Addressing Fecal Leakage: Seeking Solutions
Hello, I find myself in a rather uncomfortable situation and I'm seeking advice. I'm 18 years old, standing at 6 feet tall, and weighing approximately 190 pounds. A little while back, around three months ago, I think I developed a very minor external hemorrhoid, likely due to my workout routine. Coinciding with this issue, I've noticed an unpleasant sour odor lingering in my underwear after a full day, and even appearing shortly after I shower. This is a completely new experience for me, as I have never encountered such a smell coming from that area before. It seems like there might be some leakage occurring. Sometimes, even when I’m just sitting down to have a bowel movement, I can detect this undesirable scent. This situation is quite distressing, and it has really affected my self-esteem due to the embarrassment it causes. I'm hoping for some tips or suggestions on how to eliminate this odor, perhaps through the use of certain creams or treatments. It's important to mention that this problem isn't related to my personal hygiene routine; I take care to clean myself properly.
Answers (1)
2/6/2026, 12:20:44 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're dealing with a challenging and uncomfortable situation, and your feelings of distress are completely understandable. Let's break down the key points: you’re experiencing potential fecal leakage which is accompanied by an unusual odor, possibly linked to your exercise routine and the minor hemorrhoid you mentioned.
Explanation
Fecal leakage, or involuntary loss of stool, can happen for various reasons, including muscle weakness, hemorrhoids, or changes in bowel habits. The sour odor you're noticing could be due to residual stool or moisture in the area, which may also relate to hygiene products or diet. It's important to acknowledge that while this may feel embarrassing, you are not alone, and there are steps you can take.
Next Steps
-
Dietary Adjustments: Consider tracking your diet for any foods that could cause excessive gas or changes in bowel consistency, such as dairy, high-fat foods, and certain fibers. Adjusting your diet can sometimes help with bowel control.
-
Hydration & Fiber: Ensure you're drinking plenty of water and incorporating enough fiber into your diet to keep your bowel movements regular and avoid straining.
-
Strengthening Exercises: Engage in exercises that strengthen the pelvic floor muscles. Kegel exercises can be helpful in improving muscle tone and control in that area.
-
Hygiene Practices: In addition to your current routine, consider using unscented wipes after cleaning to ensure you're thoroughly clean without irritating the area. Also, wearing breathable cotton underwear can help reduce moisture.
-
Over-the-Counter Solutions: While creams may provide comfort for external hemorrhoids (like witch hazel or hydrocortisone creams), they won't necessarily address the odor or leakage. Look for products specifically designed for incontinence, which may help manage any residual moisture.
-
Keep Track of Symptoms: Monitor your symptoms for any changes. If the issue persists or worsens, it's essential to seek professional advice.
It's vital to remember that while this situation feels personal and distressing, you are taking a proactive step by seeking solutions. If needed, remain open to discussing this with a healthcare provider for further evaluation and tailored advice. You deserve to feel comfortable and confident, and addressing these concerns is an important step in that direction.
Related Questions
Concerns About Measles Exposure After Outbreak at Work
We have not experienced any symptoms, and both of us received our vaccinations during childhood. Recently, one of our coworkers was identified as the initial case of measles within the state and has since been hospitalized. The workplace is a smaller manufacturing facility, employing around 30 people, many of whom are unvaccinated. Given this situation, do we need to take any specific actions? Is it still possible for us to transmit the virus despite being vaccinated? We are uncertain about the necessary safety measures to adopt. Our employer hasn't communicated anything regarding the outbreak; we only learned about it when we saw our workplace mentioned in the news.
Managing Fever with NAFLD
At 31 years old, I've been dealing with some health challenges. In September, I discovered I had non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) due to abnormal enzyme levels revealed in an ultrasound. Although my latest results show a decrease, my enzyme levels remain somewhat elevated, with a moderate accumulation of fat noted. My doctor advised against using acetaminophen for pain relief. Interestingly, my father, who has a more severe case with significantly higher enzyme levels, was allowed to use acetaminophen but not ibuprofen. Since my diagnosis, I've avoided both medications. However, I am currently suffering from a cold accompanied by a fever of 100.2 degrees, which is quite uncomfortable. I reached out to my healthcare provider for advice, but since it's late at night, I probably won't receive a response until tomorrow. For context, I am on a treatment regimen that includes 20mg of Abilify and 50mg of Pristiq, and I do not consume alcohol. Today, I also took Sudafed PE twice to help with my symptoms.
Scaly Rash Emerging Near Cat Bite
I am a 30-year-old female, and I recently noticed a small, red rash that is raised and scaly around a bite I received on my calf from a fully vaccinated indoor cat. This rash is not warm, swollen, painful, or itchy and emerged roughly a week after the incident. The outline of the rash is distinctly defined, resembling a diamond shape, and is approximately the size of my thumbprint. I have a history of eczema from my childhood, and I have also been diagnosed with combined symptoms of Lupus and Scleroderma, in addition to mucous membrane pemphigoid; however, all of these conditions are currently well managed. The rash does not appear to be infected, and I’ve come across information suggesting that skin injuries can lead to the development of autoimmune sores in the same area. What might be the cause of this rash?
Racing Heart, High Fever, and Dizziness: All Tests Negative
Age 25, male. No prior health concerns, not on any medication, no known allergies, and no history of substance abuse. I do drink alcohol occasionally. This morning around 4 AM, I awoke to an alarming sensation of my heart racing. Upon attempting to rise from bed, I immediately felt dizzy and unstable, so I quickly sat back down, just managing to avoid fainting. It was then I decided to call emergency services. The ambulance team and the emergency room staff conducted a full examination, which included checking my vital signs, an EKG, and blood sugar levels, but they found little of concern. They performed additional tests including a blood panel and a chest x-ray, both of which yielded normal results. However, the hospital did note that I had a fever of 103 degrees. They administered IV fluids along with Toradol, which effectively lowered both my fever and heart rate. Although they suspected my elevated pulse rate was linked to the fever, they could not ascertain the initial cause of the fever itself. I was advised to take Ibuprofen, stay hydrated, and to return if I experienced dizziness again or if my fever persisted after three days. Throughout this ordeal, I have not exhibited any typical signs of illness, such as nausea, vomiting, a cough, sore throat, or nasal congestion. I am curious about what might have caused such a sudden spike in my temperature and heart rate.
The Discomfort of Norco: A Personal Reflection
As someone who stands 5 feet 11 inches tall and weighs 195 pounds, my medical journey has included battling stage 4 colon cancer, which has led me to experiment with various analgesics over the years. I find myself wondering why hydrocodone, in particular, triggers feelings of anxiety, a sense of unease, and general discomfort for me, whereas oxycodone tends to have a profoundly soothing effect (though that isn’t its intended purpose in my case). Currently, I am coping with a painful hernia and feel the need to discuss my responses to medications with my physician. However, I want to ensure that I do so without coming off as someone who is simply seeking drugs. They have recently provided me with a prescription for Norco, reminding me once again of my aversion to it.