Stool, also known as feces, is the waste product of digestion. It's what remains after your body absorbs nutrients and fluids from food and drink in the stomach, small intestine, and colon. In women, as in men, the stool is eliminated from the body through the rectum and anus. However, certain medical conditions can cause stool to unexpectedly present in other areas.
Stool and Abnormal Conditions in Women
Several medical conditions can cause stool to be present outside of its normal pathway in the female body:
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Rectovaginal Fistula: This is an abnormal connection between the rectum (which holds stool) and the vagina. This connection can allow stool, gas, or urine to pass through the vagina. Mayo Clinic and Cleveland Clinic offer detailed information about this condition.
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Pelvic Organ Prolapse: In some cases of pelvic organ prolapse, women may experience accidental leakage of bowel contents (stool). ACOG explains this potential complication.
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Fecal Incontinence: This refers to the inability to control bowel movements, leading to stool leakage. Johns Hopkins Medicine provides a detailed Q&A on this topic.
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Diarrhea: While not directly related to the location of stool, diarrhea (the passage of stool through the large intestine too quickly) causes more frequent and looser bowel movements, potentially leading to leakage or accidents. MedlinePlus and Johns Hopkins Medicine offer information on diarrhea.
It's crucial to note that the normal location of stool within the female body is the large intestine, culminating in the rectum and anus for elimination. The situations described above represent instances of medical conditions that disrupt this typical process.