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Poor bowel control
People with poor bowel control (also called faecal incontinence) pass faeces, or stools, at the wrong time or in the wrong place. Staining of underwear or passing wind without control may also be a problem.
It happens to men and women across all age groups, as many as 1 in 20 people have poor bowel control. It is more common as you get older, but younger people can also have poor bowel control.
Poor bowel control be caused by many conditions or injuries such as:
- Diarrhoea
- Constipation
- Poor mobility
- Nerve injury or disease
- Damaged sphincter muscles around the back passage (after childbirth or surgery)
Many people with poor bowel control, may also have poor bladder control.
If you have poor bowel control, or a change from your usual bowel pattern, with or without pain or blood, please see your doctor or continence advisor as soon as possible.
Have a look at the brochure Poor Bowel Control.
Page last updated 29 Feb 2008