and my neck/jaw area became red and heated. I struggled initially to swallow and then started feeling like I was not getting enough air. Concerned, I called my dentist, who advised me to head to the emergency room right away. Upon my arrival at the ER Tuesday afternoon, I underwent triage, blood tests, and a CT scan with contrast, which resulted in a diagnosis of Ludwig’s Angina. I was immediately started on IV antibiotics and admitted to the hospital. I remained hospitalized for a total of five days. The primary objectives during my stay were pain management and reducing both swelling and infection. I received IV antibiotics every 4 to 6 hours, in addition to oral gabapentin three times daily. Initially, I was on IV pain relievers, specifically toradol and dilaudid, which were phased out before my discharge. I am now prescribed 5 mg oxycodone every 4-6 hours for pain management. Additionally, I received a daily oral prebiotic and nightly lovenox injections, as well as simethicone to alleviate digestive issues caused by the antibiotics. Upon my return home today, I noticed several small purple bruises—approximately 10 to 12—on my torso, roughly the size of a quarter. They are located on both sides of my body and do not cause pain nor feel warm. I cannot recall any incidents or activities that might have led to these bruises. Concerned, I did some quick research and found that such bruising could be indicative of sepsis or other blood-related conditions, which worried me given my severe infection and cellulitis from Ludwig’s angina. Therefore, my question is whether I should seek immediate attention at the ER again, or if it is acceptable to wait until I can follow up with my primary care physician early next week. Thank you for any assistance during this daunting and painful chapter. Please let me know if you need further details! I am truly grateful for any guidance.
Seeking Advice on Tongue Issues
Greetings. I'm reaching out as I'm experiencing an issue that concerns me regarding my tongue. I am a 27-year-old male residing in the United Kingdom and identify as White British. I've noticed that my tongue tends to rest unusually high, leading to discomfort in my daily life. Additionally, I have another concern: it appears to sit lower than it should, and I can actually feel my epiglottis making contact with it. I wanted to get insights or advice from doctors or anyone knowledgeable about this matter.
Seeking Advice for Tight Foreskin Issues
I'm a 22-year-old male from the US, and I've experienced tightness in my foreskin throughout my life. This has nothing to do with scarring, infections, or any underlying medical issues. I'm looking for advice on how to proceed. Should I start by talking to my general practitioner? What can I expect from that visit? Will the GP suggest a treatment plan or refer me to a specialist like a urologist? Any insights would be greatly appreciated as I'm feeling quite uncertain about my next steps.