Bowel Incontinence
Also called: encopresis, stool soiling
Bowel incontinence is the inability to control your bowels. When you feel the urge to have a bowel movement, you may not be able to hold it until you get to a toilet. More than 5.5 million Americans have bowel incontinence. It affects people of all ages - children and adults. It is more common in women and older adults, but it is not a normal part of aging.
Causes include
- Constipation
- Damage to muscles or nerves of the anus and rectum
- Diarrhea
- Pelvic support problems
Treatments include changes in diet, medicines, bowel training, or surgery.
NIH: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases