Faecal incontinence, sometimes called bowel incontinence, is the accidental leakage of stool or difficulty controlling bowel movements. It can range from occasional staining of underwear to an inability to control solid or liquid stool. Some people may also experience difficulty controlling wind.
Although faecal incontinence can be uncomfortable to discuss, it is a recognised health condition that can affect people of different ages. It is not an inevitable part of ageing, and many people can improve their symptoms with appropriate treatment and everyday management strategies.
Understanding what causes faecal incontinence, recognising the symptoms and knowing when to seek support are important steps towards managing bowel control and maintaining confidence.
What Causes Faecal Incontinence?
Bowel control relies on several parts of the body working together. The rectum stores stool until it is ready to pass, while the anal sphincter and pelvic floor muscles help prevent leakage. Nerves also play an important role by signalling when the bowel needs to empty.
When these muscles, nerves or bowel functions are affected, faecal incontinence may occur.
Common causes include:
-
Diarrhoea: Loose or watery stools can be more difficult to control, particularly when bowel movements become urgent.
-
Constipation: Hard stool can build up in the rectum, allowing softer stool to leak around the blockage. This is sometimes called overflow incontinence.
-
Weakened pelvic floor or anal sphincter muscles: Muscle weakness or damage can make it difficult to hold stool or wind.
-
Pregnancy and childbirth: Vaginal childbirth can sometimes affect the muscles or nerves responsible for bowel control.
-
Neurological conditions: Conditions such as Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis and stroke can interfere with nerve signals involved in bowel function.
-
Other medical conditions: Inflammatory bowel disease, rectal prolapse, previous bowel surgery and some medicines may contribute to bowel-control difficulties.
Faecal incontinence often has more than one contributing factor, making an individual assessment important.
What Are the Symptoms and Types of Faecal Incontinence?
Faecal incontinence can present differently depending on its cause and severity. Recognising the pattern of symptoms can help healthcare professionals identify suitable management strategies.
Symptoms of Faecal Incontinence
Common signs include:
-
Accidental leakage of solid or liquid stool
-
Staining or soiling of underwear
-
Sudden, urgent bowel movements
-
Difficulty controlling wind
-
Leakage without noticing it has occurred
-
Changes in bowel habits, including diarrhoea or constipation
Some people experience occasional episodes, while others may have more frequent symptoms that affect their daily routines.
Types of Faecal Incontinence
Faecal incontinence is commonly described according to how leakage occurs.
Urge faecal incontinence occurs when someone feels the need to open their bowels but cannot reach the toilet in time.
Passive faecal incontinence involves stool leaking without the person being aware that it is happening. This may occur when sensation or muscle control is reduced.
Faecal soiling refers to small amounts of stool staining underwear, sometimes following a bowel movement or as a result of incomplete bowel emptying.
Understanding the type of leakage can help determine which treatments and management approaches may be most effective.
Who Is More Likely to Experience Faecal Incontinence?
Faecal incontinence can affect anyone, although certain health conditions and life circumstances may increase the likelihood of experiencing symptoms.
Older adults may be more susceptible due to changes in bowel function, reduced mobility, cognitive changes or other existing health conditions. However, bowel leakage should not be considered a normal consequence of getting older.
Other groups who may experience an increased risk include:
-
Women who have experienced pelvic floor or sphincter damage during childbirth
-
People living with neurological conditions or cognitive impairment
-
Individuals with chronic constipation, diarrhoea or inflammatory bowel conditions
-
People with reduced mobility who have difficulty reaching the toilet
-
Those who have undergone surgery affecting the bowel or pelvic floor
Certain medications and dietary factors may also influence stool consistency and contribute to symptoms.
What Impact Can Faecal Incontinence Have?
The effects of faecal incontinence can extend beyond physical symptoms, influencing emotional wellbeing, independence and participation in everyday activities.
Repeated contact with stool can irritate the skin around the anus, causing redness, soreness or discomfort. Managing leakage may also involve additional cleaning, clothing changes and personal care.
For some people, concerns about accidents or odour can make activities such as shopping, travelling, exercising or visiting friends feel more challenging. These concerns may contribute to embarrassment, anxiety or reduced confidence.
People who rely on family members or carers for toileting assistance may also feel that their privacy and independence have been affected.
Supportive communication, appropriate treatment and practical planning can help reduce these challenges while maintaining dignity and comfort.
How Is Faecal Incontinence Diagnosed and Assessed?
If bowel leakage occurs regularly, a GP or continence health professional can help identify possible causes and recommend suitable treatment.
Medical History and Bowel Diary
An assessment will usually begin with questions about bowel habits, symptoms, medical history, medications and lifestyle factors.
A healthcare professional may recommend keeping a bowel diary to record:
-
How often bowel movements occur
-
Stool consistency and changes in bowel habits
-
Episodes of urgency or accidental leakage
-
Food and fluid intake
-
Any symptoms associated with bowel movements
This information can help identify patterns and potential triggers.
Physical Examination and Further Testing
Depending on the symptoms, a healthcare professional may examine the abdomen, rectum and pelvic floor to assess muscle function or identify other contributing conditions.
Further investigations, such as anorectal manometry to assess muscle pressure and function, or imaging tests, may be recommended when necessary.
Not everyone requires specialised testing. The assessment process will depend on individual symptoms and medical history.
How Can Faecal Incontinence Be Managed?
Managing faecal incontinence often involves a combination of strategies aimed at improving bowel function, reducing leakage and supporting everyday comfort.
Treatment depends on the underlying cause, severity of symptoms and the person's individual needs.
Prevention and Maintaining Bowel Health
While not every cause of faecal incontinence can be prevented, maintaining healthy bowel habits may help reduce certain contributing factors.
Eating a balanced diet, drinking adequate fluids and remaining physically active where possible can support regular bowel movements.
Managing constipation and diarrhoea early may also help prevent symptoms from worsening.
People experiencing ongoing bowel changes should speak with a healthcare professional rather than relying on repeated self-treatment.
Diet, Bowel Habits and Self-care
Food and fluid intake can influence stool consistency, making dietary adjustments useful for some people.
Fibre may help regulate bowel movements, although the amount and type needed will depend on whether constipation or diarrhoea is present.
Some people notice that caffeine, alcohol, spicy foods or particular foods worsen urgency or loose stools. Keeping a food and bowel diary can help identify individual triggers without unnecessarily restricting the diet.
Establishing a regular toileting routine may also support bowel management. For example, allowing time to use the toilet after meals can take advantage of the body's natural digestive response.
Pelvic Floor Exercises and Medical Treatment
Pelvic floor muscle training may improve bowel control when muscle weakness contributes to leakage.
These exercises involve strengthening the muscles that help support the bladder and bowel. A pelvic health physiotherapist can assess muscle function and recommend appropriate exercises.
For additional information, read our article on Pelvic Floor Exercises.
Other treatment options may include bowel retraining, biofeedback therapy or medicines to manage constipation or diarrhoea.
In some cases, specialised treatments or surgery may be considered when conservative approaches have not provided sufficient improvement.
Continence Products and Everyday Management
Alongside treatment, practical continence management can help people feel more comfortable and confident throughout the day.
Choosing suitable continence products can help manage accidental bowel leakage and support everyday comfort. Products specifically designed for faecal incontinence, such as the ABENA San Special Faecal range, offer protection for different levels of bowel leakage. All-in-one briefs, such as ABENA Slip Premium, may also provide a practical option for people who require assistance with changes. Selecting the right product depends on individual needs, mobility and the frequency of leakage.
ABENA San Special Green Back,
SKU: SA1000021314
Absorbent pads or protective underwear may help manage accidental leakage, particularly when symptoms are unpredictable. Products should be selected according to the person's needs, mobility, comfort and level of leakage.
Our guide to Choosing Incontinence Products explains some of the factors to consider when selecting suitable protection.
Other everyday strategies include:
-
Keeping spare clothing and personal hygiene supplies readily available
-
Identifying accessible toilets before leaving home
-
Using gentle cleansing methods and drying the skin thoroughly after leakage
-
Applying suitable skin protection products when recommended
-
Establishing a consistent toileting routine with support from carers when needed
AMH Community also offers a range of incontinence products to support everyday continence care. When managing faecal leakage, check that the selected product is suitable for bowel incontinence, as not all absorbent products are designed for this purpose.
When Should You Seek Medical Advice?
Although occasional bowel leakage may have a temporary cause, persistent or recurring faecal incontinence should be discussed with a GP or continence health professional.
Seek medical advice if you experience:
-
Frequent or worsening bowel leakage
-
Blood in the stool or rectal bleeding
-
Unexplained or persistent changes in bowel habits
-
Ongoing diarrhoea or constipation
-
New bowel-control difficulties
-
Symptoms affecting daily activities, relationships or emotional wellbeing
Sudden loss of bowel control accompanied by severe back pain, leg weakness or numbness around the groin requires urgent medical attention.
Early assessment can help identify treatable causes and prevent symptoms from having a greater impact on everyday life.
Conclusion
Faecal incontinence can affect people of different ages and circumstances, but it does not have to prevent someone from participating in everyday activities.
Understanding the possible causes, recognising symptoms and seeking appropriate medical advice can help identify effective ways to manage bowel control.
From dietary adjustments and pelvic floor exercises to suitable continence products and practical toileting routines, a personalised approach can help improve comfort, independence and confidence.
FAQs
Can faecal incontinence be temporary?
Yes. Faecal incontinence may be temporary when caused by short-term conditions such as diarrhoea, constipation or certain medication effects. Symptoms may improve once the underlying cause is treated. Persistent or recurring leakage should be assessed by a healthcare professional.
What foods can make faecal incontinence worse?
Certain foods and drinks, including caffeine, alcohol, spicy foods and high-fat meals, may worsen diarrhoea or bowel urgency in some people. However, triggers vary between individuals. A food and bowel diary can help identify patterns, while a healthcare professional or dietitian can recommend suitable dietary adjustments.
How to manage faecal incontinence when travelling?
Planning ahead can make travelling more manageable. Identify accessible toilets along your route, allow additional time for bathroom breaks and pack spare clothing, suitable continence products and gentle cleansing supplies. Maintaining familiar eating and toileting routines may also help reduce unexpected bowel changes.
