Fecal Incontinence

Fecal incontinence, also called chronic bowel incontinence, is the inability to control one's bowels. This condition can vary from minor liquid or solid leakage to total loss of stools. Fecal incontinence symptoms are different for every person, but may include the inability to control gas and avoid having a bowel movement, frequent urges to defecate, leakage when passing gas, and solid or liquid leakage that occurs throughout the day. There are many reasons why fecal incontinence may occur, the most common being childbirth, bowel disease, congenital disorders, neurovascular disorders or traumatic nerve injury. Medication is the first form of treatment if the condition isn’t severe. Surgical options are also available.