Ever since I gave birth for the first time many years ago, most of the time after a bowel movement, I have to wipe and wipe and wipe and, later, I find I have to wipe some more. It can take a whole day to get clean back there. It just seems like poop is oozing out all day long. I can never find anything about this on line and am embarrassed to ask my doctor. What is this?

Dear Ginny,

There is a very high increase in seemingly endless ass-wiping after giving birth. But usually its the baby's butt that needs it, not your own.

Sometimes childbirth can cause some damage to the pudendal nerve or the anal sphincter resulting in fecal incontinence. The damage can be caused by the "pushing" during delivery of the baby, or from a cut (episiotomy) or tear that involves the perianal area. Kegel exercises that strengthen the muscles in the pelvic floor can be helpful in reversing this problem.

It also would not be a bad idea to mention this to your doctor at your next visit. No need for you to be embarrassed. He has seen your butt in worse shape than just having a little poo coming out of it.

Thanks for asking Motherload!

Motherload is a Certified Nurse Assistant as well as an IBS sufferer, which means she knows a lot about poop. Got a question for her? Ask it here. [1]