Fecal incontinence

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Definition

Fecal incontinence is the inability to control your bowel movements, causing stool (feces) to leak unexpectedly from your rectum. Also called bowel incontinence, fecal incontinence ranges from an occasional leakage of stool while passing gas to a complete loss of bowel control.

Common causes of fecal incontinence include constipation, diarrhea, and muscle or nerve damage. Fecal incontinence may be due to a weakened anal sphincter associated with aging or to injury to the nerves and muscles of the rectum and anus from giving birth.

Whatever the cause, fecal incontinence can be embarrassing. But don't shy away from talking to your doctor. Many treatments — some of them simple — are available that can improve, if not correct, fecal incontinence.

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Symptoms

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MayoClinic.com Bookstore

• 'Mayo Clinic on Digestive Health,' Second Edition (Softcover)
• 'Mayo Clinic on Managing Incontinence' (Softcover)