💩 Fecal Incontinence

Easy Questions & Answers for Patients

❓ What is fecal incontinence?

🚫 Fecal incontinence means losing control of your bowels.
You may accidentally pass stool or leak gas.

❓ What are common symptoms?

• 💧 Accidental stool leakage

• 💨 Gas leakage

• 🤔 Feeling like you can’t fully control bowel movements

• 😣 Embarrassment or worry about accidents

❓ What causes fecal incontinence?

Some common causes include:

• 🧠 Nerve damage (spinal injury, diabetes)

• 💪 Weak muscles around the anus

• 💩 Chronic diarrhea or constipation

• ⚠️ Surgery or injury to the rectum or anus

• 🩺 Medical conditions like IBD, Crohn’s disease, or neurological disorders

❓ How is fecal incontinence diagnosed?

🩺 Doctors may use:

• 💬 Medical history and physical exam

• 📸 Imaging tests (ultrasound, MRI)

• 🧪 Tests of muscle and nerve function

• 📝 Bowel diary to track symptoms

❓ How is fecal incontinence treated?

✅ Lifestyle changes:

• 💧 Drink enough water

• 🥦 Eat fiber to keep stool soft

• 🚽 Regular bowel habits (go when you feel the urge

✅ Exercises:

• 💪 Pelvic floor exercises (Kegel exercises) to strengthen muscles

✅ Medical treatments:

• 💊 Medicines to treat diarrhea or constipation

• ⚕️ Surgery in some severe cases

❓ How can I prevent accidents?

• 🥗 Eat regular meals with fiber

• 💧 Stay hydrated

• 🚽 Use the bathroom when you feel the urge

• 🧘 Do pelvic floor exercises daily

• ⚖️ Maintain a healthy weight

❓ When should I see a doctor?

📞 Call your doctor if you:

• Have accidents more than once a week

• Have diarrhea that won’t improve

• Notice blood or pain with bowel movements

• Feel nervous or embarrassed — your doctor can help

🩺 Key Messages

✅ Fecal incontinence is common and treatable
✅ Lifestyle changes, exercises, and medicines can help
⚠️ Early evaluation improves quality of life and prevents complications