Description
A person having fecal incontinence is unable to control his or her bowel movement. When you feel the urge to have a bowel movement, you may not be able to hold it until you get to a toilet. Feces (stool) may leak from the rectum unexpectedly, sometimes while passing gas.
According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), fecal incontinence affects more than 5.5 million Americans. Anyone can be affected with fecal incontinence though it is more common in women and older adults.However, fecal incontinence is not a normal part of aging.
People with fecal incontinence may isolate themselves because they feel embarrassed, ashamed or humiliated. Some don't even want to leave the house due to fear of accidental bowel movement in public. You don't have to live an isolated life as this may be managed with treatment that improves bowel movement and makes incontinence easier to control.
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Page Last Revised: August 26, 2011
