Fecal Incontinence

Fecal incontinence is the inability to control bowel movements, causing unexpected leakage.

Fecal incontinence is the inability to control bowel movements, causing unexpected feces to leak from the rectum. You may experience occasional leakage while passing gas to a complete loss of bowel control.

Aging and giving birth may cause fecal incontinence. Other common causes include constipation, diarrhea, and muscle or nerve damage.

Whatever the cause, fecal incontinence can be embarrassing. But don’t shy away from talking to your doctor about this common problem. Treatments can improve fecal incontinence and your quality of life.

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Symptoms

Fecal incontinence may be chronic or recurring. The urge to defecate may come on so suddenly that you may not make it to the toilet in time. This is called urge incontinence. People may also suffer from passive incontinence, which is when you aren’t aware of the need to pass stool.

Fecal incontinence may be accompanied by other bowel problems, such as:

  • Diarrhea
  • Constipation
  • Gas and bloating

Causes of Fecal Incontinence

There are often multiple causes of fecal incontinence. These can include:

  • Chronic constipation – Chronic constipation may cause nerve damage that leads to fecal incontinence.
  • Rectal prolapse – Prolapse occurs when the rectum drops down into the anus causing nerve damage.
  • Muscle damage – Muscle damage can occur during childbirth, especially if forceps are used during delivery or if you had an episiotomy.
  • Nerve damage – Injury to the nerves caused by childbirth, continued straining during bowel movements, spinal cord injury or a stroke can cause damage that leads to fecal incontinence. Diabetes and multiple sclerosis can affect these nerves and cause damage.
  • Loss of capacity – If your rectum is scarred or stiff due to surgery, it can’t stretch to accommodate stool, causing excess stool to leak out.
  • Surgeries – Certain operations involving the rectum and anus can also cause muscle and nerve damage.

Risk Factors

The risk of developing fecal incontinence may be increased by:

  • Aging – Fecal incontinence is more common in adults over 65, but can occur at any age.
  • Childbirth – Giving birth can damage nerves and muscles. Hormone replacement therapy taken for menopause may also cause an increased risk of fecal incontinence.
  • Diseases and Injury – Diseases such as diabetes, multiple sclerosis may contribute to fecal incontinence. Trauma, injury or surgery can also damage nerves that help control bowel function. Those in in late-stage Alzheimer’s disease and dementia may also be at a higher risk.

Preventing Fecal Incontinence

It may be possible to improve or prevent fecal incontinence. These actions may help:

  • Avoid straining – Try to avoid straining during bowel movements as that can weaken anal sphincter muscles or damage nerves.
  • Improved diet and exercise – Eat more high-fiber foods, drink plenty of fluids, and increase your exercise.
  • Treating diarrhea – Treating or eliminating diarrhea may help you avoid fecal incontinence.

Get Help

Fecal incontinence can be embarrassing and interfere with your everyday activities. If you suffer from symptoms, request an appointment with our double board-certified urogynecologists or call us at 770.721.6060.