Encopresis

Health Hub Directory

Summary

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. Millions of Americans have this problem. It affects people of all ages – children and adults. It is more common in women and older adults. It is not a normal part of aging.

Causes include:

Constipation
Damage to muscles or nerves of the anus and rectum
Diarrhea
Pelvic floor disorders

Treatments include changes in diet, medicines, bowel training, or surgery.

NIH: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases

Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine.
Information pulled from the Bowel Incontinence page.
MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

Accidental Bowel Leakage

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists

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Bowel Control Problems (Fecal Incontinence)

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases

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Fecal Incontinence

American Academy of Family Physicians

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