Sticky poo & the never ending wipe

Natalie Cross • February 17, 2023

Do you have to wipe multiple times to get your bum clean? 

Do you find yourself wiping… and wiping… and wiping after a bowel movement?

Maybe your poo feels sticky, leaves residue around the anus, is difficult to clean, or you feel like there is still some poo left behind even though you've finished.

If this sounds familiar, you're definitely not alone.

An occasional sticky or difficult-to-clean bowel motion is usually nothing to worry about. But if it's happening regularly, it can be worth looking beyond the poo itself and thinking about your poo consistency, bowel habits and how well you're actually emptying your bowel.

What do we mean by "sticky poo"?

"Sticky poo" isn't a medical diagnosis. It's a term people commonly use to describe bowel motions that:

  • stick to the toilet bowl
  • leave a lot of residue when wiping
  • feel difficult to clean
  • require repeated wiping
  • leave small amounts of poo around the anus
  • cause smearing or staining of underwear
  • or leave you feeling like you haven't completely emptied.

And while it can be frustrating (and sometimes embarrassing), there can be several different reasons why this happens.

So, why is my poo sticky?

1. It may be your poo consistency

What your poo looks and feels like can be influenced by a number of things, including:

  • what you're eating
  • how much fibre you're getting
  • your fluid intake
  • changes in your bowel habits
  • constipation or diarrhoea
  • medications
  • and other bowel conditions.

Very loose, mushy or poorly formed poo can be more difficult to clean than a well-formed bowel motion. But here's something that's important to know:

More fibre isn't always the answer. Different types of fibre affect poo consistency in different ways, and increasing fibre without considering the bigger picture isn't necessarily going to solve the problem.

2. You may not be completely emptying your bowel

Sometimes what feels like "sticky poo" isn't actually a problem with the poo at all.  It may be that you're not completely emptying your bowel.

A small amount of poo can remain in the rectum or anal canal after you think you've finished. You may then wipe repeatedly, feel like there's still more to come, or notice more poo appearing shortly after you've left the toilet.

You might also notice that you:

  • need to strain to empty
  • spend a long time sitting on the toilet
  • go back to the toilet several times
  • feel blocked or "stuck"
  • need to change position to help things come out
  • need to press around the vagina, perineum or anus to help empty
  • or need to use a finger to assist with emptying.

These can all be signs of defecatory dysfunction, sometimes referred to as an evacuation or outlet disorder.


3. Your pelvic floor may not be relaxing properly

We often talk about the pelvic floor in relation to bladder leakage or weakness. But your pelvic floor also plays an important role when you poo.

To have a bowel movement, the muscles around the pelvic floor and anus need to coordinate and relax at the right time while pressure is generated from your abdomen.  For some people, these muscles don't relax effectively when they're trying to empty their bowel.

In some cases, the pelvic floor and anal sphincter can actually tighten when you are trying to push.

This is sometimes called dysynergic defecation. It can contribute to:

  • straining
  • difficulty passing poo
  • repeated trips to the toilet
  • incomplete emptying
  • a sensation that poo is "stuck"
  • and the need to wipe repeatedly.

4. There may be another bowel or pelvic floor issue

Difficulty cleaning or completely emptying your bowel can also occur alongside conditions such as:

  • constipation
  • haemorrhoids
  • rectocele
  • pelvic organ prolapse
  • rectal prolapse
  • faecal incontinence
  • and other bowel disorders.

This is why persistent symptoms are worth discussing with an appropriately trained health professional rather than simply assuming you need to eat more fibre or drink more water.

What about the way you sit on the toilet?

Your toileting position can make a difference too. When you're trying to empty your bowel, you want to create a position that allows the pelvic floor and anal sphincter to relax and makes it easier for your rectum to straighten.

For some people, this may mean:

  • sitting comfortably rather than hovering
  • having your feet supported
  • leaning slightly forward
  • relaxing your tummy
  • and avoiding excessive straining.

Your breathing matters too.  Holding your breath and repeatedly pushing hard isn't necessarily the most effective way to empty your bowel. A pelvic health physiotherapist can help you work out what technique and position is most appropriate for you.

Can a pelvic health physiotherapist help?

Yes.  Pelvic health physiotherapists don't just treat bladder leakage and pelvic floor weakness.  Physiotherapists with additional training in bowel and pelvic floor dysfunction can assess how you're emptying your bowel and whether your pelvic floor may be contributing to your symptoms.

Depending on what is going on, treatment may include:

  • education about normal bowel function
  • toileting position and technique
  • breathing and abdominal pressure strategies
  • pelvic floor relaxation and coordination
  • reducing excessive straining
  • bowel habit and routine education
  • advice around poo consistency, fibre and fluids
  • pelvic floor retraining
  • biofeedback when clinically appropriate
  • and helping determine whether further investigation or referral is needed.

For people with dyssynergic defecation, pelvic floor retraining and biofeedback can be an important part of treatment.


When should you see someone?

If sticky or difficult-to-clean poo is happening regularly, it's worth getting some advice — particularly if you also experience:

  • straining
  • incomplete emptying
  • difficulty passing poo
  • faecal smearing or leakage
  • pelvic pressure
  • or needing to manually assist your bowel movement.

And while many bowel symptoms are related to relatively common and treatable problems, some symptoms shouldn't be ignored.  Speak with your GP if you experience things such as:

  • rectal bleeding
  • unexplained weight loss
  • anaemia
  • a significant or persistent change in bowel habit
  • or other concerning bowel symptoms.

You don't have to put up with it

Many people simply assume that excessive wiping, straining or never feeling completely empty is just "how their bowels work."  But it doesn't have to be.

Sometimes the problem isn't the poo itself.  It can be about how your bowel is functioning, how consistent your poo is, or how well your pelvic floor muscles are coordinating and relaxing when you empty.  Understanding what's actually happening can help you work out what needs to change.

The Bottom Line

Sticky poo isn't always about what you've eaten.  If you're constantly wiping, smearing, straining or feeling like you haven't completely emptied your bowel, there may be more going on than simply having "sticky poo".  Poo consistency, bowel habits and pelvic floor coordination can all play a role — and these are things that can be assessed and treated.  You don't have to spend years wiping, straining or wondering whether your bowel habits are normal.  Pelvic Health Melbourne physiotherapists are experienced in assessing and treating bowel and defecatory dysfunction.

More from the blog

Leaking After Kids Is NOT Normal, Even Years Later

By Rita Cruz • October 20, 2026
Still leaking when you sneeze, run, jump or laugh years after having children? You might have been told it's "just part of having kids." It may be common, but that doesn't mean you have to live with it. Why does leaking happen after childbirth? Pregnancy and childbirth place significant demands on your pelvic floor. Changes can affect the muscles, connective tissues and the way your pelvic floor works with your breathing and abdominal muscles. You may notice leaking when you: Cough or sneeze Run or jump Exercise Lift something heavy Laugh Suddenly need to empty your bladder But leaking doesn't automatically mean your pelvic floor is simply "weak." Sometimes the issue is strength. Other times it's coordination, timing, muscle tension, bladder habits or how your body manages pressure. "But my kids are years old..." It's never too late to address pelvic floor symptoms. You may have adapted by wearing pads, avoiding running or jumping, crossing your legs when you sneeze, or always finding a toilet before leaving the house. These things can become so normal that you forget they're symptoms. You shouldn't have to organise your life around your bladder. What can help? A pelvic health physiotherapist can assess what's contributing to your leakage and develop a treatment plan based on your symptoms and goals. This may include pelvic floor muscle training, breathing and pressure management, bladder strategies, strengthening and movement retraining. And no — it's not always as simple as "just do more Kegels." The bottom line Having children can explain why your symptoms started. It doesn't mean you have to accept them forever. Whether your youngest is six months old or 16 years old, pelvic floor symptoms are worth assessing. If you're leaking after having children, talk to a pelvic health physiotherapist. You don't have to put up with it.

The Real Reason Kids Get Skidmarks And It's Not Laziness

By Dennise Smith • October 15, 2026
Finding skid marks in your child's underwear can be frustrating. But before assuming they're being lazy or not wiping properly, there's something important to know: Repeated poo stains can be a sign of constipation. And your child may not be doing it on purpose. How can constipation cause skid marks? When children hold their poo, stool can build up in the rectum. Over time, the rectum can become stretched and less sensitive to the feeling of needing to poo. Softer stool can then leak around the harder stool and into their underwear. This can look like: Brown marks or smears Small amounts of poo in their underwear Strong-smelling underwear Regular accidents despite being toilet trained Your child may genuinely not feel it happening. Why do kids hold their poo? Often, it starts with a painful bowel movement. A child may then become afraid of pooing and start holding it in. You might notice them: Crossing their legs Squeezing their bottom Standing on their tiptoes Hiding when they need to poo Avoiding the toilet Unfortunately, holding on can make the stool harder and larger, creating a cycle of pain → withholding → constipation → leakage. Could the pelvic floor be involved? Yes. To poo comfortably, the pelvic floor needs to relax and coordinate with the bowel and abdominal muscles. Some children have difficulty relaxing these muscles when trying to poo. This can make emptying harder and contribute to constipation and soiling. What can parents and carers do? If your child regularly has skid marks, look for other signs of constipation: Large or hard poos Straining Pain when pooing Tummy aches or bloating Hiding to poo Toilet avoidance Frequent underwear accidents Rather than blaming or shaming your child, speak with your GP or a healthcare professional experienced in children's bowel health. A paediatric pelvic health physiotherapist can assess toileting habits, positioning, pelvic floor coordination and relaxation, and help your child develop more comfortable bowel habits. The Bottom Line Skid marks aren't always a hygiene problem. If they're happening regularly, they may be your child's body's way of telling you they're constipated or struggling to empty their bowel properly. Your child isn't necessarily being lazy—and shame won't fix the problem. If your child is regularly soiling their underwear or struggling with constipation, a paediatric pelvic health physiotherapist can help you work out why and what to do next.

Ever Feel Like You Haven't Finished?

By Rita Cruz • October 12, 2026
Ever finish urinating and immediately feel like there's still some left? Maybe you find yourself sitting on the toilet for longer, going back for a second wee, or returning to the bathroom shortly after. That feeling of incomplete bladder emptying is common, but it's not something you should automatically ignore. Why might this happen? There are several reasons you might feel like you haven't completely emptied your bladder. Your pelvic floor may not be relaxing properly Your pelvic floor muscles need to relax to allow urine to flow freely. If they're tense or you're unconsciously holding them while trying to wee, the bladder outlet may not open as effectively. This can make it feel like you need to push, wait or try again. You're rushing or hovering Your bladder generally works best when you can sit comfortably, relax and give yourself time to empty. Hovering over the toilet, rushing, or constantly tightening your abdominal or pelvic muscles can make it harder to fully relax. And straining or pushing your urine out isn't usually the answer. Constipation can play a role Your bowel and bladder sit very close together. A full or constipated bowel can put pressure on the bladder and may affect bladder sensation and emptying. You don't necessarily need to be severely constipated for this to have an impact. If you're also experiencing bloating, infrequent bowel movements, hard stools or difficulty fully emptying your bowels, it's worth considering the bowel–bladder connection. Your bladder may be sending confusing signals Sometimes the sensation of incomplete emptying doesn't necessarily mean your bladder is actually full. Bladder irritation, urgency, infection and changes in pelvic floor sensitivity can all affect the way you perceive bladder filling and emptying. This is why the sensation you experience doesn't always tell us exactly what's happening. Should you keep trying to "get the last bit out"? You might find yourself doing a second wee immediately after the first, just to make sure you've completely emptied. Occasionally this is harmless, but repeatedly going back and trying to squeeze out more urine can reinforce the habit of checking your bladder. Instead, try sitting comfortably, relaxing your belly and pelvic floor, and allowing your bladder time to empty without pushing. If you consistently feel unable to empty, however, it's worth getting assessed rather than simply trying harder. When should you get checked? Speak with your GP or pelvic health physiotherapist if you regularly experience: A persistent feeling of incomplete emptying Difficulty starting your urine stream A weak or interrupted stream Needing to strain to urinate Needing to urinate again immediately after finishing Frequent or urgent urination Recurrent urinary tract infections Pain or burning when urinating Difficulty emptying your bladder If you suddenly cannot urinate at all despite having a strong urge, seek urgent medical attention. What can a pelvic health physiotherapist do? Your physiotherapist can look at your bladder habits, bowel function, pelvic floor muscle coordination and how you're actually using your muscles when you urinate. Sometimes the answer isn't to strengthen the pelvic floor — it may be learning how to relax it properly. Treatment may include bladder strategies, pelvic floor relaxation, breathing techniques, bowel management and changes to toileting habits. The Bottom Line Feeling like you haven't fully emptied your bladder doesn't always mean your bladder is the problem. Your pelvic floor, bowel, toileting habits and bladder sensitivity can all play a role. If you're regularly finishing a wee and thinking, "I still need to go," don't just keep pushing or making endless trips back to the toilet. Understanding why you're getting that sensation is the first step towards finding a solution.

What Happens to Your Pelvic Floor After Prostate Surgery?

By Derryn Pert • October 9, 2026
Prostate surgery can affect the muscles, nerves and structures that help control your bladder. Urinary leakage is very common in the early weeks and months after surgery, and some men also experience urgency, changes in bladder sensation or sexual difficulties. The good news is that bladder control usually improves significantly with time and the right rehabilitation. Pelvic floor physiotherapy can play an important role in recovery. Why does prostate surgery affect bladder control? The impact depends on the type of surgery and which structures are affected or preserved. Radical prostatectomy During a radical prostatectomy, the prostate is removed. This can affect: · The bladder neck: This normally contributes to urinary control. In some surgeries, it can be preserved. · The external urethral sphincter: After prostate removal, this becomes particularly important for keeping urine in. · The pelvic floor muscles: These muscles support the urethra and help with bladder control. They can become weak, poorly coordinated or, in some cases, overly tight. · Nerves: Nerves involved in bladder and sexual function can be affected during surgery and may take months or longer to recover. · Urethral support: Removing the prostate changes the anatomy and the way the bladder and urethra work together. Surgery for an enlarged prostate (BPH) Procedures such as TURP and TUIP affect the prostate and bladder neck in different ways. The amount of tissue removed and whether the bladder neck is preserved depends on the procedure used. What can you expect after surgery? The first few months Urinary leakage is very common after prostate surgery, particularly after the catheter is removed. Leakage is often worse with coughing, sneezing, lifting, walking or exercise. You may also notice: · Difficulty activating your pelvic floor muscles · Reduced awareness of bladder fullness · Urgency or increased frequency · Pelvic floor tightness or muscle guarding · Changes in sexual function Recovery over time Recovery is different for everyone, but bladder control generally improves significantly during the first 3–6 months. Some men continue to notice improvements beyond 12 months as the pelvic floor muscles and nerves recover and coordination improves. Factors such as age, pre-existing bladder symptoms, prostate size and muscle strength can influence recovery. You may need pads for a while, but needing a pad in the early stages doesn't mean you'll always need one. How can a pelvic health physiotherapist help? A pelvic health physiotherapist can assess how your pelvic floor is working and develop a rehabilitation program specific to you. This may include: · Checking pelvic floor strength, endurance and coordination · Teaching you how to correctly contract and relax your pelvic floor · Bladder training and strategies for urgency · Improving your breathing and muscle coordination during movement · Addressing pelvic floor tightness or pain · Helping you return to exercise and everyday activities · Working alongside your urologist or medical team if further treatment is needed When should you seek help? Consider seeing a pelvic health physiotherapist if you: · Have urinary leakage after your catheter is removed · Are using pads regularly · Have urgency or frequent urination · Have difficulty emptying your bladder · Experience pelvic pain or tension · Are concerned about sexual function · Feel you're not making progress with your exercises Frequently Asked Questions How soon can I start pelvic floor exercises? Pelvic floor exercises can generally begin after your catheter has been removed, once your surgical team says it is appropriate. Don't perform pelvic floor exercises while your catheter is in place. Will I need pads after prostate surgery? Many men use pads during the first few weeks or months. Leakage usually reduces as the pelvic floor and bladder control mechanisms recover. What if my leakage doesn't improve? If leakage continues despite consistent pelvic floor exercises and bladder training, speak with your urologist. Further treatment options may be available, including surgical options for persistent incontinence. Can pelvic floor physiotherapy help with erectile dysfunction? Pelvic floor rehabilitation may support sexual function after prostate surgery, although erectile difficulties can also be related to nerves and blood flow. Your physiotherapist can work alongside your medical team as part of your recovery. The Bottom Line Prostate surgery can temporarily disrupt the muscles and structures responsible for bladder control, but leakage is not something you simply have to put up with. Recovery takes time, and everyone's journey is different. The right pelvic floor exercises, bladder strategies and individualised rehabilitation can help you regain bladder control and confidence after prostate surgery. You don't have to manage it alone. Our pelvic health physiotherapists can assess what's happening, make sure you're doing the right exercises for your body and help you work towards getting back to the things you enjoy.