The following information about bowel incontinence (also called fecal incontinence) is provided by the National Institute of Health (NIH): Fecal incontinence, also called accidental bowel leakage, is the accidental passing of bowel movements—including solid stools, liquid stools, or mucus—from your anus. The most common type of fecal incontinence is called urge incontinence. When you have urge incontinence, you feel a strong urge to have a bowel movement but cannot stop it before reaching a toilet. If you have urge incontinence, your pelvic floor muscles may be too weak to hold back a bowel movement due to muscle injury or nerve damage. Another type of fecal incontinence is called passive incontinence. When you have passive incontinence, leakage occurs without you knowing it. If you have passive incontinence, your body may not be able to sense when your rectum is full. Fecal incontinence can be upsetting and embarrassing. Some people may feel ashamed and try to hide the problem. You may be afraid or embarrassed to talk about fecal incontinence with your doctor. However, talking openly and honestly with your doctor is important in diagnosing and treating your fecal incontinence." Bowel incontinence has many possible causes, which you can review in this article by the National Institute of Health. If bowel incontinence is frequent or is affecting your quality of life, it’s important to talk to your doctor so you can receive appropriate advice and treatment. This article gives tips about how to talk to your doctor. Your doctor might want you to keep a bowel diary. You can download a diary format here. In the article at this link the NIH gives helpful advice about bowel incontinence, including: The National Association for Continence provides advice about choosing the right incontinence products for your situation, including: They also offer ideas for keeping the bed clean and dry.Causes of Bowel Incontinence
Finding the Right Incontinence Products
How Care is There can Help
Resources for Bowel Incontinence
Next Steps
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