Q. What are possible differential diagnosis if one feels that the bowel movement was not complete?

Doctor Answer is medically reviewed by SecondMedic medical review team.

Answered by Secondmedic Expert

If you experience a feeling of incomplete bowel movement, it could be due to a number of different medical conditions. Here are some possible differential diagnoses:

1) Constipation: This common condition is caused by slower than normal transit time for food waste that passes through the digestive system. Symptoms may include infrequent or difficult-to-pass stools, bloating and cramping.

2) Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): This chronic disorder is linked to altered sensations in the intestines, resulting in abdominal pain and changes in bowel movements (e.g., constipation, diarrhea). IBS may also cause bloating and gas.

3) Abnormalities of the Rectum/Colon: Anal fissures can occur when tissues around the anus are irritated or damaged from excessive straining during defecation. Polyps in the colon can also obstruct stool passage leading to incomplete evacuation because they physically block its exit from the body. In addition, certain diseases such as colorectal cancer can lead to an obstruction of large intestine causing difficulty passing stool which subsequently leads to that feeling of incomplete evacuation after a bowel movement.

4) Hormonal Imbalance: Both males and females produce hormones called sex hormones which affect various bodily functions including digestion processes; an imbalance might cause difficulty passing stool as well as other digestive issues like heartburn or gastroenteritis. Other hormonal imbalances related to thyroid disorders have been known to cause constipation too so if any abnormalities on this front exist then that might likely explain why your bowel movements haven’t been thoroughly complete lately too!

It's important for those experiencing any symptoms that resemble what has been discussed here should consult with their physician immediately since many medical issues present similar signs but require completely distinct treatments upon diagnosis!