Fecal Incontinence

Fecal incontinence is the inability to control bowel movements, causing stool (feces) to leak unexpectedly from the rectum. Also called bowel incontinence, fecal incontinence ranges from an occasional leakage of stool while passing gas to a complete loss of bowel control.

People suffering from urge incontinence may be unable to stop the urge to defecate, which comes on so suddenly that they don't make it to the toilet in time. Another type of fecal incontinence occurs in people who are not aware of the need to pass stool. This is called passive incontinence.

Whatever the cause, fecal incontinence can be embarrassing, but it is much more common than many realize. As many as 1 in 12 adults suffer from some form of fecal incontinence. So, don't shy away from talking to your doctor about this common problem. Treatments can improve fecal incontinence and your quality of life.

Fecal incontinence can often be treated with medication, behavior modification and changes in diet. If these treatments do not work or cannot be used, a sacral nerve stimulation treatment with InterStim is available.