Do I Have Fecal Incontinence?

Do you have the inability to control your bowel movements?

Do you happen to have stool (feces) leak out of your rectum unexpectedly?

Do you have an occasional leakage of stool while passing gas?

Do you have the inability to hold gas?

Do you have “silent” leakage of stool during daily activities or exertion?

Do you have loose, watery stool (diarrhea)?

Do you have trouble passing stool or irregular bowel movements (constipation)?

Do you have abdominal discomfort, bloating and gas?

Do you feel that you can't go to the toilet on time when you need to?

Can you see the stool on your underwear after a normal bowel movement?

Based on your answers it is unlikely that you have fecal incontinence. Fecal incontinence is also known as bowel or anal incontinence. It is a medical condition in which you are unable to control bowel movements leading to involuntary leakage of feces from the rectum. It can happen only occasionally or become a long-term problem. Either way, fecal incontinence can significantly reduce a person's quality of life. People with this problem often avoid social activities for fear of embarrassment. Fecal incontinence is a type of pelvic floor disorder that affects more than 5.5 million Americans in all age groups, but is more common in the elderly.

Based on your answers there is a possibility that you have fecal incontinence. Fecal incontinence is a condition that is characterized by your inability to control the bowel movements. The symptoms can range from an unexpected leakage of stool when passing gas, a stool leakage during daily activities or exertion, to not being able to stop the urge to defecate. Fecal incontinence is usually caused by frequent diarrhea or constipation, as well as damage to muscles and nerves that affects the ability of the rectum and anus to retain stool. Diagnosing is based on a physical examination that includes a visual inspection of the anus and additional tests.

Based on your answers there is a high possibility that you have fecal incontinence. Fecal incontinence is a condition that refers to uncontrolled bowel movements, in which stool can unexpectedly leak from your rectum. This condition can often occur in people with external hemorrhoids that prevent the anus from closing completely, allowing the stool to leak. It can be a complication of childbirth, chronic constipation, diabetes, or surgery involving the rectum and anus. Don't be ashamed to talk to your doctor about your problem. Depending on the cause, the bowel control may be improved or completely restored. Treatment includes dietary changes, specially designed exercises, medications and surgery.