Fecal incontinence is the loss of normal control of your bowels. You may not be able to reach the toilet in time for a bowel movement, or stool may leak from your anus. Fecal incontinence can be caused by constipation, diarrhea, or anxiety or other emotional stress. It can also result from nerve injury, muscle damage (especially from childbirth), lack of exercise, or poor diet.
Treatment of fecal incontinence depends on what caused it and how bad it is. It may include changes to your diet, medicine, bowel training, or surgery. More than one treatment may be needed.
Loss of bowel control can be hard to deal with. You may feel ashamed or embarrassed, and you may not want to leave the house because you fear that you might have an accident in public. But treatment can help you better control your bowels and manage your incontinence.