Fecal Incontinence: Bladder Conditions

Content provided by the Faculty of the Harvard Medical School

Fecal incontinence

Fecal incontinence is the unintended passage of stool. If you have fecal incontinence, you may not be able to hold in your stool long enough to reach the bathroom. Or you may experience unexpected leakage when you haven't felt any urge (see Figure 6).

Figure 6: Causes of fecal incontinence Surgery, constipation, radiation treatments, childbirth in women, and other causes contribute to fecal incontinence. For example, surgery may cause damage to pelvic floor muscles (A) or pudendal nerves (B). Chronic diarrhea or constipation can damage the rectum (C). Childbirth or surgery can damage the anal sphincters (D).

Fecal incontinence has been described as one of the most devastating of all physical disabilities, with consequences for self-confidence, personal image, and the ability to maintain friendships or careers. Most people with fecal incontinence don't tell their friends, families, or even their physicians. Instead, they limit activities to avoid accidents and embarrassment. The result can be isolation and depression.

Because people are reluctant to seek help, fecal incontinence is erroneously perceived as rare. In fact, more than 6.5 million Americans are affected. Fecal incontinence is a leading reason for nursing home placement. In one survey, 47% of nursing home residents were affected. Community surveys of adult women, which do not include those in hospitals or nursing homes, reveal that more than 7% experience fecal incontinence at least once a month. In a survey in Minnesota that also included nursing home residents, almost 1 in 15 adult women was found to have moderate or severe symptoms, with a significant impact on quality of life.

Of those with fecal incontinence, 63% are women. Although fecal incontinence is more common in older people, it is not normal at any age, and most people can be helped. Even though they may not disclose it readily, many people with urinary incontinence have fecal incontinence as well and are said to have double incontinence. An estimated 30% of women with urinary incontinence have experienced fecal incontinence.

If you or someone you know is experiencing fecal incontinence, seek medical advice. There are newer options for evaluating, treating, and managing this distressing condition. Even if your previous attempts to get help have been unsatisfactory, you may be able to get help now.

Last updated:	September 05, 2008