bowel control problems (fecal incontinence)
Fecal incontinence, also known as accidental bowel leakage, is the involuntary loss of stool. It can be caused by a number of conditions, including diarrhea, constipation, nerve damage, and chronic illnesses.
Symptoms
- Feeling a sudden urge to have a bowel movement but not being able to control it
- Passing stool without knowing it
- Soiling your underwear with stool or mucus
Causes
- Chronic constipation
- Diarrhea
- Muscle or nerve damage
- Hemorrhoids
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Crohn's disease
- Alzheimer's disease
- Dementia
- Parkinson's disease
- Type 2 diabetes
Treatment
- Diet changes, such as eating more fiber and avoiding caffeine
- Pelvic floor muscle exercises
- Medicines or supplements
- Bowel training
- Biofeedback
- Electrical stimulation
- Surgery
When to seek help
- You should consult a doctor if you experience frequent or severe fecal incontinence. You should also seek help if it's affecting your quality of life or causing emotional or social distress.