What is Bowel incontinence

Bowel incontinence, or faecal incontinence, is when you have issues managing your bowels. It can be really distressing and awkward, however it is very important to get medical guidance if you have it since treatment can assist.

Signs and signs

Bowel incontinence can impact individuals in various methods. You might have an issue if:

you have unexpected prompts to poo that you can not manage
you soil yourself without understanding you required the toilet
you in some cases leakage poo– for instance, when you fart
it occurs every day or from time to time– a one-off “mishap” when you’re ill with diarrhoea is not typically an issue
it’s impacting your life– for instance, it stops you mingling

You might likewise have other signs, such as irregularity, diarrhoea, farting or bloating.

When to get medical guidance

See a GP if you have trouble managing your bowels. Do not be humiliated about talking with somebody about it. Remember that:

it’s not something to be embarrassed of
it prevails and GPs are utilized to seeing individuals with it
it’s not something you need to endure
it will most likely not improve by itself
it can be dealt with

If you ‘d choose not to see a GP, you might have the ability to make a visit at an your local doctor continence service rather. Call your regional health center for information of your closest service.

Treatments for bowel incontinence

Treatment can assist enhance bowel incontinence and minimize the effect it has on your life. The finest treatment for you depends upon what’s triggering the issue. Treatments for bowel incontinence consist of:

incontinence items — such as pads you use in your underclothing or little plugs you put in your bottom
modifications to your diet plan– such as preventing foods that make diarrhoea even worse
medications to minimize irregularity or diarrhoea
pelvic flooring workouts to reinforce the muscles utilized to manage your bowels

Surgery might be thought about if other treatments do not assist. Read more about treatments for bowel incontinence

Causes

There are great deals of possible reasons for bowel incontinence. Often it’s brought on by a mix of issues. Causes of bowel incontinence consist of:

extreme or lasting irregularity or diarrhoea
irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
inflammatory bowel illness — such as Crohn’s illness
extreme stacks (haemorrhoids)
giving birth or surgical treatment harming the muscles or nerves you utilize to manage your bowels
conditions that can impact the nerves in your bottom– such as diabetes, a stroke or spina bifida

Do not attempt to self-diagnose the reason for your issues. Get medical aid so the underlying cause can be recognized and dealt with.

More info

For more guidance, info and assistance, see:

Bladder & & Bowel Community: consisting of more on treatments, methods to cope and patient stories