It's difficult for the rectum to hold liquid stools (diarrhoea), so people with diarrhoea (particularly recurring diarrhoea) can develop bowel incontinence.Ĭonditions that can cause recurring diarrhoea include: Rectal prolapse may also lead to bowel incontinence. Repeated straining caused by constipation or faecal impaction can also lead to rectal prolapse, when part of your lower intestine falls out of place and protrudes from your bottom. This is called overflow incontinence and happens most commonly in elderly people. Watery stools can leak around the stool and out of the bottom, causing bowel incontinence. ![]() The stool then begins to stretch the muscles of the rectum, weakening them. In cases of severe constipation, a large, solid stool can become stuck in the rectum. Problems with the rectum ConstipationĬonstipation is a leading cause of bowel incontinence. It's important to discuss any bowel problems with your GP as there's a small chance they could be a sign of a more serious condition, such as bowel cancer. These problems are explained in more detail below. ![]() nerve damage – the nerve signals sent from the rectum don't reach the brain.problems with the sphincter muscles – the muscles at the bottom of the rectum don't work properly.problems with the rectum – the rectum is unable to retain poo properly until it's time to go to the toilet.Read more about treating bowel incontinence.īowel incontinence is usually caused by a physical problem with the parts of the body that control the bowel. Incontinence products, such as anal plugs and disposable pads, can be used until your symptoms are better controlled.Įven if it isn't possible to cure your bowel incontinence, symptoms should improve significantly. surgery, of which there are a number of different options.medication to control diarrhoea and constipation.exercise programmes to strengthen the muscles that control the bowel.lifestyle and dietary changes to relieve constipation or diarrhoea.Treatment will often depend on the cause and how severe it is, but possible options include: In many cases, with the right treatment, a person can maintain normal bowel function throughout their life. Read more about diagnosing bowel incontinence. These clinics are staffed by specialist nurses who can offer useful advice about incontinence. If you don't want to see your GP, you can usually make an appointment at your local NHS continence service without a referral. It won't usually go away on its own – most people need treatment for the condition.Bowel incontinence isn't a normal part of ageing.It can be treated – there's a wide range of successful treatments.Bowel incontinence isn't something to be ashamed of – it's simply a medical problem that's no different from diabetes or asthma.Seeking advice and treatmentīowel incontinence can be upsetting and hard to cope with, but treatment is effective and a cure is often possible, so make sure you see your GP. Read more about the causes of bowel incontinence. It can also be caused by long-term conditions such as diabetes, multiple sclerosis and dementia. Many cases are caused by diarrhoea, constipation, or weakening of the muscle that controls the opening of the anus. Why bowel incontinence happensīowel incontinence is a symptom of an underlying problem or medical condition. It can affect people of any age, although it's more common in elderly people. It's thought 1 in 10 people will be affected by it at some point in their life. ![]() Some people experience incontinence on a daily basis, whereas for others it only happens from time to time. ![]() Other people experience no sensation before soiling themselves, known as passive incontinence or passive soiling, or there might be slight soiling when passing wind. This is known as urge bowel incontinence. Some people feel a sudden need to go to the toilet but are unable to reach a toilet in time. The experience of bowel incontinence can vary from person to person. It's also sometimes known as faecal incontinence. Bowel incontinence is an inability to control bowel movements, resulting in involuntary soiling.
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