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URL of this page: https://medlineplus.gov/bowelincontinence.html

Bowel Incontinence

Also called: Encopresis, Fecal incontinence, Stool soiling

Summary

Bowel incontinence is the inability to control your bowels. When you feel the urge to have a bowel movement, you may not be able to hold it until you get to a toilet. Millions of Americans have this problem. It affects people of all ages - children and adults. It is more common in women and older adults. It is not a normal part of aging.

Causes include:

Treatments include changes in diet, medicines, bowel training, or surgery.

NIH: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases

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Symptoms

Diagnosis and Tests

  • Stool Diary From the National Institutes of Health (National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases) - PDF

Treatments and Therapies

Living With

Statistics and Research

Clinical Trials

Journal Articles References and abstracts from MEDLINE/PubMed (National Library of Medicine)

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Children

Older Adults

Patient Handouts

The information on this site should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care or advice. Contact a health care provider if you have questions about your health.