My husband has been having a problem lately. After defecating, it takes him a long time to wipe because not all of the stool is released. There isn't any blood released or abnormal pain. Is this serious?

T.F.

Your husband is not alone. Many people experience a change in the frequency, appearance or consistency of their stools. The most common reasons for such changes include stress (such as a recent move or job change), a change in eating habits, and medications. Less frequent causes of a change in bowel habits include metabolic diseases, inflammatory diseases of the bowel and even colon cancer. So, to be on the safe side, any significant changes in bowel habits (especially the sudden onset of constipation) should be reported to your doctor so an appropriate evaluation can be done.

In your husband's case, there are several possible explanations. One reason that his stool may be more difficult to wipe may be that it has developed a softer consistency. Increased consumption of fatty foods can soften the stool, so reducing the amount of fat and increasing the amount of fiber in the diet may help. Another possibility may be incomplete emptying of the stool from the rectum caused by hemorrhoids or an anal fissure. Obstruction of the rectum due to a polyp or a tumor could also cause such symptoms. However, an obstruction also is usually accompanied by occasional rectal bleeding and constipation. Certain disorders affecting the nervous system can also affect the ability of the rectum to completely empty the stool.

It would be a good idea to discuss this situation with your husband's doctor. Only after performing a physical examination, will the physician be able to make a recommendation on what might be done to diagnose and treat the source of your husband's problem.