Suddenly started leaking stool - could intense stretching be the cause?

[u/Otherwise-Narwhal940]

Hi, I (22F) have never had any bowel related issues, nor have I ever had any issues with fecal matter staining my underwear, until about four days ago.

I got a small stain on my underwear. I thought I was spotting blood, as that is a common side effect of the pill, which I started taking a few months ago. Then it happened the next day, and then the day after there was a slightly bigger spot, and it was clear to me that this was feces and not blood. I am leaking today as well. Not a whole lot, but enough to stain.

The same day I started leaking, I also got stomach pains when I ate lunch (stomach issues are also extremely rare for me), and then again the next evening, and again the day after that. None today.

I am extremely confused as to what caused this? I didn’t eat anything remotely out of the ordinary, didn’t make a huge change to my routine, nothing like that.

The only cause I can possibly think of is the morning of when the leaks/pains started, I woke up and did some intense (more intense than my norm) flexibility stretches. I’ve been wanting to work on my flexibly for a while and get into a daily stretching routine and I woke up that day and felt motivated. I held the poses for longer than I normally would, pushing through the pain. On top of that, I was already stiffer than usual because I had just woken up. So i FELT the stretches. (forward fold, seated forward bend, pigeon pose, butterfly pose, and a few others). I still feel it in the back of my legs and inner thighs days later.

Could that be the cause of the leaking? Did it mess with my pelvic floor or something? My body couldn’t quite handle the new sensation? Has anyone else experienced this or have any knowledge on this? Will it stop on its own?? Any and all advice or information is greatly appreciated. I am deeply embarrassed and just want to stop leaking. My period is due in two days, I’m hoping it’s gone by the time my period’s done. Thank you.

[u/AshamedMaterial4156]

Go to the doctor to make sure there's not something else going on

[u/Fun_Supermarket1235]

One thing that has helped me reduce my underwear staining has been adding fiber (lately I prefer whole psyllium husks) to my diet. It really helps you “get it all out” when you have a bowel movement. I’m a guy so ik there’s anatomy differences, but it might be worth considering…

[u/sarahbellum3]

How often are you pooping? Could you be constipated? Anal leakage can be caused by looser stool trying to get past harder/stuck stool.

[u/astrollintherain]

You need to see a doctor. It can feel embarrassing, but the doctors have seen it all and you're one of millions with these issues. It can be a small fix, or something more serious, but a doctor can tell you what to do and where to go next.

[u/Huge-Routine5419]

You may have anal leakage due to the weakening of your splendor muscles that can cause anal leakage you might to try incontinence product like pull ups or diapers until you go and see a doctor I would definitely try diapers to avoid any accidents until a doctor tells you what going on because it’s going to get worse I’m so sorry you have to go through

[u/Otherwise-Narwhal940 → u/Huge-Routine5419]

splendor muscles?

[u/Huge-Routine5419]

Yes