Q:

I have irregular bowel movements and sometimes I feel like I have to poop and only a boogery clear substance comes out. Also sometimes my poops are very skinny and short. My anus often stretches too much and breaks open and bleeds when my bowel movements are moderate or too large. I know I have had hemriods in the past. I have not seen a doctor for either of these issues.

Why does my anus split so often and sometimes I secret a boogery clear substance?

 

A:

You are describing rectal mucus and anal fissuring, which can happen for a variety of reasons.  Most common (and least concerning) is irritable bowel syndrome which can lead to the irregular stool pattern with cramping, gas, urgency, mucus, constipation and diarrhea.  The most effective prevention is plenty of fluid intake and natural fiber, such as psyllium (metamucil) on a daily basis to create more bulk in the stool, which keeps more fluid and softens the stool, easing the passage.  That is the first thing to try.

These symptoms can also be from more concerning causes, such as food intolerance (lactose or gluten), anal infections from sexually transmitted infections, inflammatory bowel conditions such as colitis or Crohn's Disease, or (rare under the age of thirty) rectal cancer.  So if your symptoms don't improve within a week or two with increasing fluid and natural fiber, you do need to be evaluated in clinic.

~The Doc