Bowel incontinence is the loss of bowel control, leading to an
involuntary passage of stool. This can range from occasionally
leaking a small amount of stool and passing gas, to completely
losing control of bowel movements. Uncontrollable passage of
feces; Loss of bowel control; Fecal incontinence; Incontinence -
bowel Among people over age 65, most surveys find that women
experience bowel incontinence more often than men. One to three
out of every 1,000 women report a loss of bowel control at least
once per month. To hold stool and maintain continence, the
rectum, anus, pelvic muscles, and nervous system must function
normally. You must also have the physical and mental ability to
recognize and respond to the urge to have a bowel movement.
Chronic constipation, causing the muscles of the anus and
intestines to stretch and weaken, and leading to diarrhea and
stool leakage (see: encopresis) Incontinence is not a hopeless
situation. Proper treatment can help most people, and can often
eliminate the problem. Tre