Materiały źródłowe

• #1 Fecal Incontinence: Etiology, Evaluation, and Treatment

  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3140335/

  Fecal incontinence is a debilitating problem facing ~2.2% of the U.S. general population over 65 years of age. Etiologic factors include traumatic, neurologic, congenital, and iatrogenic. Most commonly, obstetric trauma causes fecal incontinence as well as poorly performed anorectal surgery or pelvic radiation. […] The etiology of FI is multifactorial and can be due to several factors including neuropathic, traumatic, congenital, and obstetric trauma, as well as iatrogenic injuries due to injudicious fistula surgery, hemorrhoidectomy, and lateral internal sphincterotomy among several others. […] Fecal incontinence may be attributed to a disturbance of any of the mechanisms that are required to produce continence: sphincter function, rectal sensation, adequate rectal capacity and compliance, colonic transit time, stool consistency, and cognitive and neurologic factors. The etiology of FI includes the following: congenital, obstetric, surgical, accidental and iatrogenic trauma, colorectal disease, neurologic diseases (cerebral, spinal, peripheral) or other causes such as diarrhea, laxative abuse, or fecal impaction.

• #2 Bowel Incontinence (Fecal Incontinence): Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment

  https://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/bowel-incontinence

  Bowel incontinence (also called fecal incontinence) is when youre not able to control your bowel movements. […] The most common cause of bowel incontinence is damage to the muscles around the anus (anal sphincters). Vaginal childbirth can damage the anal sphincters or their nerves. That’s why women are affected by accidental bowel leakage about twice as often as men. […] Anal surgery can also damage the anal sphincters or nerves, leading to bowel incontinence. […] Other potential causes of bowel incontinence include: Diarrhea (often due to an infection or irritable bowel syndrome), Impacted stool (due to severe constipation, often in older adults), Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis), Nerve damage (due to diabetes, spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, or other conditions), Radiation damage to the rectum (such as after treatment for prostate cancer), Cognitive (thinking) impairment (such as after a stroke or advanced Alzheimer’s disease), Rectal prolapse, where your rectum drops down into your anus, Rectocele, a condition in women where your rectum pushes through your vagina, Loss of stretch of the rectum, which can happen with scarring and stiffening after surgery, radiation treatment, or inflammatory bowel disease. […] Its common to have more than one cause of bowel incontinence. Doctors sometimes are unable to determine the cause.

• #3 Fecal incontinence – Symptoms and causes – Mayo Clinic

  https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/fecal-incontinence/symptoms-causes/syc-20351397

  Fecal incontinence may happen when a person has a sudden urge to pass stool and cannot get to a toilet in time. […] Common causes of fecal incontinence include diarrhea, constipation, and muscle or nerve damage. […] For many people, there is more than one cause of fecal incontinence. […] Causes may include: […] Very soft and very hard stools can lead to fecal incontinence. […] Damaged or weak muscles can cause fecal incontinence. […] Nervous system disorders also may affect a person’s awareness of the need for passing stool. […] Irregular physical changes in the anus or rectum can contribute to fecal incontinence.

• #4 Bowel Incontinence (Fecal Incontinence): Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment

  https://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/bowel-incontinence

  Bowel incontinence (also called fecal incontinence) is when youre not able to control your bowel movements. […] The most common cause of bowel incontinence is damage to the muscles around the anus (anal sphincters). Vaginal childbirth can damage the anal sphincters or their nerves. That’s why women are affected by accidental bowel leakage about twice as often as men. […] Anal surgery can also damage the anal sphincters or nerves, leading to bowel incontinence. […] Other potential causes of bowel incontinence include: Diarrhea (often due to an infection or irritable bowel syndrome), Impacted stool (due to severe constipation, often in older adults), Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis), Nerve damage (due to diabetes, spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, or other conditions), Radiation damage to the rectum (such as after treatment for prostate cancer), Cognitive (thinking) impairment (such as after a stroke or advanced Alzheimer’s disease), Rectal prolapse, where your rectum drops down into your anus, Rectocele, a condition in women where your rectum pushes through your vagina, Loss of stretch of the rectum, which can happen with scarring and stiffening after surgery, radiation treatment, or inflammatory bowel disease. […] Its common to have more than one cause of bowel incontinence. Doctors sometimes are unable to determine the cause.

• #5 Fecal (Bowel) Incontinence: What It Is, Causes & Treatment

  https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14574-fecal-bowel-incontinence

  The rectum, anus and anal sphincter muscles within the colonConditions that damage the nerves and muscles that help you poop, like those in your rectum and anus, can cause fecal incontinence. […] The most common causes of fecal incontinence include constipation, diarrhea and conditions that damage the muscles or nerves that help you poop. Prior surgeries and procedures can also play a role. […] Muscle damage can occur during a difficult vaginal delivery, when doctors have to use forceps or make a small cut (an episiotomy) to make a larger opening for your baby to come out. Surgery on your anal or rectal area (like surgery to remove hemorrhoids or to treat an abscess or fistula) can also cause muscle damage, leading to incontinence. […] Nerve damage: Many of the same things that can damage your muscles, like surgery and a difficult vaginal delivery, can also damage the nerves that control their movement. This includes nerves that control rectal sensation, the signal that tells you its time to poop. Several chronic conditions affecting your nerves increase your risk of fecal incontinence. Overusing laxatives can also damage these nerves. […] Conditions that cause muscle or nerve damage or tissue scarring can increase your risk of fecal incontinence, including: Alzheimer’s disease, Dementia, Parkinson’s disease, Type 2 diabetes, Multiple sclerosis, Proctitis, Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Stroke.

• #6 Fecal Incontinence: Etiology, Evaluation, and Treatment

  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3140335/

  Obstetric trauma comprises the largest proportion of FI causes in women. Vaginal delivery can damage the pelvic floor and sphincters resulting in FI. Direct mechanical tears of the sphincter occur ~0.69% of vaginal deliveries and risk factors associated obstetric tears include use of forceps, mediolateral episiotomy, and primiparity. […] Anorectal disease is a significant risk factor for incontinence, including hemorrhoids, fissure or fistulae even without surgical intervention. […] Other colorectal conditions may be associated with FI such as inflammatory bowel disease, malignancies, or infectious diseases. Along with anorectal conditions, surgery for these disorders is a common causative factor of FI. […] Pelvic radiation results in significant morbidity including severe FI. It can lead to incontinence through radiation proctosigmoiditis, small bowel injury, fistula, reduced rectal capacity, decreased sphincter function, rectal mucosal sensitivity, and neuropathy; surgical options are limited so most radiation-induced FI is treated nonoperatively or with fecal diversion. […] Other causes of FI include neurologic (central, spinal, peripheral), diarrhea, fecal impaction, or laxative abuse.

• #7

  https://fascrs.org/patients/diseases-and-conditions/a-z/fecal-incontinence

  Fecal incontinence (also called anal or bowel incontinence) is the impaired ability to control the passage of gas or stool. This is a common problem, but often not discussed due to embarrassment. Failure to seek treatment can result in social isolation and a negative impact on quality of life. […] There are many causes of fecal incontinence such as injury, disease and age. […] The most common cause of fecal incontinence results from a tear in the anal muscles during childbirth. Additionally, the nerves controlling the anal muscles may also be injured, leading to incontinence. […] Anal operations or traumatic injury to the tissues near the anal region can damage the anal muscles and/or nerves and lessen bowel control. […] Some people gradually lose anal muscle strength as they age. A mild control problem may have existed when they were younger may progress later in life. […] Severe stroke, advanced dementia or spinal cord injury can cause lack of control of the anal muscles, resulting in incontinence.

• #8 Fecal incontinence – Wikipedia

  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fecal_incontinence

  Diabetes mellitus is also known to be a cause, but the mechanism of this relationship is not well understood. […] Obstetric injury is a leading cause of fecal incontinence. […] Vaginal delivery causes stretching of the pelvic muscles and the pudendal nerve. […] The risk of injury is greatest when labor has been especially difficult or prolonged, when forceps are used, with higher birth weights, or when a midline episiotomy is performed. […] FI is a much under-reported complication of surgery. […] The IAS is easily damaged with an anal retractor (especially the Park’s anal retractor), leading to reduced resting pressure postoperatively. […] Partial internal sphincterotomy, fistulotomy, anal stretch (Lord’s operation), hemorrhoidectomy or transanal advancement flaps may all lead to FI postoperatively, with soiling being far more common than solid FI.

• #9 Fecal Incontinence: Etiology, Evaluation, and Treatment

  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3140335/

  Obstetric trauma comprises the largest proportion of FI causes in women. Vaginal delivery can damage the pelvic floor and sphincters resulting in FI. Direct mechanical tears of the sphincter occur ~0.69% of vaginal deliveries and risk factors associated obstetric tears include use of forceps, mediolateral episiotomy, and primiparity. […] Anorectal disease is a significant risk factor for incontinence, including hemorrhoids, fissure or fistulae even without surgical intervention. […] Other colorectal conditions may be associated with FI such as inflammatory bowel disease, malignancies, or infectious diseases. Along with anorectal conditions, surgery for these disorders is a common causative factor of FI. […] Pelvic radiation results in significant morbidity including severe FI. It can lead to incontinence through radiation proctosigmoiditis, small bowel injury, fistula, reduced rectal capacity, decreased sphincter function, rectal mucosal sensitivity, and neuropathy; surgical options are limited so most radiation-induced FI is treated nonoperatively or with fecal diversion. […] Other causes of FI include neurologic (central, spinal, peripheral), diarrhea, fecal impaction, or laxative abuse.

• #10 Bowel incontinence: Symptoms, treatment, and prevention

  https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/165583

  Constipation can lead to bowel incontinence. If solid stool becomes impacted, it may be too hard to come out. The muscles of the rectum can stretch and weaken, and watery stools may then leak around the impacted stool and seep out of the anus. This is called overflow of the bowel. […] Other causes include: […] tumors in the rectum, as in rectal cancer […] rectal prolapse, when the rectum drops down into the anus […] rectocele, when the rectum protrudes through the vagina […] hemorrhoids, which can result in incomplete closure of the anal sphincter […] chronic laxative abuse. […] Certain foods can cause diarrhea and worsen the symptoms of fecal incontinence in some people. Examples include spicy, fatty, or greasy foods, cured or smoked meats, and dairy products for those with a lactose intolerance. […] Drinks containing caffeine or artificial sweeteners may act as laxatives.

• #11 Fecal incontinence – Wikipedia

  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fecal_incontinence

  Rectal hyposensitivity may manifest as constipation, FI, or both. […] This may occur when there is a large mass of feces in the rectum (fecal loading), which may become hardened (fecal impaction). […] Liquid stool elements can pass around the obstruction, leading to incontinence. […] Defects or brain damage may affect the central nervous system focally (e.g. stroke, tumor, spinal cord lesions, trauma, multiple sclerosis) or diffusely (e.g. dementia, multiple sclerosis, infection, Parkinson’s disease or drug-induced). […] Liquid stool is more difficult to control than formed, solid stool. […] Hence, FI can be exacerbated by diarrhea. […] Irradiation may occur during radiotherapy, e.g. for prostate cancer. […] Fecal incontinence caused by trauma is uncommon. […] Rare causes of traumatic injury to the anal sphincters include military or traffic accidents complicated by pelvic fractures, spine injuries or perineal lacerations, insertion of foreign bodies in the rectum, and anal sexual abuse. […] Anorectal anomalies and spinal cord defects may be a cause in children.

• #12 Fecal incontinence – Symptoms and causes – Mayo Clinic

  https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/fecal-incontinence/symptoms-causes/syc-20351397

  Fecal incontinence may happen when a person has a sudden urge to pass stool and cannot get to a toilet in time. […] Common causes of fecal incontinence include diarrhea, constipation, and muscle or nerve damage. […] For many people, there is more than one cause of fecal incontinence. […] Causes may include: […] Very soft and very hard stools can lead to fecal incontinence. […] Damaged or weak muscles can cause fecal incontinence. […] Nervous system disorders also may affect a person’s awareness of the need for passing stool. […] Irregular physical changes in the anus or rectum can contribute to fecal incontinence.

• #13 Fecal incontinence – Wikipedia

  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fecal_incontinence

  Diabetes mellitus is also known to be a cause, but the mechanism of this relationship is not well understood. […] Obstetric injury is a leading cause of fecal incontinence. […] Vaginal delivery causes stretching of the pelvic muscles and the pudendal nerve. […] The risk of injury is greatest when labor has been especially difficult or prolonged, when forceps are used, with higher birth weights, or when a midline episiotomy is performed. […] FI is a much under-reported complication of surgery. […] The IAS is easily damaged with an anal retractor (especially the Park’s anal retractor), leading to reduced resting pressure postoperatively. […] Partial internal sphincterotomy, fistulotomy, anal stretch (Lord’s operation), hemorrhoidectomy or transanal advancement flaps may all lead to FI postoperatively, with soiling being far more common than solid FI.

• #14 Causes of Fecal Incontinence | American Geriatrics Society | HealthInAging.org

  https://www.healthinaging.org/a-z-topic/fecal-incontinence/causes

  A persons muscles and nerves in their pelvis and rectum (the bottom part of the large intestine) have to work in a coordinated way to prevent fecal incontinence. […] However, if these muscles and their nerves dont work together the way they should, fecal incontinence can happen. […] The following conditions can lead to fecal incontinence. […] Damage to muscles and nerves in the pelvis or rectum can increase the risk of fecal incontinence. […] Many problems can cause fecal incontinence, including: […] Women who have had a forceps delivery or an episiotomy (a cut the doctor makes in the vaginal area to keep the babys head from tearing the vagina during childbirth) may have injuries that cause fecal incontinence. […] Because of harms during childbirth, women have a higher risk of fecal incontinence than men.

• #15 Fecal (Bowel) Incontinence: What It Is, Causes & Treatment

  https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14574-fecal-bowel-incontinence

  The rectum, anus and anal sphincter muscles within the colonConditions that damage the nerves and muscles that help you poop, like those in your rectum and anus, can cause fecal incontinence. […] The most common causes of fecal incontinence include constipation, diarrhea and conditions that damage the muscles or nerves that help you poop. Prior surgeries and procedures can also play a role. […] Muscle damage can occur during a difficult vaginal delivery, when doctors have to use forceps or make a small cut (an episiotomy) to make a larger opening for your baby to come out. Surgery on your anal or rectal area (like surgery to remove hemorrhoids or to treat an abscess or fistula) can also cause muscle damage, leading to incontinence. […] Nerve damage: Many of the same things that can damage your muscles, like surgery and a difficult vaginal delivery, can also damage the nerves that control their movement. This includes nerves that control rectal sensation, the signal that tells you its time to poop. Several chronic conditions affecting your nerves increase your risk of fecal incontinence. Overusing laxatives can also damage these nerves. […] Conditions that cause muscle or nerve damage or tissue scarring can increase your risk of fecal incontinence, including: Alzheimer’s disease, Dementia, Parkinson’s disease, Type 2 diabetes, Multiple sclerosis, Proctitis, Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Stroke.

• #16 Bowel incontinence | NHS inform

  https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/stomach-liver-and-gastrointestinal-tract/bowel-incontinence/

  Bowel incontinence is a symptom of an underlying problem or medical condition. […] Many cases are caused by diarrhoea, constipation, or weakening of the muscle that controls the opening of the anus. […] It can also be caused by long-term conditions such as diabetes, multiple sclerosis and dementia. […] Bowel incontinence is usually caused by a physical problem with the parts of the body that control the bowel. […] The most common problems are: problems with the rectum the rectum is unable to retain poo properly until its time to go to the toilet, problems with the sphincter muscles the muscles at the bottom of the rectum dont work properly, nerve damage the nerve signals sent from the rectum dont reach the brain. […] Constipation is a leading cause of bowel incontinence. […] In cases of severe constipation, a large, solid stool can become stuck in the rectum.

• #17 Fecal incontinence – Wikipedia

  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fecal_incontinence

  Nontraumatic conditions causing anal sphincter weakness include scleroderma, damage to the pudendal nerves, and IAS degeneration of unknown cause. […] Many people with FI have a generalized weakness of the pelvic floor, especially puborectalis. […] A weakened puborectalis leads to widening of the anorectal angle and impaired barrier to the stool in the rectum entering the anal canal, and this is associated with incontinence to solids. […] If there is incomplete evacuation during defecation, residual stool will be left in the rectum and threaten continence once defecation is finished. […] Rectal storage capacity may be affected in the following ways. […] Rectal sensation is required to detect the presence, nature, and amount of rectal contents. […] Reduced rectal sensation may be a contributory factor.

• #18 Fecal (Bowel) Incontinence: What It Is, Causes & Treatment

  https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14574-fecal-bowel-incontinence

  The rectum, anus and anal sphincter muscles within the colonConditions that damage the nerves and muscles that help you poop, like those in your rectum and anus, can cause fecal incontinence. […] The most common causes of fecal incontinence include constipation, diarrhea and conditions that damage the muscles or nerves that help you poop. Prior surgeries and procedures can also play a role. […] Muscle damage can occur during a difficult vaginal delivery, when doctors have to use forceps or make a small cut (an episiotomy) to make a larger opening for your baby to come out. Surgery on your anal or rectal area (like surgery to remove hemorrhoids or to treat an abscess or fistula) can also cause muscle damage, leading to incontinence. […] Nerve damage: Many of the same things that can damage your muscles, like surgery and a difficult vaginal delivery, can also damage the nerves that control their movement. This includes nerves that control rectal sensation, the signal that tells you its time to poop. Several chronic conditions affecting your nerves increase your risk of fecal incontinence. Overusing laxatives can also damage these nerves. […] Conditions that cause muscle or nerve damage or tissue scarring can increase your risk of fecal incontinence, including: Alzheimer’s disease, Dementia, Parkinson’s disease, Type 2 diabetes, Multiple sclerosis, Proctitis, Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Stroke.

• #19 Fecal incontinence, Osseo – Mayo Clinic Health System

  https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/locations/osseo/services-and-treatments/gastroenterology-and-hepatology/digestive-disorders/fecal-incontinence

  Injury to the rings of muscle at the end of the rectum (anal sphincter) may make it difficult to hold stool back properly. This kind of damage can occur during childbirth, especially if you have an episiotomy or forceps are used during delivery. […] Injury to the nerves that sense stool in the rectum or those that control the anal sphincter can lead to fecal incontinence. The nerve damage can be caused by childbirth, constant straining during bowel movements, spinal cord injury or a stroke. Some diseases, such as diabetes and multiple sclerosis, also can affect these nerves and cause damage that leads to fecal incontinence. […] Fecal incontinence can be a result of this condition, in which the rectum drops down into the anus. The stretching of the rectal sphincter by prolapse damages the nerves that control the rectal sphincter. The longer this persists, the less likely the nerves and muscles will recover. […] In women, fecal incontinence can occur if the rectum protrudes through the vagina. […] Surgery to treat enlarged veins in the rectum or anus (hemorrhoids), as well as more-complex operations involving the rectum and anus, can cause muscle and nerve damage that leads to fecal incontinence.

• #20 Fecal Incontinence – Diagnosis, Evaluation and Treatment

  https://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info/fecal-incontinence

  Fecal incontinence may occur because of: […] Muscle or nerve damage. Sensory nerve damage to the rectum or sphincter muscles can cause loss of control over bowel movements. This type of damage may occur during childbirth, constant straining during bowel movements, spinal cord injury or stroke. Some diseases, such as diabetes mellitus and multiple sclerosis, can also affect the nerves that control bowel movements. […] Damage to the rectum. The rectum can become stiff due to chronic inflammation. This causes stool to move quickly through the rectum. This type of damage may be due to colitis, radiation treatment, or surgical procedures involving the rectum and anus. […] Chronic (ongoing) constipation. Chronic constipation and hard stools can cause muscles of the rectum to stretch and weaken over time. This may cause the muscles that surround your anus (called the anal sphincter) to remain open which can result in stool leaking out.

• #21 Fecal Incontinence – Causes and Treatment | familydoctor.org

  https://familydoctor.org/condition/fecal-incontinence/

  Damage to the nerves that control the anal muscle or regulate rectal sensation is also a common cause of fecal incontinence. Nerve injury can occur in the following situations: During childbirth, With severe and prolonged straining for stool, With diseases such as diabetes, spinal cord tumors, and multiple sclerosis. […] Fecal incontinence may also be caused by a reduction in the elasticity of the rectum. This shortens the time between the sensation of the stool and the urgent need to have a bowel movement. Surgery or radiation injury can scar and stiffen the rectum. Inflammatory bowel disease can also make the rectum less elastic. […] Because diarrhea is more difficult to control than formed stool, it is an added stress that can lead to fecal incontinence.

• #22 What Causes Fecal Incontinence? And How Can You Get Care?

  https://share.upmc.com/2024/02/causes-of-fecal-incontinence/

  Nerves help control your entire digestive tract, including your rectum and anus. They also control your pelvic floor muscles and allow you to feel the urge to have a bowel movement. Damage or injury to the nerves that control these organs can cause fecal incontinence. […] Treatments for fecal incontinence focus on fixing the root cause, so the first step is to visit your health care provider. […] Once they determine the cause, your health care provider can recommend the proper treatment.

• #23 Fecal (Bowel) Incontinence: What It Is, Causes & Treatment

  https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14574-fecal-bowel-incontinence

  The rectum, anus and anal sphincter muscles within the colonConditions that damage the nerves and muscles that help you poop, like those in your rectum and anus, can cause fecal incontinence. […] The most common causes of fecal incontinence include constipation, diarrhea and conditions that damage the muscles or nerves that help you poop. Prior surgeries and procedures can also play a role. […] Muscle damage can occur during a difficult vaginal delivery, when doctors have to use forceps or make a small cut (an episiotomy) to make a larger opening for your baby to come out. Surgery on your anal or rectal area (like surgery to remove hemorrhoids or to treat an abscess or fistula) can also cause muscle damage, leading to incontinence. […] Nerve damage: Many of the same things that can damage your muscles, like surgery and a difficult vaginal delivery, can also damage the nerves that control their movement. This includes nerves that control rectal sensation, the signal that tells you its time to poop. Several chronic conditions affecting your nerves increase your risk of fecal incontinence. Overusing laxatives can also damage these nerves. […] Conditions that cause muscle or nerve damage or tissue scarring can increase your risk of fecal incontinence, including: Alzheimer’s disease, Dementia, Parkinson’s disease, Type 2 diabetes, Multiple sclerosis, Proctitis, Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Stroke.

• #24 Bowel incontinence | NHS inform

  https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/stomach-liver-and-gastrointestinal-tract/bowel-incontinence/

  Watery stools can leak around the stool and out of the bottom, causing bowel incontinence. […] Its difficult for the rectum to hold liquid stools (diarrhoea), so people with diarrhoea (particularly recurring diarrhoea) can develop bowel incontinence. […] In severe cases, haemorrhoids may lead to bowel incontinence. […] Bowel incontinence happens if these muscles become weakened or damaged. […] Childbirth is a common cause of damage to the sphincter muscles and a leading cause of bowel incontinence. […] Bowel incontinence can also be caused by a problem with the nerves connecting the brain and the rectum. […] In some cases, bowel incontinence may result from a health condition such as dementia or a severe learning disability that causes the person to lose bowel control.

• #25 Symptoms & Causes of Fecal Incontinence – NIDDK

  https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/bowel-control-problems-fecal-incontinence/symptoms-causes

  Fecal incontinence has many causes, including digestive tract disorders and chronic diseases. Some causes of fecal incontinence, such as childbirth by vaginal delivery, happen only in women. […] Diarrhea is the most common risk factor for fecal incontinence for people not staying in hospitals, nursing homes, or other similar institutions. […] Constipation can lead to large, hard stools that are difficult to pass. […] If the muscles in your anus, pelvic floor, or rectum are injured or weakened, they may not be able to keep your anus closed, letting stool leak out. […] If the nerves that control your anus, pelvic floor, and rectum are damaged, the muscles cant work the way they should. […] Neurologic diseases that affect the nerves of the anus, pelvic floor, or rectum can cause fecal incontinence.

• #26 Symptoms & Causes of Fecal Incontinence – NIDDK

  https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/bowel-control-problems-fecal-incontinence/symptoms-causes

  Fecal incontinence has many causes, including digestive tract disorders and chronic diseases. Some causes of fecal incontinence, such as childbirth by vaginal delivery, happen only in women. […] Diarrhea is the most common risk factor for fecal incontinence for people not staying in hospitals, nursing homes, or other similar institutions. […] Constipation can lead to large, hard stools that are difficult to pass. […] If the muscles in your anus, pelvic floor, or rectum are injured or weakened, they may not be able to keep your anus closed, letting stool leak out. […] If the nerves that control your anus, pelvic floor, and rectum are damaged, the muscles cant work the way they should. […] Neurologic diseases that affect the nerves of the anus, pelvic floor, or rectum can cause fecal incontinence.

• #27 Fecal incontinence, Osseo – Mayo Clinic Health System

  https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/locations/osseo/services-and-treatments/gastroenterology-and-hepatology/digestive-disorders/fecal-incontinence

  Chronic constipation may cause a dry, hard mass of stool (impacted stool) to form in the rectum and become too large to pass. The muscles of the rectum and intestines stretch and eventually weaken, allowing watery stool from farther up the digestive tract to move around the impacted stool and leak out. Chronic constipation may also cause nerve damage that leads to fecal incontinence. […] Solid stool is easier to retain in the rectum than is loose stool, so the loose stools of diarrhea can cause or worsen fecal incontinence. […] When the veins in your rectum swell, causing hemorrhoids, this keeps your anus from closing completely, which can allow stool to leak out. […] Normally, the rectum stretches to accommodate stool. If your rectum is scarred or stiff due to surgery, radiation treatment or inflammatory bowel disease, the rectum can’t stretch as much as it needs to, and excess stool can leak out.

• #28 Fecal incontinence, Osseo – Mayo Clinic Health System

  https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/locations/osseo/services-and-treatments/gastroenterology-and-hepatology/digestive-disorders/fecal-incontinence

  Chronic constipation may cause a dry, hard mass of stool (impacted stool) to form in the rectum and become too large to pass. The muscles of the rectum and intestines stretch and eventually weaken, allowing watery stool from farther up the digestive tract to move around the impacted stool and leak out. Chronic constipation may also cause nerve damage that leads to fecal incontinence. […] Solid stool is easier to retain in the rectum than is loose stool, so the loose stools of diarrhea can cause or worsen fecal incontinence. […] When the veins in your rectum swell, causing hemorrhoids, this keeps your anus from closing completely, which can allow stool to leak out. […] Normally, the rectum stretches to accommodate stool. If your rectum is scarred or stiff due to surgery, radiation treatment or inflammatory bowel disease, the rectum can’t stretch as much as it needs to, and excess stool can leak out.

• #29 Symptoms & Causes of Fecal Incontinence – NIDDK

  https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/bowel-control-problems-fecal-incontinence/symptoms-causes

  Fecal incontinence has many causes, including digestive tract disorders and chronic diseases. Some causes of fecal incontinence, such as childbirth by vaginal delivery, happen only in women. […] Diarrhea is the most common risk factor for fecal incontinence for people not staying in hospitals, nursing homes, or other similar institutions. […] Constipation can lead to large, hard stools that are difficult to pass. […] If the muscles in your anus, pelvic floor, or rectum are injured or weakened, they may not be able to keep your anus closed, letting stool leak out. […] If the nerves that control your anus, pelvic floor, and rectum are damaged, the muscles cant work the way they should. […] Neurologic diseases that affect the nerves of the anus, pelvic floor, or rectum can cause fecal incontinence.

• #30 Fecal Incontinence: Etiology, Evaluation, and Treatment

  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3140335/

  Obstetric trauma comprises the largest proportion of FI causes in women. Vaginal delivery can damage the pelvic floor and sphincters resulting in FI. Direct mechanical tears of the sphincter occur ~0.69% of vaginal deliveries and risk factors associated obstetric tears include use of forceps, mediolateral episiotomy, and primiparity. […] Anorectal disease is a significant risk factor for incontinence, including hemorrhoids, fissure or fistulae even without surgical intervention. […] Other colorectal conditions may be associated with FI such as inflammatory bowel disease, malignancies, or infectious diseases. Along with anorectal conditions, surgery for these disorders is a common causative factor of FI. […] Pelvic radiation results in significant morbidity including severe FI. It can lead to incontinence through radiation proctosigmoiditis, small bowel injury, fistula, reduced rectal capacity, decreased sphincter function, rectal mucosal sensitivity, and neuropathy; surgical options are limited so most radiation-induced FI is treated nonoperatively or with fecal diversion. […] Other causes of FI include neurologic (central, spinal, peripheral), diarrhea, fecal impaction, or laxative abuse.

• #31 Fecal incontinence, Osseo – Mayo Clinic Health System

  https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/locations/osseo/services-and-treatments/gastroenterology-and-hepatology/digestive-disorders/fecal-incontinence

  Chronic constipation may cause a dry, hard mass of stool (impacted stool) to form in the rectum and become too large to pass. The muscles of the rectum and intestines stretch and eventually weaken, allowing watery stool from farther up the digestive tract to move around the impacted stool and leak out. Chronic constipation may also cause nerve damage that leads to fecal incontinence. […] Solid stool is easier to retain in the rectum than is loose stool, so the loose stools of diarrhea can cause or worsen fecal incontinence. […] When the veins in your rectum swell, causing hemorrhoids, this keeps your anus from closing completely, which can allow stool to leak out. […] Normally, the rectum stretches to accommodate stool. If your rectum is scarred or stiff due to surgery, radiation treatment or inflammatory bowel disease, the rectum can’t stretch as much as it needs to, and excess stool can leak out.

• #32 Fecal (Bowel) Incontinence: What It Is, Causes & Treatment

  https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14574-fecal-bowel-incontinence

  The rectum, anus and anal sphincter muscles within the colonConditions that damage the nerves and muscles that help you poop, like those in your rectum and anus, can cause fecal incontinence. […] The most common causes of fecal incontinence include constipation, diarrhea and conditions that damage the muscles or nerves that help you poop. Prior surgeries and procedures can also play a role. […] Muscle damage can occur during a difficult vaginal delivery, when doctors have to use forceps or make a small cut (an episiotomy) to make a larger opening for your baby to come out. Surgery on your anal or rectal area (like surgery to remove hemorrhoids or to treat an abscess or fistula) can also cause muscle damage, leading to incontinence. […] Nerve damage: Many of the same things that can damage your muscles, like surgery and a difficult vaginal delivery, can also damage the nerves that control their movement. This includes nerves that control rectal sensation, the signal that tells you its time to poop. Several chronic conditions affecting your nerves increase your risk of fecal incontinence. Overusing laxatives can also damage these nerves. […] Conditions that cause muscle or nerve damage or tissue scarring can increase your risk of fecal incontinence, including: Alzheimer’s disease, Dementia, Parkinson’s disease, Type 2 diabetes, Multiple sclerosis, Proctitis, Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Stroke.

• #33 Fecal incontinence – Symptoms and causes – Mayo Clinic

  https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/fecal-incontinence/symptoms-causes/syc-20351397

  Fecal incontinence may happen when a person has a sudden urge to pass stool and cannot get to a toilet in time. […] Common causes of fecal incontinence include diarrhea, constipation, and muscle or nerve damage. […] For many people, there is more than one cause of fecal incontinence. […] Causes may include: […] Very soft and very hard stools can lead to fecal incontinence. […] Damaged or weak muscles can cause fecal incontinence. […] Nervous system disorders also may affect a person’s awareness of the need for passing stool. […] Irregular physical changes in the anus or rectum can contribute to fecal incontinence.

• #34 Fecal incontinence, Osseo – Mayo Clinic Health System

  https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/locations/osseo/services-and-treatments/gastroenterology-and-hepatology/digestive-disorders/fecal-incontinence

  Injury to the rings of muscle at the end of the rectum (anal sphincter) may make it difficult to hold stool back properly. This kind of damage can occur during childbirth, especially if you have an episiotomy or forceps are used during delivery. […] Injury to the nerves that sense stool in the rectum or those that control the anal sphincter can lead to fecal incontinence. The nerve damage can be caused by childbirth, constant straining during bowel movements, spinal cord injury or a stroke. Some diseases, such as diabetes and multiple sclerosis, also can affect these nerves and cause damage that leads to fecal incontinence. […] Fecal incontinence can be a result of this condition, in which the rectum drops down into the anus. The stretching of the rectal sphincter by prolapse damages the nerves that control the rectal sphincter. The longer this persists, the less likely the nerves and muscles will recover. […] In women, fecal incontinence can occur if the rectum protrudes through the vagina. […] Surgery to treat enlarged veins in the rectum or anus (hemorrhoids), as well as more-complex operations involving the rectum and anus, can cause muscle and nerve damage that leads to fecal incontinence.

• #35 Fecal Incontinence – Diagnosis, Evaluation and Treatment

  https://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info/fecal-incontinence

  Diarrhea. Loose stools can worsen fecal incontinence. […] Other conditions. Fecal incontinence can also result from a condition called rectal prolapse. This is where the rectum slides out of place, sometimes protruding out of the body. In women, fecal incontinence can also result from a condition called a rectocele. This is where the rectum bulges towards the woman’s vagina (due to thinning or tearing of the tissue that normally separates the rectum and vagina). […] True fecal incontinence. This is a congenital condition in which normal bowel structures do not develop properly. Children with true fecal incontinence are physically unable to control their bowel movements. They may experience loose stools or constipation. Spinal problems, spina bifida, or an anorectal malformation may cause this condition. An anorectal malformation is a congenital defect in which the anal opening, the rectum, and/or the nerves that tell the body to defecate do not develop properly.

• #36 Fecal incontinence, Osseo – Mayo Clinic Health System

  https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/locations/osseo/services-and-treatments/gastroenterology-and-hepatology/digestive-disorders/fecal-incontinence

  Injury to the rings of muscle at the end of the rectum (anal sphincter) may make it difficult to hold stool back properly. This kind of damage can occur during childbirth, especially if you have an episiotomy or forceps are used during delivery. […] Injury to the nerves that sense stool in the rectum or those that control the anal sphincter can lead to fecal incontinence. The nerve damage can be caused by childbirth, constant straining during bowel movements, spinal cord injury or a stroke. Some diseases, such as diabetes and multiple sclerosis, also can affect these nerves and cause damage that leads to fecal incontinence. […] Fecal incontinence can be a result of this condition, in which the rectum drops down into the anus. The stretching of the rectal sphincter by prolapse damages the nerves that control the rectal sphincter. The longer this persists, the less likely the nerves and muscles will recover. […] In women, fecal incontinence can occur if the rectum protrudes through the vagina. […] Surgery to treat enlarged veins in the rectum or anus (hemorrhoids), as well as more-complex operations involving the rectum and anus, can cause muscle and nerve damage that leads to fecal incontinence.

• #37 Fecal Incontinence – Diagnosis, Evaluation and Treatment

  https://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info/fecal-incontinence

  Diarrhea. Loose stools can worsen fecal incontinence. […] Other conditions. Fecal incontinence can also result from a condition called rectal prolapse. This is where the rectum slides out of place, sometimes protruding out of the body. In women, fecal incontinence can also result from a condition called a rectocele. This is where the rectum bulges towards the woman’s vagina (due to thinning or tearing of the tissue that normally separates the rectum and vagina). […] True fecal incontinence. This is a congenital condition in which normal bowel structures do not develop properly. Children with true fecal incontinence are physically unable to control their bowel movements. They may experience loose stools or constipation. Spinal problems, spina bifida, or an anorectal malformation may cause this condition. An anorectal malformation is a congenital defect in which the anal opening, the rectum, and/or the nerves that tell the body to defecate do not develop properly.

• #38 Symptoms & Causes of Fecal Incontinence – NIDDK

  https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/bowel-control-problems-fecal-incontinence/symptoms-causes

  If your rectum is scarred or inflamed, it becomes stiff and cant stretch as much to hold stool. […] Hemorrhoids can keep the muscles around your anus from closing completely, which lets small amounts of stool or mucus to leak out. […] Rectal prolapsea condition that causes your rectum to drop down through your anuscan also keep the muscles around your anus from closing completely, which lets small amounts of stool or mucus leak out. […] Childbirth sometimes causes injuries to the anal sphincters, which can cause fecal incontinence. […] For children older than age 4, the most common cause of fecal incontinence is constipation with a large amount of stool in the rectum. […] Birth defects of the anus, rectum, or colon, such as Hirschsprung disease, can cause fecal incontinence in children.

• #39 Fecal incontinence, Osseo – Mayo Clinic Health System

  https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/locations/osseo/services-and-treatments/gastroenterology-and-hepatology/digestive-disorders/fecal-incontinence

  Chronic constipation may cause a dry, hard mass of stool (impacted stool) to form in the rectum and become too large to pass. The muscles of the rectum and intestines stretch and eventually weaken, allowing watery stool from farther up the digestive tract to move around the impacted stool and leak out. Chronic constipation may also cause nerve damage that leads to fecal incontinence. […] Solid stool is easier to retain in the rectum than is loose stool, so the loose stools of diarrhea can cause or worsen fecal incontinence. […] When the veins in your rectum swell, causing hemorrhoids, this keeps your anus from closing completely, which can allow stool to leak out. […] Normally, the rectum stretches to accommodate stool. If your rectum is scarred or stiff due to surgery, radiation treatment or inflammatory bowel disease, the rectum can’t stretch as much as it needs to, and excess stool can leak out.

• #40 Fecal Incontinence – Diagnosis, Evaluation and Treatment

  https://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info/fecal-incontinence

  Fecal incontinence may occur because of: […] Muscle or nerve damage. Sensory nerve damage to the rectum or sphincter muscles can cause loss of control over bowel movements. This type of damage may occur during childbirth, constant straining during bowel movements, spinal cord injury or stroke. Some diseases, such as diabetes mellitus and multiple sclerosis, can also affect the nerves that control bowel movements. […] Damage to the rectum. The rectum can become stiff due to chronic inflammation. This causes stool to move quickly through the rectum. This type of damage may be due to colitis, radiation treatment, or surgical procedures involving the rectum and anus. […] Chronic (ongoing) constipation. Chronic constipation and hard stools can cause muscles of the rectum to stretch and weaken over time. This may cause the muscles that surround your anus (called the anal sphincter) to remain open which can result in stool leaking out.

• #41 Fecal incontinence, Osseo – Mayo Clinic Health System

  https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/locations/osseo/services-and-treatments/gastroenterology-and-hepatology/digestive-disorders/fecal-incontinence

  Chronic constipation may cause a dry, hard mass of stool (impacted stool) to form in the rectum and become too large to pass. The muscles of the rectum and intestines stretch and eventually weaken, allowing watery stool from farther up the digestive tract to move around the impacted stool and leak out. Chronic constipation may also cause nerve damage that leads to fecal incontinence. […] Solid stool is easier to retain in the rectum than is loose stool, so the loose stools of diarrhea can cause or worsen fecal incontinence. […] When the veins in your rectum swell, causing hemorrhoids, this keeps your anus from closing completely, which can allow stool to leak out. […] Normally, the rectum stretches to accommodate stool. If your rectum is scarred or stiff due to surgery, radiation treatment or inflammatory bowel disease, the rectum can’t stretch as much as it needs to, and excess stool can leak out.

• #42 Fecal Incontinence: Etiology, Evaluation, and Treatment

  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3140335/

  Obstetric trauma comprises the largest proportion of FI causes in women. Vaginal delivery can damage the pelvic floor and sphincters resulting in FI. Direct mechanical tears of the sphincter occur ~0.69% of vaginal deliveries and risk factors associated obstetric tears include use of forceps, mediolateral episiotomy, and primiparity. […] Anorectal disease is a significant risk factor for incontinence, including hemorrhoids, fissure or fistulae even without surgical intervention. […] Other colorectal conditions may be associated with FI such as inflammatory bowel disease, malignancies, or infectious diseases. Along with anorectal conditions, surgery for these disorders is a common causative factor of FI. […] Pelvic radiation results in significant morbidity including severe FI. It can lead to incontinence through radiation proctosigmoiditis, small bowel injury, fistula, reduced rectal capacity, decreased sphincter function, rectal mucosal sensitivity, and neuropathy; surgical options are limited so most radiation-induced FI is treated nonoperatively or with fecal diversion. […] Other causes of FI include neurologic (central, spinal, peripheral), diarrhea, fecal impaction, or laxative abuse.

• #43 Fecal Incontinence: Etiology, Evaluation, and Treatment

  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3140335/

  Obstetric trauma comprises the largest proportion of FI causes in women. Vaginal delivery can damage the pelvic floor and sphincters resulting in FI. Direct mechanical tears of the sphincter occur ~0.69% of vaginal deliveries and risk factors associated obstetric tears include use of forceps, mediolateral episiotomy, and primiparity. […] Anorectal disease is a significant risk factor for incontinence, including hemorrhoids, fissure or fistulae even without surgical intervention. […] Other colorectal conditions may be associated with FI such as inflammatory bowel disease, malignancies, or infectious diseases. Along with anorectal conditions, surgery for these disorders is a common causative factor of FI. […] Pelvic radiation results in significant morbidity including severe FI. It can lead to incontinence through radiation proctosigmoiditis, small bowel injury, fistula, reduced rectal capacity, decreased sphincter function, rectal mucosal sensitivity, and neuropathy; surgical options are limited so most radiation-induced FI is treated nonoperatively or with fecal diversion. […] Other causes of FI include neurologic (central, spinal, peripheral), diarrhea, fecal impaction, or laxative abuse.

• #44 Fecal incontinence – Wikipedia

  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fecal_incontinence

  The most common factors in the development are thought to be obstetric injury and after-effects of anorectal surgery, especially those involving the anal sphincters and hemorrhoidal vascular cushions. […] The majority of incontinent persons over the age of 18 fall into one of several groups: those with structural anorectal abnormalities (sphincter trauma, sphincter degeneration, perianal fistula, rectal prolapse), neurological disorders (multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury, spina bifida, stroke, etc.), constipation or fecal loading (presence of a large amount of feces in the rectum with stool of any consistency), cognitive or behavioral dysfunction (dementia, learning disabilities), diarrhea, inflammatory bowel diseases (e.g. ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease), irritable bowel syndrome, disability related (people who are frail, acutely unwell, or have chronic or acute disabilities), and those cases which are idiopathic (of unknown cause).

• #45

  https://fascrs.org/patients/diseases-and-conditions/a-z/fecal-incontinence-expanded

  Fecal incontinence is the impaired ability to control the release of gas and stool at a desired time. […] Fecal incontinence, or loss of control, can occur if the person has loose stools, or if they have diseases or injuries to the rectum, the anus, or the nerves that control the anal muscles. […] Fecal incontinence is approximately twice as common among women as it is among men. […] There are many risk factors for fecal incontinence, including: Female gender fecal incontinence is approximately twice as common among women as men. […] Increasing age fecal incontinence is more common among older adults than in the population in general. […] Poor general health fecal incontinence is very common among nursing home and hospitalized patients and may be due, in part, to a decreased mobility, making it difficult for the patient to get to the bathroom.

• #46

  https://fascrs.org/patients/diseases-and-conditions/a-z/fecal-incontinence-expanded

  Fecal incontinence is the impaired ability to control the release of gas and stool at a desired time. […] Fecal incontinence, or loss of control, can occur if the person has loose stools, or if they have diseases or injuries to the rectum, the anus, or the nerves that control the anal muscles. […] Fecal incontinence is approximately twice as common among women as it is among men. […] There are many risk factors for fecal incontinence, including: Female gender fecal incontinence is approximately twice as common among women as men. […] Increasing age fecal incontinence is more common among older adults than in the population in general. […] Poor general health fecal incontinence is very common among nursing home and hospitalized patients and may be due, in part, to a decreased mobility, making it difficult for the patient to get to the bathroom.

• #47 Bowel incontinence: Symptoms, treatment, and prevention

  https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/165583

  Fecal incontinence is a common condition, affecting around 18 million people, or 1 in 12 adults, in the United States. […] Women are more likely to experience it, possibly as a complication of childbirth. […] Bowel incontinence can happen for a number of reasons: […] The sphincter muscles do not work as they should. Childbirth can cause the sphincter muscles to become stretched and torn, especially if forceps or other devices are used during delivery, or if the mother had an episiotomy. A complication of bowel or rectal surgery and some other types of injury can also cause damage to the sphincter muscles. […] Diarrhea can make it difficult for the rectum to hold the stools. Recurring diarrhea, due, for example, to Crohn’s disease, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), or ulcerative colitis, can lead to scarring in the rectum and bowel incontinence.

• #48

  https://fascrs.org/patients/diseases-and-conditions/a-z/fecal-incontinence-expanded

  Fecal incontinence is the impaired ability to control the release of gas and stool at a desired time. […] Fecal incontinence, or loss of control, can occur if the person has loose stools, or if they have diseases or injuries to the rectum, the anus, or the nerves that control the anal muscles. […] Fecal incontinence is approximately twice as common among women as it is among men. […] There are many risk factors for fecal incontinence, including: Female gender fecal incontinence is approximately twice as common among women as men. […] Increasing age fecal incontinence is more common among older adults than in the population in general. […] Poor general health fecal incontinence is very common among nursing home and hospitalized patients and may be due, in part, to a decreased mobility, making it difficult for the patient to get to the bathroom.

• #49 Bowel incontinence

  https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/bowel-incontinence/

  Bowel incontinence can happen for lots of reasons and is common. Try not to be embarrassed. […] You may get it for reasons such as if you: […] have weaker muscles around your bottom this can happen as you get older or because of things like hormonal changes or childbirth […] have a health condition that affects your digestive system such as constipation, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or Crohn’s disease […] have a health condition that makes you less aware of when you need to poo, such as dementia, a learning disability, a stroke or damage to the nerves in your spine. […] It can be a result of more than one of these things.

• #50

  https://fascrs.org/patients/diseases-and-conditions/a-z/fecal-incontinence-expanded

  Fecal incontinence is the impaired ability to control the release of gas and stool at a desired time. […] Fecal incontinence, or loss of control, can occur if the person has loose stools, or if they have diseases or injuries to the rectum, the anus, or the nerves that control the anal muscles. […] Fecal incontinence is approximately twice as common among women as it is among men. […] There are many risk factors for fecal incontinence, including: Female gender fecal incontinence is approximately twice as common among women as men. […] Increasing age fecal incontinence is more common among older adults than in the population in general. […] Poor general health fecal incontinence is very common among nursing home and hospitalized patients and may be due, in part, to a decreased mobility, making it difficult for the patient to get to the bathroom.

• #51

  https://fascrs.org/patients/diseases-and-conditions/a-z/fecal-incontinence-expanded

  Prior pregnancy changes in continence can occur after childbirth, especially after prolonged labor, an episiotomy (surgical incision), or the use of instrumentation such as vacuum assistance and forceps. […] Prior anorectal surgery people who have had surgery for an anal fissure (small tear in the anus), an anal fistula (abnormal passageway between the bowel and nearby organs or between the bowel and skin), or hemorrhoids are at risk for fecal incontinence. […] Prior rectal resection patients who have had part or their entire rectum removed are at risk for fecal incontinence, because the reservoir function of the original rectum is difficult to reproduce. […] Pelvic radiation pelvic radiation can injure the nerves that control the anus and/or decrease the elasticity in the rectum, which increases the risk for fecal incontinence.

• #52

  https://fascrs.org/patients/diseases-and-conditions/a-z/fecal-incontinence-expanded

  Prior pregnancy changes in continence can occur after childbirth, especially after prolonged labor, an episiotomy (surgical incision), or the use of instrumentation such as vacuum assistance and forceps. […] Prior anorectal surgery people who have had surgery for an anal fissure (small tear in the anus), an anal fistula (abnormal passageway between the bowel and nearby organs or between the bowel and skin), or hemorrhoids are at risk for fecal incontinence. […] Prior rectal resection patients who have had part or their entire rectum removed are at risk for fecal incontinence, because the reservoir function of the original rectum is difficult to reproduce. […] Pelvic radiation pelvic radiation can injure the nerves that control the anus and/or decrease the elasticity in the rectum, which increases the risk for fecal incontinence.

• #53 Causes of Fecal Incontinence | American Geriatrics Society | HealthInAging.org

  https://www.healthinaging.org/a-z-topic/fecal-incontinence/causes

  A persons muscles and nerves in their pelvis and rectum (the bottom part of the large intestine) have to work in a coordinated way to prevent fecal incontinence. […] However, if these muscles and their nerves dont work together the way they should, fecal incontinence can happen. […] The following conditions can lead to fecal incontinence. […] Damage to muscles and nerves in the pelvis or rectum can increase the risk of fecal incontinence. […] Many problems can cause fecal incontinence, including: […] Women who have had a forceps delivery or an episiotomy (a cut the doctor makes in the vaginal area to keep the babys head from tearing the vagina during childbirth) may have injuries that cause fecal incontinence. […] Because of harms during childbirth, women have a higher risk of fecal incontinence than men.

• #54 Bladder & Bowel: Faecal incontinence – Leaflet library

  https://www.oxfordhealth.nhs.uk/leaflets/title/faecal-incontinence/

  Damage can be caused from childbirth, operations, injury and rectal prolapse. […] This can be caused by conditions such as spinal injury, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s, and stroke. […] This is the inability to get to the toilet in time or manipulate clothing. […] Treatment will depend on the cause of the faecal incontinence. Treating underlying inflammation, infection and constipation can improve symptoms of faecal incontinence. […] Diet can have a significant effect on stool consistency which in turn may lead to faecal incontinence. Having too much or too little of certain food types may increase the risk of accidental leakage. […] When done correctly, anal sphincter exercises can build up and strengthen the anal sphincters to help you hold on to both gas and stool in the back passage.

• #55 Symptoms & Causes of Fecal Incontinence – NIDDK

  https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/bowel-control-problems-fecal-incontinence/symptoms-causes

  If your rectum is scarred or inflamed, it becomes stiff and cant stretch as much to hold stool. […] Hemorrhoids can keep the muscles around your anus from closing completely, which lets small amounts of stool or mucus to leak out. […] Rectal prolapsea condition that causes your rectum to drop down through your anuscan also keep the muscles around your anus from closing completely, which lets small amounts of stool or mucus leak out. […] Childbirth sometimes causes injuries to the anal sphincters, which can cause fecal incontinence. […] For children older than age 4, the most common cause of fecal incontinence is constipation with a large amount of stool in the rectum. […] Birth defects of the anus, rectum, or colon, such as Hirschsprung disease, can cause fecal incontinence in children.

• #56 Fecal Incontinence – Diagnosis, Evaluation and Treatment

  https://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info/fecal-incontinence

  Diarrhea. Loose stools can worsen fecal incontinence. […] Other conditions. Fecal incontinence can also result from a condition called rectal prolapse. This is where the rectum slides out of place, sometimes protruding out of the body. In women, fecal incontinence can also result from a condition called a rectocele. This is where the rectum bulges towards the woman’s vagina (due to thinning or tearing of the tissue that normally separates the rectum and vagina). […] True fecal incontinence. This is a congenital condition in which normal bowel structures do not develop properly. Children with true fecal incontinence are physically unable to control their bowel movements. They may experience loose stools or constipation. Spinal problems, spina bifida, or an anorectal malformation may cause this condition. An anorectal malformation is a congenital defect in which the anal opening, the rectum, and/or the nerves that tell the body to defecate do not develop properly.

• #57 Fecal Incontinence – Diagnosis, Evaluation and Treatment

  https://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info/fecal-incontinence

  Hirschsprung disease may also cause true fecal incontinence. This is a congenital disease in which nerve cells are missing from the muscles in the rectum or colon. This results in problems with passing stool. […] Encopresis or „pseudo-incontinence.” Developmental or emotional issues may also cause an inability to control bowel movements. It occurs in children who resist having bowel movements. This causes stools to collect in the colon and rectum. When stools become hard, the rectal muscles may weaken, and liquid feces may leak around the hard stools and out of the body. The term encopresis means involuntary spilling of stool outside of the body due to fecal incontinence.

• #58 Fecal Incontinence | Boston Children’s Hospital

  https://www.childrenshospital.org/conditions/fecal-incontinence

  Fecal incontinence is the inability to control bowel movements, causing a child to repeatedly pass stool in inappropriate places. It is often related to constipation, though some children have fecal incontinence after surgery to correct an anorectal malformation or other condition in the rectal area. […] Common causes of fecal incontinence include: Diarrhea, Constipation, Problems with muscles or nerves, Hirschsprung’s disease, Congenital malformations of the anorectal area, like imperforate anus, Neuropathic conditions like spina bifida.

• #59 Fecal Incontinence – Diagnosis, Evaluation and Treatment

  https://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info/fecal-incontinence

  Diarrhea. Loose stools can worsen fecal incontinence. […] Other conditions. Fecal incontinence can also result from a condition called rectal prolapse. This is where the rectum slides out of place, sometimes protruding out of the body. In women, fecal incontinence can also result from a condition called a rectocele. This is where the rectum bulges towards the woman’s vagina (due to thinning or tearing of the tissue that normally separates the rectum and vagina). […] True fecal incontinence. This is a congenital condition in which normal bowel structures do not develop properly. Children with true fecal incontinence are physically unable to control their bowel movements. They may experience loose stools or constipation. Spinal problems, spina bifida, or an anorectal malformation may cause this condition. An anorectal malformation is a congenital defect in which the anal opening, the rectum, and/or the nerves that tell the body to defecate do not develop properly.

• #60 Fecal Incontinence (Soiling): Causes, Treatment and Prognosis | Nationwide Children’s Hospital

  https://www.nationwidechildrens.org/conditions/fecal-incontinence

  Fecal incontinence can be caused by medical conditions like chronic constipation or congenital conditions that may disrupt bowel control, including: spina bifida, anorectal malformations and Hirschsprung disease. […] True fecal incontinence occurs in children who do not have the normal mechanisms needed for controlling their bowel movements. Typically, these children have: anorectal malformations (imperforate anus), Hirschsprung disease, spinal problems. […] Pseudoincontinence or encopresis typically occurs in children with the ability to toilet train but who have developed severe, chronic constipation. This leads to stools that are infrequent or hard to pass. […] Bowel issues can also be triggered by how fast the colon pushes feces through to the rectum before it reaches the sphincter muscles.

• #61 Fecal Incontinence (Soiling): Causes, Treatment and Prognosis | Nationwide Children’s Hospital

  https://www.nationwidechildrens.org/conditions/fecal-incontinence

  Hypomotility: In patients where the colon pushes stool slowly, feces tends to gather in the rectum which is larger than normal in most such patients. […] Hypermotility: Patients who may have had surgery that removed parts of their colon experience stool that moves through too fast. This can result in loose, watery stools that can leak out of the anus. […] Fecal incontinence can be caused by medical conditions like chronic constipation or congenital conditions that may disrupt bowel control, including: spina bifida, anorectal malformations and Hirschsprung disease.

• #62 Fecal Incontinence (Soiling): Causes, Treatment and Prognosis | Nationwide Children’s Hospital

  https://www.nationwidechildrens.org/conditions/fecal-incontinence

  Hypomotility: In patients where the colon pushes stool slowly, feces tends to gather in the rectum which is larger than normal in most such patients. […] Hypermotility: Patients who may have had surgery that removed parts of their colon experience stool that moves through too fast. This can result in loose, watery stools that can leak out of the anus. […] Fecal incontinence can be caused by medical conditions like chronic constipation or congenital conditions that may disrupt bowel control, including: spina bifida, anorectal malformations and Hirschsprung disease.

• #63 Fecal Incontinence – Diagnosis, Evaluation and Treatment

  https://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info/fecal-incontinence

  Hirschsprung disease may also cause true fecal incontinence. This is a congenital disease in which nerve cells are missing from the muscles in the rectum or colon. This results in problems with passing stool. […] Encopresis or „pseudo-incontinence.” Developmental or emotional issues may also cause an inability to control bowel movements. It occurs in children who resist having bowel movements. This causes stools to collect in the colon and rectum. When stools become hard, the rectal muscles may weaken, and liquid feces may leak around the hard stools and out of the body. The term encopresis means involuntary spilling of stool outside of the body due to fecal incontinence.

• #64 Fecal incontinence – Wikipedia

  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fecal_incontinence

  Fecal incontinence (FI), or in some forms, encopresis, is a lack of control over defecation, leading to involuntary loss of bowel contents including flatus (gas), liquid stool elements and mucus, or solid feces. […] Incontinence can result from different causes and might occur with either constipation or diarrhea. […] The most common causes are thought to be immediate or delayed damage from childbirth, complications from prior anorectal surgery (especially involving the anal sphincters or hemorrhoidal vascular cushions), altered bowel habits (e.g., caused by irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, food intolerance, or constipation with overflow incontinence). […] FI is a sign or a symptom, not a diagnosis, and represents an extensive list of causes. […] Usually, it is the result of a complex interplay of several coexisting factors, many of which may be simple to correct.

• #65 Fecal Incontinence: Etiology, Evaluation, and Treatment

  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3140335/

  Fecal incontinence is a debilitating problem facing ~2.2% of the U.S. general population over 65 years of age. Etiologic factors include traumatic, neurologic, congenital, and iatrogenic. Most commonly, obstetric trauma causes fecal incontinence as well as poorly performed anorectal surgery or pelvic radiation. […] The etiology of FI is multifactorial and can be due to several factors including neuropathic, traumatic, congenital, and obstetric trauma, as well as iatrogenic injuries due to injudicious fistula surgery, hemorrhoidectomy, and lateral internal sphincterotomy among several others. […] Fecal incontinence may be attributed to a disturbance of any of the mechanisms that are required to produce continence: sphincter function, rectal sensation, adequate rectal capacity and compliance, colonic transit time, stool consistency, and cognitive and neurologic factors. The etiology of FI includes the following: congenital, obstetric, surgical, accidental and iatrogenic trauma, colorectal disease, neurologic diseases (cerebral, spinal, peripheral) or other causes such as diarrhea, laxative abuse, or fecal impaction.

• #66 Fecal incontinence – Knowledge @ AMBOSS

  https://www.amboss.com/us/knowledge/fecal-incontinence/

  Fecal incontinence is the involuntary passage of feces over a period of 3 months. The etiology of fecal incontinence is frequently multifactorial; causes include anal disorders (e.g., anal sphincter weakness following obstetric injury), rectal disorders (e.g., rectal cancer), neurological conditions (e.g., spinal cord injury), and/or abnormal stool consistency (e.g., diarrhea). Fecal incontinence is multifactorial in 80% of patients. […] Anal sphincter weakness or injury, obstetric nerve injuries and obstetric lacerations (due to, e.g., instrumental delivery, prolonged second stage of labor), proctology and gynecology surgical procedures (e.g., fistula surgery; , hemorrhoidectomy, hysterectomy), systemic sclerosis, and medications (e.g., antianginal medications, antihypertensives) are causes of fecal incontinence.

• #67 Bowel incontinence | NHS inform

  https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/stomach-liver-and-gastrointestinal-tract/bowel-incontinence/

  Bowel incontinence is a symptom of an underlying problem or medical condition. […] Many cases are caused by diarrhoea, constipation, or weakening of the muscle that controls the opening of the anus. […] It can also be caused by long-term conditions such as diabetes, multiple sclerosis and dementia. […] Bowel incontinence is usually caused by a physical problem with the parts of the body that control the bowel. […] The most common problems are: problems with the rectum the rectum is unable to retain poo properly until its time to go to the toilet, problems with the sphincter muscles the muscles at the bottom of the rectum dont work properly, nerve damage the nerve signals sent from the rectum dont reach the brain. […] Constipation is a leading cause of bowel incontinence. […] In cases of severe constipation, a large, solid stool can become stuck in the rectum.

• #68 Patient education: Fecal incontinence (Beyond the Basics) – UpToDate

  https://www.uptodate.com/contents/fecal-incontinence-beyond-the-basics/print

  Fecal incontinence refers to the involuntary loss of gas or liquid stool (called minor incontinence) or the involuntary loss of solid stool (called major incontinence). Surveys indicate that it affects between 2 and 7 percent of the general population, although the true incidence may be much higher since many people are hesitant to discuss this problem with a health care provider. […] Fecal incontinence can undermine self-confidence, create anxiety, and lead to social isolation. People who suffer with fecal incontinence should learn as much as possible about their condition and discuss their symptoms honestly with their clinician. Fecal incontinence is a treatable condition; treatment can lessen symptoms in most cases and can often completely cure incontinence. […] There are many possible causes of fecal incontinence; in most cases, incontinence results from a combination of these causes.

• #69 Patient education: Fecal incontinence (Beyond the Basics) – UpToDate

  https://www.uptodate.com/contents/fecal-incontinence-beyond-the-basics/print

  Fecal impaction — When hardened feces accumulates in the rectum, this can cause the anal sphincters to relax and allow liquid stool to escape around the blockage. Fecal impaction is a common cause of incontinence in older adults. […] Diarrhea — Diarrhea of various causes, including irritable bowel syndrome, active inflammatory bowel disease, or acute gastroenteritis, can lead to loss of liquid stool. In some cases, if the diarrhea is treated, the person will be able to control their incontinence. […] Unknown causes — In some cases, the cause of fecal incontinence cannot be identified; this is called idiopathic incontinence. Idiopathic incontinence most commonly occurs in middle-aged and older women.

• #70 Fecal incontinence – Wikipedia

  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fecal_incontinence

  Nontraumatic conditions causing anal sphincter weakness include scleroderma, damage to the pudendal nerves, and IAS degeneration of unknown cause. […] Many people with FI have a generalized weakness of the pelvic floor, especially puborectalis. […] A weakened puborectalis leads to widening of the anorectal angle and impaired barrier to the stool in the rectum entering the anal canal, and this is associated with incontinence to solids. […] If there is incomplete evacuation during defecation, residual stool will be left in the rectum and threaten continence once defecation is finished. […] Rectal storage capacity may be affected in the following ways. […] Rectal sensation is required to detect the presence, nature, and amount of rectal contents. […] Reduced rectal sensation may be a contributory factor.

• #71 Fecal Incontinence – Causes and Treatment | familydoctor.org

  https://familydoctor.org/condition/fecal-incontinence/

  Damage to the nerves that control the anal muscle or regulate rectal sensation is also a common cause of fecal incontinence. Nerve injury can occur in the following situations: During childbirth, With severe and prolonged straining for stool, With diseases such as diabetes, spinal cord tumors, and multiple sclerosis. […] Fecal incontinence may also be caused by a reduction in the elasticity of the rectum. This shortens the time between the sensation of the stool and the urgent need to have a bowel movement. Surgery or radiation injury can scar and stiffen the rectum. Inflammatory bowel disease can also make the rectum less elastic. […] Because diarrhea is more difficult to control than formed stool, it is an added stress that can lead to fecal incontinence.

• #72 Fecal Incontinence – Causes and Treatment | familydoctor.org

  https://familydoctor.org/condition/fecal-incontinence/

  Fecal incontinence is the inability to control bowel movements. This leads to stool (feces) leaking from the rectum at unexpected times. It is more common in women and in the elderly of both sexes. […] What causes fecal incontinence? Bowel function is controlled by 3 things: anal sphincter pressure, rectal sensation, and rectal storage capacity. The anal sphincter is a muscle that contracts to prevent stool from leaving the rectum. This muscle is critical in maintaining continence. Rectal sensation tells a person that stool is in the rectum and that it is time to go to the bathroom. The rectum can stretch and hold stool for some time after a person becomes aware that the stool is there. This is the rectal storage capacity. […] Muscle damage is involved in most cases of fecal incontinence. For some people, this damage occurs during childbirth. It’s especially likely to happen in a difficult delivery that uses forceps or an episiotomy. An episiotomy is when a cut is made to enlarge the opening to the vagina before delivery. Muscle damage can also occur during rectal surgery, such as surgery for hemorrhoids. It may also occur in people who have inflammatory bowel disease or a perirectal abscess.

• #73 Fecal incontinence – Wikipedia

  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fecal_incontinence

  Nontraumatic conditions causing anal sphincter weakness include scleroderma, damage to the pudendal nerves, and IAS degeneration of unknown cause. […] Many people with FI have a generalized weakness of the pelvic floor, especially puborectalis. […] A weakened puborectalis leads to widening of the anorectal angle and impaired barrier to the stool in the rectum entering the anal canal, and this is associated with incontinence to solids. […] If there is incomplete evacuation during defecation, residual stool will be left in the rectum and threaten continence once defecation is finished. […] Rectal storage capacity may be affected in the following ways. […] Rectal sensation is required to detect the presence, nature, and amount of rectal contents. […] Reduced rectal sensation may be a contributory factor.

• #74 Fecal Incontinence – Causes and Treatment | familydoctor.org

  https://familydoctor.org/condition/fecal-incontinence/

  Fecal incontinence is the inability to control bowel movements. This leads to stool (feces) leaking from the rectum at unexpected times. It is more common in women and in the elderly of both sexes. […] What causes fecal incontinence? Bowel function is controlled by 3 things: anal sphincter pressure, rectal sensation, and rectal storage capacity. The anal sphincter is a muscle that contracts to prevent stool from leaving the rectum. This muscle is critical in maintaining continence. Rectal sensation tells a person that stool is in the rectum and that it is time to go to the bathroom. The rectum can stretch and hold stool for some time after a person becomes aware that the stool is there. This is the rectal storage capacity. […] Muscle damage is involved in most cases of fecal incontinence. For some people, this damage occurs during childbirth. It’s especially likely to happen in a difficult delivery that uses forceps or an episiotomy. An episiotomy is when a cut is made to enlarge the opening to the vagina before delivery. Muscle damage can also occur during rectal surgery, such as surgery for hemorrhoids. It may also occur in people who have inflammatory bowel disease or a perirectal abscess.

• #75 Fecal Incontinence – Causes and Treatment | familydoctor.org

  https://familydoctor.org/condition/fecal-incontinence/

  Fecal incontinence is the inability to control bowel movements. This leads to stool (feces) leaking from the rectum at unexpected times. It is more common in women and in the elderly of both sexes. […] What causes fecal incontinence? Bowel function is controlled by 3 things: anal sphincter pressure, rectal sensation, and rectal storage capacity. The anal sphincter is a muscle that contracts to prevent stool from leaving the rectum. This muscle is critical in maintaining continence. Rectal sensation tells a person that stool is in the rectum and that it is time to go to the bathroom. The rectum can stretch and hold stool for some time after a person becomes aware that the stool is there. This is the rectal storage capacity. […] Muscle damage is involved in most cases of fecal incontinence. For some people, this damage occurs during childbirth. It’s especially likely to happen in a difficult delivery that uses forceps or an episiotomy. An episiotomy is when a cut is made to enlarge the opening to the vagina before delivery. Muscle damage can also occur during rectal surgery, such as surgery for hemorrhoids. It may also occur in people who have inflammatory bowel disease or a perirectal abscess.

• #76 Fecal incontinence – Wikipedia

  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fecal_incontinence

  Nontraumatic conditions causing anal sphincter weakness include scleroderma, damage to the pudendal nerves, and IAS degeneration of unknown cause. […] Many people with FI have a generalized weakness of the pelvic floor, especially puborectalis. […] A weakened puborectalis leads to widening of the anorectal angle and impaired barrier to the stool in the rectum entering the anal canal, and this is associated with incontinence to solids. […] If there is incomplete evacuation during defecation, residual stool will be left in the rectum and threaten continence once defecation is finished. […] Rectal storage capacity may be affected in the following ways. […] Rectal sensation is required to detect the presence, nature, and amount of rectal contents. […] Reduced rectal sensation may be a contributory factor.

• #77 Fecal Incontinence – Causes and Treatment | familydoctor.org

  https://familydoctor.org/condition/fecal-incontinence/

  Fecal incontinence is the inability to control bowel movements. This leads to stool (feces) leaking from the rectum at unexpected times. It is more common in women and in the elderly of both sexes. […] What causes fecal incontinence? Bowel function is controlled by 3 things: anal sphincter pressure, rectal sensation, and rectal storage capacity. The anal sphincter is a muscle that contracts to prevent stool from leaving the rectum. This muscle is critical in maintaining continence. Rectal sensation tells a person that stool is in the rectum and that it is time to go to the bathroom. The rectum can stretch and hold stool for some time after a person becomes aware that the stool is there. This is the rectal storage capacity. […] Muscle damage is involved in most cases of fecal incontinence. For some people, this damage occurs during childbirth. It’s especially likely to happen in a difficult delivery that uses forceps or an episiotomy. An episiotomy is when a cut is made to enlarge the opening to the vagina before delivery. Muscle damage can also occur during rectal surgery, such as surgery for hemorrhoids. It may also occur in people who have inflammatory bowel disease or a perirectal abscess.

• #78 Fecal incontinence – Wikipedia

  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fecal_incontinence

  Nontraumatic conditions causing anal sphincter weakness include scleroderma, damage to the pudendal nerves, and IAS degeneration of unknown cause. […] Many people with FI have a generalized weakness of the pelvic floor, especially puborectalis. […] A weakened puborectalis leads to widening of the anorectal angle and impaired barrier to the stool in the rectum entering the anal canal, and this is associated with incontinence to solids. […] If there is incomplete evacuation during defecation, residual stool will be left in the rectum and threaten continence once defecation is finished. […] Rectal storage capacity may be affected in the following ways. […] Rectal sensation is required to detect the presence, nature, and amount of rectal contents. […] Reduced rectal sensation may be a contributory factor.

• #79 Fecal Incontinence: Etiology, Evaluation, and Treatment

  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3140335/

  Fecal incontinence is a debilitating problem facing ~2.2% of the U.S. general population over 65 years of age. Etiologic factors include traumatic, neurologic, congenital, and iatrogenic. Most commonly, obstetric trauma causes fecal incontinence as well as poorly performed anorectal surgery or pelvic radiation. […] The etiology of FI is multifactorial and can be due to several factors including neuropathic, traumatic, congenital, and obstetric trauma, as well as iatrogenic injuries due to injudicious fistula surgery, hemorrhoidectomy, and lateral internal sphincterotomy among several others. […] Fecal incontinence may be attributed to a disturbance of any of the mechanisms that are required to produce continence: sphincter function, rectal sensation, adequate rectal capacity and compliance, colonic transit time, stool consistency, and cognitive and neurologic factors. The etiology of FI includes the following: congenital, obstetric, surgical, accidental and iatrogenic trauma, colorectal disease, neurologic diseases (cerebral, spinal, peripheral) or other causes such as diarrhea, laxative abuse, or fecal impaction.

• #80 Fecal Incontinence: Practice Essentials, Background, Pathophysiology

  https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/268674-overview

  Age may also play a role in the development of fecal incontinence. Haadem et al evaluated 49 continent, healthy women with a mean age of 51 years (range, 20-79 y). Anal manometry studies showed a decrease in maximum anal resting pressure and maximum squeeze pressure that was associated with age, irrespective of parity. […] Increasing age is also associated with slowed pudendal nerve conduction, perineal descent at rest, and decreased anorectal sensory function.

• #81

  https://fascrs.org/patients/diseases-and-conditions/a-z/fecal-incontinence-expanded

  Fecal incontinence is the impaired ability to control the release of gas and stool at a desired time. […] Fecal incontinence, or loss of control, can occur if the person has loose stools, or if they have diseases or injuries to the rectum, the anus, or the nerves that control the anal muscles. […] Fecal incontinence is approximately twice as common among women as it is among men. […] There are many risk factors for fecal incontinence, including: Female gender fecal incontinence is approximately twice as common among women as men. […] Increasing age fecal incontinence is more common among older adults than in the population in general. […] Poor general health fecal incontinence is very common among nursing home and hospitalized patients and may be due, in part, to a decreased mobility, making it difficult for the patient to get to the bathroom.

• #82 Fecal Incontinence: Practice Essentials, Background, Pathophysiology

  https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/268674-overview

  Age may also play a role in the development of fecal incontinence. Haadem et al evaluated 49 continent, healthy women with a mean age of 51 years (range, 20-79 y). Anal manometry studies showed a decrease in maximum anal resting pressure and maximum squeeze pressure that was associated with age, irrespective of parity. […] Increasing age is also associated with slowed pudendal nerve conduction, perineal descent at rest, and decreased anorectal sensory function.

• #83 Fecal Incontinence: Practice Essentials, Background, Pathophysiology

  https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/268674-overview

  Age may also play a role in the development of fecal incontinence. Haadem et al evaluated 49 continent, healthy women with a mean age of 51 years (range, 20-79 y). Anal manometry studies showed a decrease in maximum anal resting pressure and maximum squeeze pressure that was associated with age, irrespective of parity. […] Increasing age is also associated with slowed pudendal nerve conduction, perineal descent at rest, and decreased anorectal sensory function.

• #84 Fecal Incontinence Causes & Symptoms | MedStar Health

  https://www.medstarhealth.org/services/fecal-incontinence

  Fecal incontinence affects approximately 1 in 5 women over the age of 40. […] Bowel control issues may result from muscle damage (most often related to childbirth), older age, nerve damage, or other medical conditions such as rectal prolapse (the rectum falls down into the anus), chronic constipation, and inflammatory bowel disease. […] Common causes include Diarrhea, Constipation, Muscle damage, Nerve damage, Surgery, Age: While fecal incontinence can occur at any age, it’s more common in older adults. […] Muscle or nerve damage may be associated with childbirth.

• #85 Fecal Incontinence: Practice Essentials, Background, Pathophysiology

  https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/268674-overview

  Vaginal delivery is widely accepted as the most common predisposing factor to fecal incontinence in an otherwise young and healthy woman. Vaginal delivery may result in internal or external anal sphincter disruption, or may cause more subtle damage to the pudendal nerve through overstretching and/or prolonged compression and ischemia. […] Many studies support the theory that mechanical sphincter disruption contributes to fecal incontinence. Abramowitz et al found a de novo sphincter defect rate of 16.7% after vaginal delivery (14% with external, 1.7% internal, and 1% both). The overall anal incontinence rate was 9%, and 45% of these women had identifiable sphincter defects on anal endosonography. […] In addition, inadequate repairs of obstetric sphincter injuries may contribute to delayed symptoms of fecal incontinence. In a study of 34 women who sustained third-degree obstetric anal sphincter tears and 88 matched controls, Sultan et al found that approximately half the women (47%) who sustained a third-degree tear experienced some impairment of anal continence despite a primary repair.

• #86 Fecal Incontinence: Etiology, Evaluation, and Treatment

  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3140335/

  Obstetric trauma comprises the largest proportion of FI causes in women. Vaginal delivery can damage the pelvic floor and sphincters resulting in FI. Direct mechanical tears of the sphincter occur ~0.69% of vaginal deliveries and risk factors associated obstetric tears include use of forceps, mediolateral episiotomy, and primiparity. […] Anorectal disease is a significant risk factor for incontinence, including hemorrhoids, fissure or fistulae even without surgical intervention. […] Other colorectal conditions may be associated with FI such as inflammatory bowel disease, malignancies, or infectious diseases. Along with anorectal conditions, surgery for these disorders is a common causative factor of FI. […] Pelvic radiation results in significant morbidity including severe FI. It can lead to incontinence through radiation proctosigmoiditis, small bowel injury, fistula, reduced rectal capacity, decreased sphincter function, rectal mucosal sensitivity, and neuropathy; surgical options are limited so most radiation-induced FI is treated nonoperatively or with fecal diversion. […] Other causes of FI include neurologic (central, spinal, peripheral), diarrhea, fecal impaction, or laxative abuse.

• #87 Fecal Incontinence: Practice Essentials, Background, Pathophysiology

  https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/268674-overview

  Vaginal delivery is widely accepted as the most common predisposing factor to fecal incontinence in an otherwise young and healthy woman. Vaginal delivery may result in internal or external anal sphincter disruption, or may cause more subtle damage to the pudendal nerve through overstretching and/or prolonged compression and ischemia. […] Many studies support the theory that mechanical sphincter disruption contributes to fecal incontinence. Abramowitz et al found a de novo sphincter defect rate of 16.7% after vaginal delivery (14% with external, 1.7% internal, and 1% both). The overall anal incontinence rate was 9%, and 45% of these women had identifiable sphincter defects on anal endosonography. […] In addition, inadequate repairs of obstetric sphincter injuries may contribute to delayed symptoms of fecal incontinence. In a study of 34 women who sustained third-degree obstetric anal sphincter tears and 88 matched controls, Sultan et al found that approximately half the women (47%) who sustained a third-degree tear experienced some impairment of anal continence despite a primary repair.

• #88 Fecal Incontinence – Causes and Treatment | familydoctor.org

  https://familydoctor.org/condition/fecal-incontinence/

  Fecal incontinence is the inability to control bowel movements. This leads to stool (feces) leaking from the rectum at unexpected times. It is more common in women and in the elderly of both sexes. […] What causes fecal incontinence? Bowel function is controlled by 3 things: anal sphincter pressure, rectal sensation, and rectal storage capacity. The anal sphincter is a muscle that contracts to prevent stool from leaving the rectum. This muscle is critical in maintaining continence. Rectal sensation tells a person that stool is in the rectum and that it is time to go to the bathroom. The rectum can stretch and hold stool for some time after a person becomes aware that the stool is there. This is the rectal storage capacity. […] Muscle damage is involved in most cases of fecal incontinence. For some people, this damage occurs during childbirth. It’s especially likely to happen in a difficult delivery that uses forceps or an episiotomy. An episiotomy is when a cut is made to enlarge the opening to the vagina before delivery. Muscle damage can also occur during rectal surgery, such as surgery for hemorrhoids. It may also occur in people who have inflammatory bowel disease or a perirectal abscess.

• #89 Fecal Incontinence: Practice Essentials, Background, Pathophysiology

  https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/268674-overview

  Vaginal delivery is widely accepted as the most common predisposing factor to fecal incontinence in an otherwise young and healthy woman. Vaginal delivery may result in internal or external anal sphincter disruption, or may cause more subtle damage to the pudendal nerve through overstretching and/or prolonged compression and ischemia. […] Many studies support the theory that mechanical sphincter disruption contributes to fecal incontinence. Abramowitz et al found a de novo sphincter defect rate of 16.7% after vaginal delivery (14% with external, 1.7% internal, and 1% both). The overall anal incontinence rate was 9%, and 45% of these women had identifiable sphincter defects on anal endosonography. […] In addition, inadequate repairs of obstetric sphincter injuries may contribute to delayed symptoms of fecal incontinence. In a study of 34 women who sustained third-degree obstetric anal sphincter tears and 88 matched controls, Sultan et al found that approximately half the women (47%) who sustained a third-degree tear experienced some impairment of anal continence despite a primary repair.

• #90 Fecal Incontinence: Practice Essentials, Background, Pathophysiology

  https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/268674-overview

  Pudendal nerve injury may also be a mechanism in fecal incontinence. The pudendal nerve innervates the external anal sphincter muscle, anal canal skin, and coordinates reflex pathways. […] In the Tetzschner study of women who sustained obstetric anal sphincter rupture during vaginal delivery, postpartum fecal incontinence was also associated with delayed PNTML of greater than 2.0 milliseconds. […] Successive vaginal deliveries increase the risk of developing fecal incontinence. Sultan et al demonstrated that 35% of primiparous women and 44% of multiparous women had sphincter disruption after delivery but were asymptomatic. […] In recent years, national attention has been focused on the risks and benefits of cesarean delivery prior to labor and its impact on pelvic floor health. However, the literature is divided as to whether cesarean delivery is protective against fecal incontinence.

• #91 Fecal Incontinence: Practice Essentials, Background, Pathophysiology

  https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/268674-overview

  Vaginal delivery is widely accepted as the most common predisposing factor to fecal incontinence in an otherwise young and healthy woman. Vaginal delivery may result in internal or external anal sphincter disruption, or may cause more subtle damage to the pudendal nerve through overstretching and/or prolonged compression and ischemia. […] Many studies support the theory that mechanical sphincter disruption contributes to fecal incontinence. Abramowitz et al found a de novo sphincter defect rate of 16.7% after vaginal delivery (14% with external, 1.7% internal, and 1% both). The overall anal incontinence rate was 9%, and 45% of these women had identifiable sphincter defects on anal endosonography. […] In addition, inadequate repairs of obstetric sphincter injuries may contribute to delayed symptoms of fecal incontinence. In a study of 34 women who sustained third-degree obstetric anal sphincter tears and 88 matched controls, Sultan et al found that approximately half the women (47%) who sustained a third-degree tear experienced some impairment of anal continence despite a primary repair.

• #92 Fecal Incontinence: Etiology, Evaluation, and Treatment

  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3140335/

  Obstetric trauma comprises the largest proportion of FI causes in women. Vaginal delivery can damage the pelvic floor and sphincters resulting in FI. Direct mechanical tears of the sphincter occur ~0.69% of vaginal deliveries and risk factors associated obstetric tears include use of forceps, mediolateral episiotomy, and primiparity. […] Anorectal disease is a significant risk factor for incontinence, including hemorrhoids, fissure or fistulae even without surgical intervention. […] Other colorectal conditions may be associated with FI such as inflammatory bowel disease, malignancies, or infectious diseases. Along with anorectal conditions, surgery for these disorders is a common causative factor of FI. […] Pelvic radiation results in significant morbidity including severe FI. It can lead to incontinence through radiation proctosigmoiditis, small bowel injury, fistula, reduced rectal capacity, decreased sphincter function, rectal mucosal sensitivity, and neuropathy; surgical options are limited so most radiation-induced FI is treated nonoperatively or with fecal diversion. […] Other causes of FI include neurologic (central, spinal, peripheral), diarrhea, fecal impaction, or laxative abuse.

• #93 Fecal Incontinence: Practice Essentials, Background, Pathophysiology

  https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/268674-overview

  Vaginal delivery is widely accepted as the most common predisposing factor to fecal incontinence in an otherwise young and healthy woman. Vaginal delivery may result in internal or external anal sphincter disruption, or may cause more subtle damage to the pudendal nerve through overstretching and/or prolonged compression and ischemia. […] Many studies support the theory that mechanical sphincter disruption contributes to fecal incontinence. Abramowitz et al found a de novo sphincter defect rate of 16.7% after vaginal delivery (14% with external, 1.7% internal, and 1% both). The overall anal incontinence rate was 9%, and 45% of these women had identifiable sphincter defects on anal endosonography. […] In addition, inadequate repairs of obstetric sphincter injuries may contribute to delayed symptoms of fecal incontinence. In a study of 34 women who sustained third-degree obstetric anal sphincter tears and 88 matched controls, Sultan et al found that approximately half the women (47%) who sustained a third-degree tear experienced some impairment of anal continence despite a primary repair.

• #94 Fecal Incontinence: Etiology, Evaluation, and Treatment

  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3140335/

  Obstetric trauma comprises the largest proportion of FI causes in women. Vaginal delivery can damage the pelvic floor and sphincters resulting in FI. Direct mechanical tears of the sphincter occur ~0.69% of vaginal deliveries and risk factors associated obstetric tears include use of forceps, mediolateral episiotomy, and primiparity. […] Anorectal disease is a significant risk factor for incontinence, including hemorrhoids, fissure or fistulae even without surgical intervention. […] Other colorectal conditions may be associated with FI such as inflammatory bowel disease, malignancies, or infectious diseases. Along with anorectal conditions, surgery for these disorders is a common causative factor of FI. […] Pelvic radiation results in significant morbidity including severe FI. It can lead to incontinence through radiation proctosigmoiditis, small bowel injury, fistula, reduced rectal capacity, decreased sphincter function, rectal mucosal sensitivity, and neuropathy; surgical options are limited so most radiation-induced FI is treated nonoperatively or with fecal diversion. […] Other causes of FI include neurologic (central, spinal, peripheral), diarrhea, fecal impaction, or laxative abuse.

• #95

  https://fascrs.org/patients/diseases-and-conditions/a-z/fecal-incontinence

  Fecal incontinence (also called anal or bowel incontinence) is the impaired ability to control the passage of gas or stool. This is a common problem, but often not discussed due to embarrassment. Failure to seek treatment can result in social isolation and a negative impact on quality of life. […] There are many causes of fecal incontinence such as injury, disease and age. […] The most common cause of fecal incontinence results from a tear in the anal muscles during childbirth. Additionally, the nerves controlling the anal muscles may also be injured, leading to incontinence. […] Anal operations or traumatic injury to the tissues near the anal region can damage the anal muscles and/or nerves and lessen bowel control. […] Some people gradually lose anal muscle strength as they age. A mild control problem may have existed when they were younger may progress later in life. […] Severe stroke, advanced dementia or spinal cord injury can cause lack of control of the anal muscles, resulting in incontinence.

• #96 Fecal Incontinence: Etiology, Evaluation, and Treatment

  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3140335/

  Obstetric trauma comprises the largest proportion of FI causes in women. Vaginal delivery can damage the pelvic floor and sphincters resulting in FI. Direct mechanical tears of the sphincter occur ~0.69% of vaginal deliveries and risk factors associated obstetric tears include use of forceps, mediolateral episiotomy, and primiparity. […] Anorectal disease is a significant risk factor for incontinence, including hemorrhoids, fissure or fistulae even without surgical intervention. […] Other colorectal conditions may be associated with FI such as inflammatory bowel disease, malignancies, or infectious diseases. Along with anorectal conditions, surgery for these disorders is a common causative factor of FI. […] Pelvic radiation results in significant morbidity including severe FI. It can lead to incontinence through radiation proctosigmoiditis, small bowel injury, fistula, reduced rectal capacity, decreased sphincter function, rectal mucosal sensitivity, and neuropathy; surgical options are limited so most radiation-induced FI is treated nonoperatively or with fecal diversion. […] Other causes of FI include neurologic (central, spinal, peripheral), diarrhea, fecal impaction, or laxative abuse.

• #97 Fecal Incontinence – Causes and Treatment | familydoctor.org

  https://familydoctor.org/condition/fecal-incontinence/

  Fecal incontinence is the inability to control bowel movements. This leads to stool (feces) leaking from the rectum at unexpected times. It is more common in women and in the elderly of both sexes. […] What causes fecal incontinence? Bowel function is controlled by 3 things: anal sphincter pressure, rectal sensation, and rectal storage capacity. The anal sphincter is a muscle that contracts to prevent stool from leaving the rectum. This muscle is critical in maintaining continence. Rectal sensation tells a person that stool is in the rectum and that it is time to go to the bathroom. The rectum can stretch and hold stool for some time after a person becomes aware that the stool is there. This is the rectal storage capacity. […] Muscle damage is involved in most cases of fecal incontinence. For some people, this damage occurs during childbirth. It’s especially likely to happen in a difficult delivery that uses forceps or an episiotomy. An episiotomy is when a cut is made to enlarge the opening to the vagina before delivery. Muscle damage can also occur during rectal surgery, such as surgery for hemorrhoids. It may also occur in people who have inflammatory bowel disease or a perirectal abscess.

• #98 Fecal Incontinence: Etiology, Evaluation, and Treatment

  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3140335/

  Obstetric trauma comprises the largest proportion of FI causes in women. Vaginal delivery can damage the pelvic floor and sphincters resulting in FI. Direct mechanical tears of the sphincter occur ~0.69% of vaginal deliveries and risk factors associated obstetric tears include use of forceps, mediolateral episiotomy, and primiparity. […] Anorectal disease is a significant risk factor for incontinence, including hemorrhoids, fissure or fistulae even without surgical intervention. […] Other colorectal conditions may be associated with FI such as inflammatory bowel disease, malignancies, or infectious diseases. Along with anorectal conditions, surgery for these disorders is a common causative factor of FI. […] Pelvic radiation results in significant morbidity including severe FI. It can lead to incontinence through radiation proctosigmoiditis, small bowel injury, fistula, reduced rectal capacity, decreased sphincter function, rectal mucosal sensitivity, and neuropathy; surgical options are limited so most radiation-induced FI is treated nonoperatively or with fecal diversion. […] Other causes of FI include neurologic (central, spinal, peripheral), diarrhea, fecal impaction, or laxative abuse.

• #99 Symptoms & Types – Voices for PFD

  https://www.voicesforpfd.org/bowel-control/symptoms-types/

  Delivering a large baby vaginally, especially if forceps are used, poses more risk than having a smaller baby. An episiotomy or significant tear of the tissues around the vagina and rectum can result in damage to the nerves, muscles, and tissues around the rectal canal. This can result in a tear of the anal sphincter muscles that help to hold in stool, but also some of the surrounding tissues that are important as well. […] During vaginal childbirth, the anal sphincter muscles can be damaged or torn. These muscles allow us to control bowel movements. It is estimated that as many as 40% of women experience muscle injuries in this area during childbirth. Some of these tears are recognized and repaired, but some are hidden. Injury is more common after episiotomy or forceps delivery. […] The anal sphincter muscles can also become weakened for other reasons, such as diabetes or neurologic conditions. They can also be damaged during other surgeries, such as surgery to fix an anal fissure or hemorrhoids. This can cause decreased strength resulting in problems controlling passage of bowel movements.

• #100 Symptoms & Types – Voices for PFD

  https://www.voicesforpfd.org/bowel-control/symptoms-types/

  Delivering a large baby vaginally, especially if forceps are used, poses more risk than having a smaller baby. An episiotomy or significant tear of the tissues around the vagina and rectum can result in damage to the nerves, muscles, and tissues around the rectal canal. This can result in a tear of the anal sphincter muscles that help to hold in stool, but also some of the surrounding tissues that are important as well. […] During vaginal childbirth, the anal sphincter muscles can be damaged or torn. These muscles allow us to control bowel movements. It is estimated that as many as 40% of women experience muscle injuries in this area during childbirth. Some of these tears are recognized and repaired, but some are hidden. Injury is more common after episiotomy or forceps delivery. […] The anal sphincter muscles can also become weakened for other reasons, such as diabetes or neurologic conditions. They can also be damaged during other surgeries, such as surgery to fix an anal fissure or hemorrhoids. This can cause decreased strength resulting in problems controlling passage of bowel movements.

• #101 Fecal Incontinence: Practice Essentials, Background, Pathophysiology

  https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/268674-overview

  Pudendal nerve injury may also be a mechanism in fecal incontinence. The pudendal nerve innervates the external anal sphincter muscle, anal canal skin, and coordinates reflex pathways. […] In the Tetzschner study of women who sustained obstetric anal sphincter rupture during vaginal delivery, postpartum fecal incontinence was also associated with delayed PNTML of greater than 2.0 milliseconds. […] Successive vaginal deliveries increase the risk of developing fecal incontinence. Sultan et al demonstrated that 35% of primiparous women and 44% of multiparous women had sphincter disruption after delivery but were asymptomatic. […] In recent years, national attention has been focused on the risks and benefits of cesarean delivery prior to labor and its impact on pelvic floor health. However, the literature is divided as to whether cesarean delivery is protective against fecal incontinence.

• #102 Fecal Incontinence: Practice Essentials, Background, Pathophysiology

  https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/268674-overview

  Pudendal nerve injury may also be a mechanism in fecal incontinence. The pudendal nerve innervates the external anal sphincter muscle, anal canal skin, and coordinates reflex pathways. […] In the Tetzschner study of women who sustained obstetric anal sphincter rupture during vaginal delivery, postpartum fecal incontinence was also associated with delayed PNTML of greater than 2.0 milliseconds. […] Successive vaginal deliveries increase the risk of developing fecal incontinence. Sultan et al demonstrated that 35% of primiparous women and 44% of multiparous women had sphincter disruption after delivery but were asymptomatic. […] In recent years, national attention has been focused on the risks and benefits of cesarean delivery prior to labor and its impact on pelvic floor health. However, the literature is divided as to whether cesarean delivery is protective against fecal incontinence.

• #103 Fecal Incontinence: Practice Essentials, Background, Pathophysiology

  https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/268674-overview

  Pudendal nerve injury may also be a mechanism in fecal incontinence. The pudendal nerve innervates the external anal sphincter muscle, anal canal skin, and coordinates reflex pathways. […] In the Tetzschner study of women who sustained obstetric anal sphincter rupture during vaginal delivery, postpartum fecal incontinence was also associated with delayed PNTML of greater than 2.0 milliseconds. […] Successive vaginal deliveries increase the risk of developing fecal incontinence. Sultan et al demonstrated that 35% of primiparous women and 44% of multiparous women had sphincter disruption after delivery but were asymptomatic. […] In recent years, national attention has been focused on the risks and benefits of cesarean delivery prior to labor and its impact on pelvic floor health. However, the literature is divided as to whether cesarean delivery is protective against fecal incontinence.

• #104 Fecal incontinence – Wikipedia

  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fecal_incontinence

  Diabetes mellitus is also known to be a cause, but the mechanism of this relationship is not well understood. […] Obstetric injury is a leading cause of fecal incontinence. […] Vaginal delivery causes stretching of the pelvic muscles and the pudendal nerve. […] The risk of injury is greatest when labor has been especially difficult or prolonged, when forceps are used, with higher birth weights, or when a midline episiotomy is performed. […] FI is a much under-reported complication of surgery. […] The IAS is easily damaged with an anal retractor (especially the Park’s anal retractor), leading to reduced resting pressure postoperatively. […] Partial internal sphincterotomy, fistulotomy, anal stretch (Lord’s operation), hemorrhoidectomy or transanal advancement flaps may all lead to FI postoperatively, with soiling being far more common than solid FI.

• #105 Fecal incontinence – Wikipedia

  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fecal_incontinence

  Diabetes mellitus is also known to be a cause, but the mechanism of this relationship is not well understood. […] Obstetric injury is a leading cause of fecal incontinence. […] Vaginal delivery causes stretching of the pelvic muscles and the pudendal nerve. […] The risk of injury is greatest when labor has been especially difficult or prolonged, when forceps are used, with higher birth weights, or when a midline episiotomy is performed. […] FI is a much under-reported complication of surgery. […] The IAS is easily damaged with an anal retractor (especially the Park’s anal retractor), leading to reduced resting pressure postoperatively. […] Partial internal sphincterotomy, fistulotomy, anal stretch (Lord’s operation), hemorrhoidectomy or transanal advancement flaps may all lead to FI postoperatively, with soiling being far more common than solid FI.

• #106 Fecal Incontinence: Etiology, Evaluation, and Treatment

  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3140335/

  Obstetric trauma comprises the largest proportion of FI causes in women. Vaginal delivery can damage the pelvic floor and sphincters resulting in FI. Direct mechanical tears of the sphincter occur ~0.69% of vaginal deliveries and risk factors associated obstetric tears include use of forceps, mediolateral episiotomy, and primiparity. […] Anorectal disease is a significant risk factor for incontinence, including hemorrhoids, fissure or fistulae even without surgical intervention. […] Other colorectal conditions may be associated with FI such as inflammatory bowel disease, malignancies, or infectious diseases. Along with anorectal conditions, surgery for these disorders is a common causative factor of FI. […] Pelvic radiation results in significant morbidity including severe FI. It can lead to incontinence through radiation proctosigmoiditis, small bowel injury, fistula, reduced rectal capacity, decreased sphincter function, rectal mucosal sensitivity, and neuropathy; surgical options are limited so most radiation-induced FI is treated nonoperatively or with fecal diversion. […] Other causes of FI include neurologic (central, spinal, peripheral), diarrhea, fecal impaction, or laxative abuse.

• #107 Fecal incontinence – Wikipedia

  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fecal_incontinence

  Diabetes mellitus is also known to be a cause, but the mechanism of this relationship is not well understood. […] Obstetric injury is a leading cause of fecal incontinence. […] Vaginal delivery causes stretching of the pelvic muscles and the pudendal nerve. […] The risk of injury is greatest when labor has been especially difficult or prolonged, when forceps are used, with higher birth weights, or when a midline episiotomy is performed. […] FI is a much under-reported complication of surgery. […] The IAS is easily damaged with an anal retractor (especially the Park’s anal retractor), leading to reduced resting pressure postoperatively. […] Partial internal sphincterotomy, fistulotomy, anal stretch (Lord’s operation), hemorrhoidectomy or transanal advancement flaps may all lead to FI postoperatively, with soiling being far more common than solid FI.

• #108 Fecal incontinence – Wikipedia

  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fecal_incontinence

  Diabetes mellitus is also known to be a cause, but the mechanism of this relationship is not well understood. […] Obstetric injury is a leading cause of fecal incontinence. […] Vaginal delivery causes stretching of the pelvic muscles and the pudendal nerve. […] The risk of injury is greatest when labor has been especially difficult or prolonged, when forceps are used, with higher birth weights, or when a midline episiotomy is performed. […] FI is a much under-reported complication of surgery. […] The IAS is easily damaged with an anal retractor (especially the Park’s anal retractor), leading to reduced resting pressure postoperatively. […] Partial internal sphincterotomy, fistulotomy, anal stretch (Lord’s operation), hemorrhoidectomy or transanal advancement flaps may all lead to FI postoperatively, with soiling being far more common than solid FI.

• #109 Fecal Incontinence: Etiology, Evaluation, and Treatment

  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3140335/

  Obstetric trauma comprises the largest proportion of FI causes in women. Vaginal delivery can damage the pelvic floor and sphincters resulting in FI. Direct mechanical tears of the sphincter occur ~0.69% of vaginal deliveries and risk factors associated obstetric tears include use of forceps, mediolateral episiotomy, and primiparity. […] Anorectal disease is a significant risk factor for incontinence, including hemorrhoids, fissure or fistulae even without surgical intervention. […] Other colorectal conditions may be associated with FI such as inflammatory bowel disease, malignancies, or infectious diseases. Along with anorectal conditions, surgery for these disorders is a common causative factor of FI. […] Pelvic radiation results in significant morbidity including severe FI. It can lead to incontinence through radiation proctosigmoiditis, small bowel injury, fistula, reduced rectal capacity, decreased sphincter function, rectal mucosal sensitivity, and neuropathy; surgical options are limited so most radiation-induced FI is treated nonoperatively or with fecal diversion. […] Other causes of FI include neurologic (central, spinal, peripheral), diarrhea, fecal impaction, or laxative abuse.

• #110 Fecal Incontinence: Etiology, Evaluation, and Treatment

  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3140335/

  Obstetric trauma comprises the largest proportion of FI causes in women. Vaginal delivery can damage the pelvic floor and sphincters resulting in FI. Direct mechanical tears of the sphincter occur ~0.69% of vaginal deliveries and risk factors associated obstetric tears include use of forceps, mediolateral episiotomy, and primiparity. […] Anorectal disease is a significant risk factor for incontinence, including hemorrhoids, fissure or fistulae even without surgical intervention. […] Other colorectal conditions may be associated with FI such as inflammatory bowel disease, malignancies, or infectious diseases. Along with anorectal conditions, surgery for these disorders is a common causative factor of FI. […] Pelvic radiation results in significant morbidity including severe FI. It can lead to incontinence through radiation proctosigmoiditis, small bowel injury, fistula, reduced rectal capacity, decreased sphincter function, rectal mucosal sensitivity, and neuropathy; surgical options are limited so most radiation-induced FI is treated nonoperatively or with fecal diversion. […] Other causes of FI include neurologic (central, spinal, peripheral), diarrhea, fecal impaction, or laxative abuse.

• #111 Fecal Incontinence – Causes and Treatment | familydoctor.org

  https://familydoctor.org/condition/fecal-incontinence/

  Damage to the nerves that control the anal muscle or regulate rectal sensation is also a common cause of fecal incontinence. Nerve injury can occur in the following situations: During childbirth, With severe and prolonged straining for stool, With diseases such as diabetes, spinal cord tumors, and multiple sclerosis. […] Fecal incontinence may also be caused by a reduction in the elasticity of the rectum. This shortens the time between the sensation of the stool and the urgent need to have a bowel movement. Surgery or radiation injury can scar and stiffen the rectum. Inflammatory bowel disease can also make the rectum less elastic. […] Because diarrhea is more difficult to control than formed stool, it is an added stress that can lead to fecal incontinence.

• #112

  https://fascrs.org/patients/diseases-and-conditions/a-z/fecal-incontinence-expanded

  Prior pregnancy changes in continence can occur after childbirth, especially after prolonged labor, an episiotomy (surgical incision), or the use of instrumentation such as vacuum assistance and forceps. […] Prior anorectal surgery people who have had surgery for an anal fissure (small tear in the anus), an anal fistula (abnormal passageway between the bowel and nearby organs or between the bowel and skin), or hemorrhoids are at risk for fecal incontinence. […] Prior rectal resection patients who have had part or their entire rectum removed are at risk for fecal incontinence, because the reservoir function of the original rectum is difficult to reproduce. […] Pelvic radiation pelvic radiation can injure the nerves that control the anus and/or decrease the elasticity in the rectum, which increases the risk for fecal incontinence.

• #113

  https://fascrs.org/patients/diseases-and-conditions/a-z/fecal-incontinence-expanded

  Prior pregnancy changes in continence can occur after childbirth, especially after prolonged labor, an episiotomy (surgical incision), or the use of instrumentation such as vacuum assistance and forceps. […] Prior anorectal surgery people who have had surgery for an anal fissure (small tear in the anus), an anal fistula (abnormal passageway between the bowel and nearby organs or between the bowel and skin), or hemorrhoids are at risk for fecal incontinence. […] Prior rectal resection patients who have had part or their entire rectum removed are at risk for fecal incontinence, because the reservoir function of the original rectum is difficult to reproduce. […] Pelvic radiation pelvic radiation can injure the nerves that control the anus and/or decrease the elasticity in the rectum, which increases the risk for fecal incontinence.

• #114

  https://fascrs.org/patients/diseases-and-conditions/a-z/fecal-incontinence-expanded

  Prior pregnancy changes in continence can occur after childbirth, especially after prolonged labor, an episiotomy (surgical incision), or the use of instrumentation such as vacuum assistance and forceps. […] Prior anorectal surgery people who have had surgery for an anal fissure (small tear in the anus), an anal fistula (abnormal passageway between the bowel and nearby organs or between the bowel and skin), or hemorrhoids are at risk for fecal incontinence. […] Prior rectal resection patients who have had part or their entire rectum removed are at risk for fecal incontinence, because the reservoir function of the original rectum is difficult to reproduce. […] Pelvic radiation pelvic radiation can injure the nerves that control the anus and/or decrease the elasticity in the rectum, which increases the risk for fecal incontinence.

• #115 Fecal (Bowel) Incontinence: What It Is, Causes & Treatment

  https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14574-fecal-bowel-incontinence

  The rectum, anus and anal sphincter muscles within the colonConditions that damage the nerves and muscles that help you poop, like those in your rectum and anus, can cause fecal incontinence. […] The most common causes of fecal incontinence include constipation, diarrhea and conditions that damage the muscles or nerves that help you poop. Prior surgeries and procedures can also play a role. […] Muscle damage can occur during a difficult vaginal delivery, when doctors have to use forceps or make a small cut (an episiotomy) to make a larger opening for your baby to come out. Surgery on your anal or rectal area (like surgery to remove hemorrhoids or to treat an abscess or fistula) can also cause muscle damage, leading to incontinence. […] Nerve damage: Many of the same things that can damage your muscles, like surgery and a difficult vaginal delivery, can also damage the nerves that control their movement. This includes nerves that control rectal sensation, the signal that tells you its time to poop. Several chronic conditions affecting your nerves increase your risk of fecal incontinence. Overusing laxatives can also damage these nerves. […] Conditions that cause muscle or nerve damage or tissue scarring can increase your risk of fecal incontinence, including: Alzheimer’s disease, Dementia, Parkinson’s disease, Type 2 diabetes, Multiple sclerosis, Proctitis, Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Stroke.

• #116 Fecal (Bowel) Incontinence: What It Is, Causes & Treatment

  https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14574-fecal-bowel-incontinence

  The rectum, anus and anal sphincter muscles within the colonConditions that damage the nerves and muscles that help you poop, like those in your rectum and anus, can cause fecal incontinence. […] The most common causes of fecal incontinence include constipation, diarrhea and conditions that damage the muscles or nerves that help you poop. Prior surgeries and procedures can also play a role. […] Muscle damage can occur during a difficult vaginal delivery, when doctors have to use forceps or make a small cut (an episiotomy) to make a larger opening for your baby to come out. Surgery on your anal or rectal area (like surgery to remove hemorrhoids or to treat an abscess or fistula) can also cause muscle damage, leading to incontinence. […] Nerve damage: Many of the same things that can damage your muscles, like surgery and a difficult vaginal delivery, can also damage the nerves that control their movement. This includes nerves that control rectal sensation, the signal that tells you its time to poop. Several chronic conditions affecting your nerves increase your risk of fecal incontinence. Overusing laxatives can also damage these nerves. […] Conditions that cause muscle or nerve damage or tissue scarring can increase your risk of fecal incontinence, including: Alzheimer’s disease, Dementia, Parkinson’s disease, Type 2 diabetes, Multiple sclerosis, Proctitis, Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Stroke.

• #117 Symptoms & Causes of Fecal Incontinence – NIDDK

  https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/bowel-control-problems-fecal-incontinence/symptoms-causes

  Fecal incontinence has many causes, including digestive tract disorders and chronic diseases. Some causes of fecal incontinence, such as childbirth by vaginal delivery, happen only in women. […] Diarrhea is the most common risk factor for fecal incontinence for people not staying in hospitals, nursing homes, or other similar institutions. […] Constipation can lead to large, hard stools that are difficult to pass. […] If the muscles in your anus, pelvic floor, or rectum are injured or weakened, they may not be able to keep your anus closed, letting stool leak out. […] If the nerves that control your anus, pelvic floor, and rectum are damaged, the muscles cant work the way they should. […] Neurologic diseases that affect the nerves of the anus, pelvic floor, or rectum can cause fecal incontinence.

• #118 Fecal (Bowel) Incontinence: What It Is, Causes & Treatment

  https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14574-fecal-bowel-incontinence

  The rectum, anus and anal sphincter muscles within the colonConditions that damage the nerves and muscles that help you poop, like those in your rectum and anus, can cause fecal incontinence. […] The most common causes of fecal incontinence include constipation, diarrhea and conditions that damage the muscles or nerves that help you poop. Prior surgeries and procedures can also play a role. […] Muscle damage can occur during a difficult vaginal delivery, when doctors have to use forceps or make a small cut (an episiotomy) to make a larger opening for your baby to come out. Surgery on your anal or rectal area (like surgery to remove hemorrhoids or to treat an abscess or fistula) can also cause muscle damage, leading to incontinence. […] Nerve damage: Many of the same things that can damage your muscles, like surgery and a difficult vaginal delivery, can also damage the nerves that control their movement. This includes nerves that control rectal sensation, the signal that tells you its time to poop. Several chronic conditions affecting your nerves increase your risk of fecal incontinence. Overusing laxatives can also damage these nerves. […] Conditions that cause muscle or nerve damage or tissue scarring can increase your risk of fecal incontinence, including: Alzheimer’s disease, Dementia, Parkinson’s disease, Type 2 diabetes, Multiple sclerosis, Proctitis, Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Stroke.

• #119 Fecal (Bowel) Incontinence: What It Is, Causes & Treatment

  https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14574-fecal-bowel-incontinence

  The rectum, anus and anal sphincter muscles within the colonConditions that damage the nerves and muscles that help you poop, like those in your rectum and anus, can cause fecal incontinence. […] The most common causes of fecal incontinence include constipation, diarrhea and conditions that damage the muscles or nerves that help you poop. Prior surgeries and procedures can also play a role. […] Muscle damage can occur during a difficult vaginal delivery, when doctors have to use forceps or make a small cut (an episiotomy) to make a larger opening for your baby to come out. Surgery on your anal or rectal area (like surgery to remove hemorrhoids or to treat an abscess or fistula) can also cause muscle damage, leading to incontinence. […] Nerve damage: Many of the same things that can damage your muscles, like surgery and a difficult vaginal delivery, can also damage the nerves that control their movement. This includes nerves that control rectal sensation, the signal that tells you its time to poop. Several chronic conditions affecting your nerves increase your risk of fecal incontinence. Overusing laxatives can also damage these nerves. […] Conditions that cause muscle or nerve damage or tissue scarring can increase your risk of fecal incontinence, including: Alzheimer’s disease, Dementia, Parkinson’s disease, Type 2 diabetes, Multiple sclerosis, Proctitis, Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Stroke.

• #120 Bowel incontinence | NHS inform

  https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/stomach-liver-and-gastrointestinal-tract/bowel-incontinence/

  Watery stools can leak around the stool and out of the bottom, causing bowel incontinence. […] Its difficult for the rectum to hold liquid stools (diarrhoea), so people with diarrhoea (particularly recurring diarrhoea) can develop bowel incontinence. […] In severe cases, haemorrhoids may lead to bowel incontinence. […] Bowel incontinence happens if these muscles become weakened or damaged. […] Childbirth is a common cause of damage to the sphincter muscles and a leading cause of bowel incontinence. […] Bowel incontinence can also be caused by a problem with the nerves connecting the brain and the rectum. […] In some cases, bowel incontinence may result from a health condition such as dementia or a severe learning disability that causes the person to lose bowel control.

• #121 Fecal (Bowel) Incontinence: What It Is, Causes & Treatment

  https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14574-fecal-bowel-incontinence

  The rectum, anus and anal sphincter muscles within the colonConditions that damage the nerves and muscles that help you poop, like those in your rectum and anus, can cause fecal incontinence. […] The most common causes of fecal incontinence include constipation, diarrhea and conditions that damage the muscles or nerves that help you poop. Prior surgeries and procedures can also play a role. […] Muscle damage can occur during a difficult vaginal delivery, when doctors have to use forceps or make a small cut (an episiotomy) to make a larger opening for your baby to come out. Surgery on your anal or rectal area (like surgery to remove hemorrhoids or to treat an abscess or fistula) can also cause muscle damage, leading to incontinence. […] Nerve damage: Many of the same things that can damage your muscles, like surgery and a difficult vaginal delivery, can also damage the nerves that control their movement. This includes nerves that control rectal sensation, the signal that tells you its time to poop. Several chronic conditions affecting your nerves increase your risk of fecal incontinence. Overusing laxatives can also damage these nerves. […] Conditions that cause muscle or nerve damage or tissue scarring can increase your risk of fecal incontinence, including: Alzheimer’s disease, Dementia, Parkinson’s disease, Type 2 diabetes, Multiple sclerosis, Proctitis, Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Stroke.

• #122 Fecal incontinence, Osseo – Mayo Clinic Health System

  https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/locations/osseo/services-and-treatments/gastroenterology-and-hepatology/digestive-disorders/fecal-incontinence

  Injury to the rings of muscle at the end of the rectum (anal sphincter) may make it difficult to hold stool back properly. This kind of damage can occur during childbirth, especially if you have an episiotomy or forceps are used during delivery. […] Injury to the nerves that sense stool in the rectum or those that control the anal sphincter can lead to fecal incontinence. The nerve damage can be caused by childbirth, constant straining during bowel movements, spinal cord injury or a stroke. Some diseases, such as diabetes and multiple sclerosis, also can affect these nerves and cause damage that leads to fecal incontinence. […] Fecal incontinence can be a result of this condition, in which the rectum drops down into the anus. The stretching of the rectal sphincter by prolapse damages the nerves that control the rectal sphincter. The longer this persists, the less likely the nerves and muscles will recover. […] In women, fecal incontinence can occur if the rectum protrudes through the vagina. […] Surgery to treat enlarged veins in the rectum or anus (hemorrhoids), as well as more-complex operations involving the rectum and anus, can cause muscle and nerve damage that leads to fecal incontinence.

• #123 Fecal incontinence – Wikipedia

  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fecal_incontinence

  Nontraumatic conditions causing anal sphincter weakness include scleroderma, damage to the pudendal nerves, and IAS degeneration of unknown cause. […] Many people with FI have a generalized weakness of the pelvic floor, especially puborectalis. […] A weakened puborectalis leads to widening of the anorectal angle and impaired barrier to the stool in the rectum entering the anal canal, and this is associated with incontinence to solids. […] If there is incomplete evacuation during defecation, residual stool will be left in the rectum and threaten continence once defecation is finished. […] Rectal storage capacity may be affected in the following ways. […] Rectal sensation is required to detect the presence, nature, and amount of rectal contents. […] Reduced rectal sensation may be a contributory factor.

• #124 Fecal incontinence – Knowledge @ AMBOSS

  https://www.amboss.com/us/knowledge/fecal-incontinence/

  Disorders of rectal reservoir or sensory function (due to, e.g., radiation proctitis), pelvic floor dysfunction: may involve rectal prolapse and/or rectocele, and rectal cancer are also causes. […] Neurological disorders such as spinal cord injury and cauda equina syndrome, pudendal nerve injury, multiple sclerosis, diabetes mellitus, major neurocognitive disorder, and stroke contribute to fecal incontinence. […] Impaired functional status (e.g., decreased mobility) may cause functional incontinence or exacerbate incontinence due to other causes. […] Stool disorders including constipation, fecal impaction, and/or retention causing overflow, as well as causes of chronic diarrhea (e.g., inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome, medications) are also implicated in fecal incontinence.

• #125 Fecal incontinence – Wikipedia

  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fecal_incontinence

  Rectal hyposensitivity may manifest as constipation, FI, or both. […] This may occur when there is a large mass of feces in the rectum (fecal loading), which may become hardened (fecal impaction). […] Liquid stool elements can pass around the obstruction, leading to incontinence. […] Defects or brain damage may affect the central nervous system focally (e.g. stroke, tumor, spinal cord lesions, trauma, multiple sclerosis) or diffusely (e.g. dementia, multiple sclerosis, infection, Parkinson’s disease or drug-induced). […] Liquid stool is more difficult to control than formed, solid stool. […] Hence, FI can be exacerbated by diarrhea. […] Irradiation may occur during radiotherapy, e.g. for prostate cancer. […] Fecal incontinence caused by trauma is uncommon. […] Rare causes of traumatic injury to the anal sphincters include military or traffic accidents complicated by pelvic fractures, spine injuries or perineal lacerations, insertion of foreign bodies in the rectum, and anal sexual abuse. […] Anorectal anomalies and spinal cord defects may be a cause in children.

• #126 Fecal incontinence, Osseo – Mayo Clinic Health System

  https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/locations/osseo/services-and-treatments/gastroenterology-and-hepatology/digestive-disorders/fecal-incontinence

  Injury to the rings of muscle at the end of the rectum (anal sphincter) may make it difficult to hold stool back properly. This kind of damage can occur during childbirth, especially if you have an episiotomy or forceps are used during delivery. […] Injury to the nerves that sense stool in the rectum or those that control the anal sphincter can lead to fecal incontinence. The nerve damage can be caused by childbirth, constant straining during bowel movements, spinal cord injury or a stroke. Some diseases, such as diabetes and multiple sclerosis, also can affect these nerves and cause damage that leads to fecal incontinence. […] Fecal incontinence can be a result of this condition, in which the rectum drops down into the anus. The stretching of the rectal sphincter by prolapse damages the nerves that control the rectal sphincter. The longer this persists, the less likely the nerves and muscles will recover. […] In women, fecal incontinence can occur if the rectum protrudes through the vagina. […] Surgery to treat enlarged veins in the rectum or anus (hemorrhoids), as well as more-complex operations involving the rectum and anus, can cause muscle and nerve damage that leads to fecal incontinence.

• #127 Fecal incontinence – Wikipedia

  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fecal_incontinence

  Rectal hyposensitivity may manifest as constipation, FI, or both. […] This may occur when there is a large mass of feces in the rectum (fecal loading), which may become hardened (fecal impaction). […] Liquid stool elements can pass around the obstruction, leading to incontinence. […] Defects or brain damage may affect the central nervous system focally (e.g. stroke, tumor, spinal cord lesions, trauma, multiple sclerosis) or diffusely (e.g. dementia, multiple sclerosis, infection, Parkinson’s disease or drug-induced). […] Liquid stool is more difficult to control than formed, solid stool. […] Hence, FI can be exacerbated by diarrhea. […] Irradiation may occur during radiotherapy, e.g. for prostate cancer. […] Fecal incontinence caused by trauma is uncommon. […] Rare causes of traumatic injury to the anal sphincters include military or traffic accidents complicated by pelvic fractures, spine injuries or perineal lacerations, insertion of foreign bodies in the rectum, and anal sexual abuse. […] Anorectal anomalies and spinal cord defects may be a cause in children.

• #128 Fecal incontinence – Knowledge @ AMBOSS

  https://www.amboss.com/us/knowledge/fecal-incontinence/

  Disorders of rectal reservoir or sensory function (due to, e.g., radiation proctitis), pelvic floor dysfunction: may involve rectal prolapse and/or rectocele, and rectal cancer are also causes. […] Neurological disorders such as spinal cord injury and cauda equina syndrome, pudendal nerve injury, multiple sclerosis, diabetes mellitus, major neurocognitive disorder, and stroke contribute to fecal incontinence. […] Impaired functional status (e.g., decreased mobility) may cause functional incontinence or exacerbate incontinence due to other causes. […] Stool disorders including constipation, fecal impaction, and/or retention causing overflow, as well as causes of chronic diarrhea (e.g., inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome, medications) are also implicated in fecal incontinence.

• #129 Fecal incontinence – Wikipedia

  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fecal_incontinence

  Nontraumatic conditions causing anal sphincter weakness include scleroderma, damage to the pudendal nerves, and IAS degeneration of unknown cause. […] Many people with FI have a generalized weakness of the pelvic floor, especially puborectalis. […] A weakened puborectalis leads to widening of the anorectal angle and impaired barrier to the stool in the rectum entering the anal canal, and this is associated with incontinence to solids. […] If there is incomplete evacuation during defecation, residual stool will be left in the rectum and threaten continence once defecation is finished. […] Rectal storage capacity may be affected in the following ways. […] Rectal sensation is required to detect the presence, nature, and amount of rectal contents. […] Reduced rectal sensation may be a contributory factor.

• #130 Fecal Incontinence: Etiology, Evaluation, and Treatment

  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3140335/

  Obstetric trauma comprises the largest proportion of FI causes in women. Vaginal delivery can damage the pelvic floor and sphincters resulting in FI. Direct mechanical tears of the sphincter occur ~0.69% of vaginal deliveries and risk factors associated obstetric tears include use of forceps, mediolateral episiotomy, and primiparity. […] Anorectal disease is a significant risk factor for incontinence, including hemorrhoids, fissure or fistulae even without surgical intervention. […] Other colorectal conditions may be associated with FI such as inflammatory bowel disease, malignancies, or infectious diseases. Along with anorectal conditions, surgery for these disorders is a common causative factor of FI. […] Pelvic radiation results in significant morbidity including severe FI. It can lead to incontinence through radiation proctosigmoiditis, small bowel injury, fistula, reduced rectal capacity, decreased sphincter function, rectal mucosal sensitivity, and neuropathy; surgical options are limited so most radiation-induced FI is treated nonoperatively or with fecal diversion. […] Other causes of FI include neurologic (central, spinal, peripheral), diarrhea, fecal impaction, or laxative abuse.

• #131 Patient education: Fecal incontinence (Beyond the Basics) – UpToDate

  https://www.uptodate.com/contents/fecal-incontinence-beyond-the-basics/print

  Damage to the anal sphincters — The internal and external anal sphincters are the muscles located at the end of the rectum. These muscles and the surrounding pelvic muscles create a barrier that prevents the escape of feces. Any damage to or loss of control over these sphincters can lead to incontinence. Damage most commonly occurs during vaginal childbirth and anal surgery. […] Neurologic causes — Neurologic disorders such as diabetes, multiple sclerosis, and spinal cord injury can decrease sensation and control over the lower digestive tract. Nerve damage during vaginal childbirth can also decrease anal sphincter function. […] Decreased distensibility of the rectum — Conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease (eg, Crohn disease and ulcerative colitis) and radiation-induced inflammation of the rectum (radiation proctitis) can impair the rectum’s ability to expand and store fecal matter.

• #132 Patient education: Fecal incontinence (Beyond the Basics) – UpToDate

  https://www.uptodate.com/contents/fecal-incontinence-beyond-the-basics/print

  Damage to the anal sphincters — The internal and external anal sphincters are the muscles located at the end of the rectum. These muscles and the surrounding pelvic muscles create a barrier that prevents the escape of feces. Any damage to or loss of control over these sphincters can lead to incontinence. Damage most commonly occurs during vaginal childbirth and anal surgery. […] Neurologic causes — Neurologic disorders such as diabetes, multiple sclerosis, and spinal cord injury can decrease sensation and control over the lower digestive tract. Nerve damage during vaginal childbirth can also decrease anal sphincter function. […] Decreased distensibility of the rectum — Conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease (eg, Crohn disease and ulcerative colitis) and radiation-induced inflammation of the rectum (radiation proctitis) can impair the rectum’s ability to expand and store fecal matter.

• #133 Fecal incontinence, Osseo – Mayo Clinic Health System

  https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/locations/osseo/services-and-treatments/gastroenterology-and-hepatology/digestive-disorders/fecal-incontinence

  Chronic constipation may cause a dry, hard mass of stool (impacted stool) to form in the rectum and become too large to pass. The muscles of the rectum and intestines stretch and eventually weaken, allowing watery stool from farther up the digestive tract to move around the impacted stool and leak out. Chronic constipation may also cause nerve damage that leads to fecal incontinence. […] Solid stool is easier to retain in the rectum than is loose stool, so the loose stools of diarrhea can cause or worsen fecal incontinence. […] When the veins in your rectum swell, causing hemorrhoids, this keeps your anus from closing completely, which can allow stool to leak out. […] Normally, the rectum stretches to accommodate stool. If your rectum is scarred or stiff due to surgery, radiation treatment or inflammatory bowel disease, the rectum can’t stretch as much as it needs to, and excess stool can leak out.

• #134 Patient education: Fecal incontinence (Beyond the Basics) – UpToDate

  https://www.uptodate.com/contents/fecal-incontinence-beyond-the-basics/print

  Damage to the anal sphincters — The internal and external anal sphincters are the muscles located at the end of the rectum. These muscles and the surrounding pelvic muscles create a barrier that prevents the escape of feces. Any damage to or loss of control over these sphincters can lead to incontinence. Damage most commonly occurs during vaginal childbirth and anal surgery. […] Neurologic causes — Neurologic disorders such as diabetes, multiple sclerosis, and spinal cord injury can decrease sensation and control over the lower digestive tract. Nerve damage during vaginal childbirth can also decrease anal sphincter function. […] Decreased distensibility of the rectum — Conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease (eg, Crohn disease and ulcerative colitis) and radiation-induced inflammation of the rectum (radiation proctitis) can impair the rectum’s ability to expand and store fecal matter.

• #135 Fecal incontinence, Osseo – Mayo Clinic Health System

  https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/locations/osseo/services-and-treatments/gastroenterology-and-hepatology/digestive-disorders/fecal-incontinence

  Chronic constipation may cause a dry, hard mass of stool (impacted stool) to form in the rectum and become too large to pass. The muscles of the rectum and intestines stretch and eventually weaken, allowing watery stool from farther up the digestive tract to move around the impacted stool and leak out. Chronic constipation may also cause nerve damage that leads to fecal incontinence. […] Solid stool is easier to retain in the rectum than is loose stool, so the loose stools of diarrhea can cause or worsen fecal incontinence. […] When the veins in your rectum swell, causing hemorrhoids, this keeps your anus from closing completely, which can allow stool to leak out. […] Normally, the rectum stretches to accommodate stool. If your rectum is scarred or stiff due to surgery, radiation treatment or inflammatory bowel disease, the rectum can’t stretch as much as it needs to, and excess stool can leak out.

• #136 Fecal (Bowel) Incontinence: What It Is, Causes & Treatment

  https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14574-fecal-bowel-incontinence

  The rectum, anus and anal sphincter muscles within the colonConditions that damage the nerves and muscles that help you poop, like those in your rectum and anus, can cause fecal incontinence. […] The most common causes of fecal incontinence include constipation, diarrhea and conditions that damage the muscles or nerves that help you poop. Prior surgeries and procedures can also play a role. […] Muscle damage can occur during a difficult vaginal delivery, when doctors have to use forceps or make a small cut (an episiotomy) to make a larger opening for your baby to come out. Surgery on your anal or rectal area (like surgery to remove hemorrhoids or to treat an abscess or fistula) can also cause muscle damage, leading to incontinence. […] Nerve damage: Many of the same things that can damage your muscles, like surgery and a difficult vaginal delivery, can also damage the nerves that control their movement. This includes nerves that control rectal sensation, the signal that tells you its time to poop. Several chronic conditions affecting your nerves increase your risk of fecal incontinence. Overusing laxatives can also damage these nerves. […] Conditions that cause muscle or nerve damage or tissue scarring can increase your risk of fecal incontinence, including: Alzheimer’s disease, Dementia, Parkinson’s disease, Type 2 diabetes, Multiple sclerosis, Proctitis, Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Stroke.

• #137 Patient education: Fecal incontinence (Beyond the Basics) – UpToDate

  https://www.uptodate.com/contents/fecal-incontinence-beyond-the-basics/print

  Fecal impaction — When hardened feces accumulates in the rectum, this can cause the anal sphincters to relax and allow liquid stool to escape around the blockage. Fecal impaction is a common cause of incontinence in older adults. […] Diarrhea — Diarrhea of various causes, including irritable bowel syndrome, active inflammatory bowel disease, or acute gastroenteritis, can lead to loss of liquid stool. In some cases, if the diarrhea is treated, the person will be able to control their incontinence. […] Unknown causes — In some cases, the cause of fecal incontinence cannot be identified; this is called idiopathic incontinence. Idiopathic incontinence most commonly occurs in middle-aged and older women.

• #138 Fecal Incontinence: Etiology, Evaluation, and Treatment

  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3140335/

  Obstetric trauma comprises the largest proportion of FI causes in women. Vaginal delivery can damage the pelvic floor and sphincters resulting in FI. Direct mechanical tears of the sphincter occur ~0.69% of vaginal deliveries and risk factors associated obstetric tears include use of forceps, mediolateral episiotomy, and primiparity. […] Anorectal disease is a significant risk factor for incontinence, including hemorrhoids, fissure or fistulae even without surgical intervention. […] Other colorectal conditions may be associated with FI such as inflammatory bowel disease, malignancies, or infectious diseases. Along with anorectal conditions, surgery for these disorders is a common causative factor of FI. […] Pelvic radiation results in significant morbidity including severe FI. It can lead to incontinence through radiation proctosigmoiditis, small bowel injury, fistula, reduced rectal capacity, decreased sphincter function, rectal mucosal sensitivity, and neuropathy; surgical options are limited so most radiation-induced FI is treated nonoperatively or with fecal diversion. […] Other causes of FI include neurologic (central, spinal, peripheral), diarrhea, fecal impaction, or laxative abuse.

• #139 Fecal Incontinence: Etiology, Evaluation, and Treatment

  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3140335/

  Obstetric trauma comprises the largest proportion of FI causes in women. Vaginal delivery can damage the pelvic floor and sphincters resulting in FI. Direct mechanical tears of the sphincter occur ~0.69% of vaginal deliveries and risk factors associated obstetric tears include use of forceps, mediolateral episiotomy, and primiparity. […] Anorectal disease is a significant risk factor for incontinence, including hemorrhoids, fissure or fistulae even without surgical intervention. […] Other colorectal conditions may be associated with FI such as inflammatory bowel disease, malignancies, or infectious diseases. Along with anorectal conditions, surgery for these disorders is a common causative factor of FI. […] Pelvic radiation results in significant morbidity including severe FI. It can lead to incontinence through radiation proctosigmoiditis, small bowel injury, fistula, reduced rectal capacity, decreased sphincter function, rectal mucosal sensitivity, and neuropathy; surgical options are limited so most radiation-induced FI is treated nonoperatively or with fecal diversion. […] Other causes of FI include neurologic (central, spinal, peripheral), diarrhea, fecal impaction, or laxative abuse.

• #140 Fecal (Bowel) Incontinence: What It Is, Causes & Treatment

  https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14574-fecal-bowel-incontinence

  The rectum, anus and anal sphincter muscles within the colonConditions that damage the nerves and muscles that help you poop, like those in your rectum and anus, can cause fecal incontinence. […] The most common causes of fecal incontinence include constipation, diarrhea and conditions that damage the muscles or nerves that help you poop. Prior surgeries and procedures can also play a role. […] Muscle damage can occur during a difficult vaginal delivery, when doctors have to use forceps or make a small cut (an episiotomy) to make a larger opening for your baby to come out. Surgery on your anal or rectal area (like surgery to remove hemorrhoids or to treat an abscess or fistula) can also cause muscle damage, leading to incontinence. […] Nerve damage: Many of the same things that can damage your muscles, like surgery and a difficult vaginal delivery, can also damage the nerves that control their movement. This includes nerves that control rectal sensation, the signal that tells you its time to poop. Several chronic conditions affecting your nerves increase your risk of fecal incontinence. Overusing laxatives can also damage these nerves. […] Conditions that cause muscle or nerve damage or tissue scarring can increase your risk of fecal incontinence, including: Alzheimer’s disease, Dementia, Parkinson’s disease, Type 2 diabetes, Multiple sclerosis, Proctitis, Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Stroke.

• #141 Fecal incontinence – Wikipedia

  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fecal_incontinence

  Diabetes mellitus is also known to be a cause, but the mechanism of this relationship is not well understood. […] Obstetric injury is a leading cause of fecal incontinence. […] Vaginal delivery causes stretching of the pelvic muscles and the pudendal nerve. […] The risk of injury is greatest when labor has been especially difficult or prolonged, when forceps are used, with higher birth weights, or when a midline episiotomy is performed. […] FI is a much under-reported complication of surgery. […] The IAS is easily damaged with an anal retractor (especially the Park’s anal retractor), leading to reduced resting pressure postoperatively. […] Partial internal sphincterotomy, fistulotomy, anal stretch (Lord’s operation), hemorrhoidectomy or transanal advancement flaps may all lead to FI postoperatively, with soiling being far more common than solid FI.

• #142 Fecal incontinence – Wikipedia

  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fecal_incontinence

  Diabetes mellitus is also known to be a cause, but the mechanism of this relationship is not well understood. […] Obstetric injury is a leading cause of fecal incontinence. […] Vaginal delivery causes stretching of the pelvic muscles and the pudendal nerve. […] The risk of injury is greatest when labor has been especially difficult or prolonged, when forceps are used, with higher birth weights, or when a midline episiotomy is performed. […] FI is a much under-reported complication of surgery. […] The IAS is easily damaged with an anal retractor (especially the Park’s anal retractor), leading to reduced resting pressure postoperatively. […] Partial internal sphincterotomy, fistulotomy, anal stretch (Lord’s operation), hemorrhoidectomy or transanal advancement flaps may all lead to FI postoperatively, with soiling being far more common than solid FI.

• #143 Fecal incontinence, Osseo – Mayo Clinic Health System

  https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/locations/osseo/services-and-treatments/gastroenterology-and-hepatology/digestive-disorders/fecal-incontinence

  Injury to the rings of muscle at the end of the rectum (anal sphincter) may make it difficult to hold stool back properly. This kind of damage can occur during childbirth, especially if you have an episiotomy or forceps are used during delivery. […] Injury to the nerves that sense stool in the rectum or those that control the anal sphincter can lead to fecal incontinence. The nerve damage can be caused by childbirth, constant straining during bowel movements, spinal cord injury or a stroke. Some diseases, such as diabetes and multiple sclerosis, also can affect these nerves and cause damage that leads to fecal incontinence. […] Fecal incontinence can be a result of this condition, in which the rectum drops down into the anus. The stretching of the rectal sphincter by prolapse damages the nerves that control the rectal sphincter. The longer this persists, the less likely the nerves and muscles will recover. […] In women, fecal incontinence can occur if the rectum protrudes through the vagina. […] Surgery to treat enlarged veins in the rectum or anus (hemorrhoids), as well as more-complex operations involving the rectum and anus, can cause muscle and nerve damage that leads to fecal incontinence.

• #144 Fecal incontinence – Wikipedia

  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fecal_incontinence

  Rectal hyposensitivity may manifest as constipation, FI, or both. […] This may occur when there is a large mass of feces in the rectum (fecal loading), which may become hardened (fecal impaction). […] Liquid stool elements can pass around the obstruction, leading to incontinence. […] Defects or brain damage may affect the central nervous system focally (e.g. stroke, tumor, spinal cord lesions, trauma, multiple sclerosis) or diffusely (e.g. dementia, multiple sclerosis, infection, Parkinson’s disease or drug-induced). […] Liquid stool is more difficult to control than formed, solid stool. […] Hence, FI can be exacerbated by diarrhea. […] Irradiation may occur during radiotherapy, e.g. for prostate cancer. […] Fecal incontinence caused by trauma is uncommon. […] Rare causes of traumatic injury to the anal sphincters include military or traffic accidents complicated by pelvic fractures, spine injuries or perineal lacerations, insertion of foreign bodies in the rectum, and anal sexual abuse. […] Anorectal anomalies and spinal cord defects may be a cause in children.

• #145 Fecal Incontinence: Etiology, Evaluation, and Treatment

  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3140335/

  Obstetric trauma comprises the largest proportion of FI causes in women. Vaginal delivery can damage the pelvic floor and sphincters resulting in FI. Direct mechanical tears of the sphincter occur ~0.69% of vaginal deliveries and risk factors associated obstetric tears include use of forceps, mediolateral episiotomy, and primiparity. […] Anorectal disease is a significant risk factor for incontinence, including hemorrhoids, fissure or fistulae even without surgical intervention. […] Other colorectal conditions may be associated with FI such as inflammatory bowel disease, malignancies, or infectious diseases. Along with anorectal conditions, surgery for these disorders is a common causative factor of FI. […] Pelvic radiation results in significant morbidity including severe FI. It can lead to incontinence through radiation proctosigmoiditis, small bowel injury, fistula, reduced rectal capacity, decreased sphincter function, rectal mucosal sensitivity, and neuropathy; surgical options are limited so most radiation-induced FI is treated nonoperatively or with fecal diversion. […] Other causes of FI include neurologic (central, spinal, peripheral), diarrhea, fecal impaction, or laxative abuse.

• #146 Fecal incontinence | UM Health-Sparrow

  https://www.uofmhealthsparrow.org/departments-conditions/conditions/fecal-incontinence

  Fecal incontinence is accidental passing of solid or liquid stool. Common causes of fecal incontinence include diarrhea, constipation, and muscle or nerve damage. […] For many people, there is more than one cause of fecal incontinence. Causes may include: […] Very soft and very hard stools can lead to fecal incontinence. […] Damaged or weak muscles can cause fecal incontinence. Conditions that can weaken or damage muscles include: […] Injury or illness can affect how the nerves and muscles of the anus, rectum or pelvis work. […] Irregular physical changes in the anus or rectum can contribute to fecal incontinence. […] The risk of fecal incontinence is increased with long-term diseases that affect the intestines. […] A mental disability or dementia may affect a person’s ability to plan to use the toilet or be aware of the need to use the toilet. […] A physical disability or limited mobility may make it difficult to reach a toilet in time. […] Lifestyle factors that increase the risk of incontinence include being overweight, not being active, smoking, and drinking caffeinated and alcoholic beverages.

• #147 Fecal incontinence | UM Health-Sparrow

  https://www.uofmhealthsparrow.org/departments-conditions/conditions/fecal-incontinence

  Fecal incontinence is accidental passing of solid or liquid stool. Common causes of fecal incontinence include diarrhea, constipation, and muscle or nerve damage. […] For many people, there is more than one cause of fecal incontinence. Causes may include: […] Very soft and very hard stools can lead to fecal incontinence. […] Damaged or weak muscles can cause fecal incontinence. Conditions that can weaken or damage muscles include: […] Injury or illness can affect how the nerves and muscles of the anus, rectum or pelvis work. […] Irregular physical changes in the anus or rectum can contribute to fecal incontinence. […] The risk of fecal incontinence is increased with long-term diseases that affect the intestines. […] A mental disability or dementia may affect a person’s ability to plan to use the toilet or be aware of the need to use the toilet. […] A physical disability or limited mobility may make it difficult to reach a toilet in time. […] Lifestyle factors that increase the risk of incontinence include being overweight, not being active, smoking, and drinking caffeinated and alcoholic beverages.

• #148 Fecal Incontinence | UCSF Department of Surgery

  https://colorectalsurgery.ucsf.edu/condition/fecal-incontinence

  Fecal incontinence has many causes, including diarrhea, constipation, muscle damage or weakness, nerve damage, loss of stretch in the rectum, childbirth by vaginal delivery, hemorrhoids and rectal prolapse, rectocele, and inactivity. […] Diarrhea can cause fecal incontinence. […] Constipation can lead to large, hard stools that stretch the rectum and cause the internal sphincter muscles to relax by reflex. […] Injury to one or both of the sphincter muscles can cause fecal incontinence. […] The anal sphincter muscles won’t open and close properly if the nerves that control them are damaged. […] Rectal surgery, radiation treatment, and inflammatory bowel diseases can cause the rectal walls to become stiff. […] Childbirth sometimes causes injuries to muscles and nerves in the pelvic floor. […] External hemorrhoids can prevent the anal sphincter muscles from closing completely. […] Rectocele can happen when the thin layer of muscles separating the rectum from the vagina becomes weak. […] People who are inactive have an increased risk of retaining a large amount of stool in the rectum.

• #149 Fecal incontinence | UM Health-Sparrow

  https://www.uofmhealthsparrow.org/departments-conditions/conditions/fecal-incontinence

  Fecal incontinence is accidental passing of solid or liquid stool. Common causes of fecal incontinence include diarrhea, constipation, and muscle or nerve damage. […] For many people, there is more than one cause of fecal incontinence. Causes may include: […] Very soft and very hard stools can lead to fecal incontinence. […] Damaged or weak muscles can cause fecal incontinence. Conditions that can weaken or damage muscles include: […] Injury or illness can affect how the nerves and muscles of the anus, rectum or pelvis work. […] Irregular physical changes in the anus or rectum can contribute to fecal incontinence. […] The risk of fecal incontinence is increased with long-term diseases that affect the intestines. […] A mental disability or dementia may affect a person’s ability to plan to use the toilet or be aware of the need to use the toilet. […] A physical disability or limited mobility may make it difficult to reach a toilet in time. […] Lifestyle factors that increase the risk of incontinence include being overweight, not being active, smoking, and drinking caffeinated and alcoholic beverages.

• #150 Fecal incontinence | UM Health-Sparrow

  https://www.uofmhealthsparrow.org/departments-conditions/conditions/fecal-incontinence

  Fecal incontinence is accidental passing of solid or liquid stool. Common causes of fecal incontinence include diarrhea, constipation, and muscle or nerve damage. […] For many people, there is more than one cause of fecal incontinence. Causes may include: […] Very soft and very hard stools can lead to fecal incontinence. […] Damaged or weak muscles can cause fecal incontinence. Conditions that can weaken or damage muscles include: […] Injury or illness can affect how the nerves and muscles of the anus, rectum or pelvis work. […] Irregular physical changes in the anus or rectum can contribute to fecal incontinence. […] The risk of fecal incontinence is increased with long-term diseases that affect the intestines. […] A mental disability or dementia may affect a person’s ability to plan to use the toilet or be aware of the need to use the toilet. […] A physical disability or limited mobility may make it difficult to reach a toilet in time. […] Lifestyle factors that increase the risk of incontinence include being overweight, not being active, smoking, and drinking caffeinated and alcoholic beverages.

• #151 Fecal incontinence | UM Health-Sparrow

  https://www.uofmhealthsparrow.org/departments-conditions/conditions/fecal-incontinence

  Fecal incontinence is accidental passing of solid or liquid stool. Common causes of fecal incontinence include diarrhea, constipation, and muscle or nerve damage. […] For many people, there is more than one cause of fecal incontinence. Causes may include: […] Very soft and very hard stools can lead to fecal incontinence. […] Damaged or weak muscles can cause fecal incontinence. Conditions that can weaken or damage muscles include: […] Injury or illness can affect how the nerves and muscles of the anus, rectum or pelvis work. […] Irregular physical changes in the anus or rectum can contribute to fecal incontinence. […] The risk of fecal incontinence is increased with long-term diseases that affect the intestines. […] A mental disability or dementia may affect a person’s ability to plan to use the toilet or be aware of the need to use the toilet. […] A physical disability or limited mobility may make it difficult to reach a toilet in time. […] Lifestyle factors that increase the risk of incontinence include being overweight, not being active, smoking, and drinking caffeinated and alcoholic beverages.

• #152 Bowel incontinence: Symptoms, treatment, and prevention

  https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/165583

  Constipation can lead to bowel incontinence. If solid stool becomes impacted, it may be too hard to come out. The muscles of the rectum can stretch and weaken, and watery stools may then leak around the impacted stool and seep out of the anus. This is called overflow of the bowel. […] Other causes include: […] tumors in the rectum, as in rectal cancer […] rectal prolapse, when the rectum drops down into the anus […] rectocele, when the rectum protrudes through the vagina […] hemorrhoids, which can result in incomplete closure of the anal sphincter […] chronic laxative abuse. […] Certain foods can cause diarrhea and worsen the symptoms of fecal incontinence in some people. Examples include spicy, fatty, or greasy foods, cured or smoked meats, and dairy products for those with a lactose intolerance. […] Drinks containing caffeine or artificial sweeteners may act as laxatives.

• #153 Bowel incontinence: Symptoms, treatment, and prevention

  https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/165583

  Constipation can lead to bowel incontinence. If solid stool becomes impacted, it may be too hard to come out. The muscles of the rectum can stretch and weaken, and watery stools may then leak around the impacted stool and seep out of the anus. This is called overflow of the bowel. […] Other causes include: […] tumors in the rectum, as in rectal cancer […] rectal prolapse, when the rectum drops down into the anus […] rectocele, when the rectum protrudes through the vagina […] hemorrhoids, which can result in incomplete closure of the anal sphincter […] chronic laxative abuse. […] Certain foods can cause diarrhea and worsen the symptoms of fecal incontinence in some people. Examples include spicy, fatty, or greasy foods, cured or smoked meats, and dairy products for those with a lactose intolerance. […] Drinks containing caffeine or artificial sweeteners may act as laxatives.

• #154 Bowel incontinence: Symptoms, treatment, and prevention

  https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/165583

  Constipation can lead to bowel incontinence. If solid stool becomes impacted, it may be too hard to come out. The muscles of the rectum can stretch and weaken, and watery stools may then leak around the impacted stool and seep out of the anus. This is called overflow of the bowel. […] Other causes include: […] tumors in the rectum, as in rectal cancer […] rectal prolapse, when the rectum drops down into the anus […] rectocele, when the rectum protrudes through the vagina […] hemorrhoids, which can result in incomplete closure of the anal sphincter […] chronic laxative abuse. […] Certain foods can cause diarrhea and worsen the symptoms of fecal incontinence in some people. Examples include spicy, fatty, or greasy foods, cured or smoked meats, and dairy products for those with a lactose intolerance. […] Drinks containing caffeine or artificial sweeteners may act as laxatives.

• #155 Bowel incontinence: Symptoms, treatment, and prevention

  https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/165583

  Constipation can lead to bowel incontinence. If solid stool becomes impacted, it may be too hard to come out. The muscles of the rectum can stretch and weaken, and watery stools may then leak around the impacted stool and seep out of the anus. This is called overflow of the bowel. […] Other causes include: […] tumors in the rectum, as in rectal cancer […] rectal prolapse, when the rectum drops down into the anus […] rectocele, when the rectum protrudes through the vagina […] hemorrhoids, which can result in incomplete closure of the anal sphincter […] chronic laxative abuse. […] Certain foods can cause diarrhea and worsen the symptoms of fecal incontinence in some people. Examples include spicy, fatty, or greasy foods, cured or smoked meats, and dairy products for those with a lactose intolerance. […] Drinks containing caffeine or artificial sweeteners may act as laxatives.

• #156 Bowel incontinence: Symptoms, treatment, and prevention

  https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/165583

  Constipation can lead to bowel incontinence. If solid stool becomes impacted, it may be too hard to come out. The muscles of the rectum can stretch and weaken, and watery stools may then leak around the impacted stool and seep out of the anus. This is called overflow of the bowel. […] Other causes include: […] tumors in the rectum, as in rectal cancer […] rectal prolapse, when the rectum drops down into the anus […] rectocele, when the rectum protrudes through the vagina […] hemorrhoids, which can result in incomplete closure of the anal sphincter […] chronic laxative abuse. […] Certain foods can cause diarrhea and worsen the symptoms of fecal incontinence in some people. Examples include spicy, fatty, or greasy foods, cured or smoked meats, and dairy products for those with a lactose intolerance. […] Drinks containing caffeine or artificial sweeteners may act as laxatives.

• #157 Bowel incontinence: Symptoms, treatment, and prevention

  https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/165583

  Constipation can lead to bowel incontinence. If solid stool becomes impacted, it may be too hard to come out. The muscles of the rectum can stretch and weaken, and watery stools may then leak around the impacted stool and seep out of the anus. This is called overflow of the bowel. […] Other causes include: […] tumors in the rectum, as in rectal cancer […] rectal prolapse, when the rectum drops down into the anus […] rectocele, when the rectum protrudes through the vagina […] hemorrhoids, which can result in incomplete closure of the anal sphincter […] chronic laxative abuse. […] Certain foods can cause diarrhea and worsen the symptoms of fecal incontinence in some people. Examples include spicy, fatty, or greasy foods, cured or smoked meats, and dairy products for those with a lactose intolerance. […] Drinks containing caffeine or artificial sweeteners may act as laxatives.

• #158 Faecal Incontinence | Bladder & Bowel Community

  https://www.bladderandbowel.org/bowel/bowel-problems/faecal-incontinence/

  Faecal incontinence also known as bowel incontinence is more common than you would think. […] The most common cause of faecal incontinence is damage to one or both of the anal sphincter muscles. Causes of anal sphincter damage can include tears to the anal sphincter during childbirth. […] Other common causes are; Constipation can be both a cause of faecal incontinence and also a symptom of faecal incontinence. […] Diarrhoea can be a cause of faecal incontinence and also a symptom of faecal incontinence. […] People with disorders such as Parkinsons disease, Multiple Sclerosis, Stroke, spinal cord injury and Alzheimers can sometimes develop faecal incontinence that is associated with their illness. […] Some medications, like antibiotics can cause loose stools /diarrhoea, which may make symptoms worse. […] People with inflammatory bowel diseases, which can cause diarrhoea and an urgent need to go to the toilet.

• #159 Faecal Incontinence | Bladder & Bowel Community

  https://www.bladderandbowel.org/bowel/bowel-problems/faecal-incontinence/

  Faecal incontinence also known as bowel incontinence is more common than you would think. […] The most common cause of faecal incontinence is damage to one or both of the anal sphincter muscles. Causes of anal sphincter damage can include tears to the anal sphincter during childbirth. […] Other common causes are; Constipation can be both a cause of faecal incontinence and also a symptom of faecal incontinence. […] Diarrhoea can be a cause of faecal incontinence and also a symptom of faecal incontinence. […] People with disorders such as Parkinsons disease, Multiple Sclerosis, Stroke, spinal cord injury and Alzheimers can sometimes develop faecal incontinence that is associated with their illness. […] Some medications, like antibiotics can cause loose stools /diarrhoea, which may make symptoms worse. […] People with inflammatory bowel diseases, which can cause diarrhoea and an urgent need to go to the toilet.

• #160 Fecal Incontinence – All Island Gastroenterology & Liver Associates

  https://allislandgastro.com/conditions-and-diseases/fecal-incontinence/

  Fecal incontinence refers to the inability to hold in a bowel movement. […] Fecal incontinence may present with other symptoms, such as diarrhea, which can cause discomfort. […] There are several causes of fecal incontinence. Most of them are related to changes in how the body functions, particularly muscle and nerve damage. Some of the more common causes of fecal incontinence are: Older age. Anal and rectal muscles weaken as we age, as well as nearby areas in the pelvis. […] Frequent constipation or diarrhea. Both of these conditions affect the rectal and anal muscles and can cause them to weaken over time. […] Muscle damage to the anal muscle or pelvic floor muscles can occur for a variety of reasons, such as a difficult childbirth. […] It is the nerves that send signals to the muscles, so if the nerves are damaged, this can lead to fecal incontinence. This could occur because of a difficult vaginal delivery, spinal cord injury, diabetes, multiple sclerosis (MS), and other reasons. […] Other comorbid conditions, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), such as ulcerative colitis, and Crohn’s disease, can make the rectum difficult to stretch. […] During a rectal prolapse, the rectum falls into the anus. […] Using too many stimulant laxatives can lead to fecal incontinence.

• #161 Fecal incontinence – Knowledge @ AMBOSS

  https://www.amboss.com/us/knowledge/fecal-incontinence/

  Fecal incontinence is the involuntary passage of feces over a period of 3 months. The etiology of fecal incontinence is frequently multifactorial; causes include anal disorders (e.g., anal sphincter weakness following obstetric injury), rectal disorders (e.g., rectal cancer), neurological conditions (e.g., spinal cord injury), and/or abnormal stool consistency (e.g., diarrhea). Fecal incontinence is multifactorial in 80% of patients. […] Anal sphincter weakness or injury, obstetric nerve injuries and obstetric lacerations (due to, e.g., instrumental delivery, prolonged second stage of labor), proctology and gynecology surgical procedures (e.g., fistula surgery; , hemorrhoidectomy, hysterectomy), systemic sclerosis, and medications (e.g., antianginal medications, antihypertensives) are causes of fecal incontinence.

• #162 Patient education: Fecal incontinence (Beyond the Basics) – UpToDate

  https://www.uptodate.com/contents/fecal-incontinence-beyond-the-basics/print

  Fecal impaction — When hardened feces accumulates in the rectum, this can cause the anal sphincters to relax and allow liquid stool to escape around the blockage. Fecal impaction is a common cause of incontinence in older adults. […] Diarrhea — Diarrhea of various causes, including irritable bowel syndrome, active inflammatory bowel disease, or acute gastroenteritis, can lead to loss of liquid stool. In some cases, if the diarrhea is treated, the person will be able to control their incontinence. […] Unknown causes — In some cases, the cause of fecal incontinence cannot be identified; this is called idiopathic incontinence. Idiopathic incontinence most commonly occurs in middle-aged and older women.

• #163 Patient education: Fecal incontinence (Beyond the Basics) – UpToDate

  https://www.uptodate.com/contents/fecal-incontinence-beyond-the-basics/print

  Fecal impaction — When hardened feces accumulates in the rectum, this can cause the anal sphincters to relax and allow liquid stool to escape around the blockage. Fecal impaction is a common cause of incontinence in older adults. […] Diarrhea — Diarrhea of various causes, including irritable bowel syndrome, active inflammatory bowel disease, or acute gastroenteritis, can lead to loss of liquid stool. In some cases, if the diarrhea is treated, the person will be able to control their incontinence. […] Unknown causes — In some cases, the cause of fecal incontinence cannot be identified; this is called idiopathic incontinence. Idiopathic incontinence most commonly occurs in middle-aged and older women.

• #164

  https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/BF02050307

  Fecal incontinence is a challenging condition of diverse etiology and devastating psychosocial impact. Multiple mechanisms may be involved in its pathophysiology, such as altered stool consistency and delivery of contents to the rectum, abnormal rectal capacity or compliance, decreased anorectal sensation, and pelvic floor or anal sphincter dysfunction. […] The evaluation of idiopathic fecal incontinence may require tests such as cinedefecography, spinal latencies, and anal mucosal electrosensitivity. […] In the absence of pudendal neuropathy, sphincteroplasty is an excellent option. If neuropathy exists, however, then postanal or total pelvic floor repair remain viable surgical options for the treatment of idiopathic fecal incontinence. […] The final therapeutic option is fecal diversion. This article reviews the current status of the etiology and incidence of incontinence as well as the evaluation and treatment of this disabling condition.

• #165

  https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/BF02050307

  Fecal incontinence is a challenging condition of diverse etiology and devastating psychosocial impact. Multiple mechanisms may be involved in its pathophysiology, such as altered stool consistency and delivery of contents to the rectum, abnormal rectal capacity or compliance, decreased anorectal sensation, and pelvic floor or anal sphincter dysfunction. […] The evaluation of idiopathic fecal incontinence may require tests such as cinedefecography, spinal latencies, and anal mucosal electrosensitivity. […] In the absence of pudendal neuropathy, sphincteroplasty is an excellent option. If neuropathy exists, however, then postanal or total pelvic floor repair remain viable surgical options for the treatment of idiopathic fecal incontinence. […] The final therapeutic option is fecal diversion. This article reviews the current status of the etiology and incidence of incontinence as well as the evaluation and treatment of this disabling condition.

• #166 Fecal incontinence – Symptoms and causes – Mayo Clinic

  https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/fecal-incontinence/symptoms-causes/syc-20351397

  Fecal incontinence may happen when a person has a sudden urge to pass stool and cannot get to a toilet in time. […] Common causes of fecal incontinence include diarrhea, constipation, and muscle or nerve damage. […] For many people, there is more than one cause of fecal incontinence. […] Causes may include: […] Very soft and very hard stools can lead to fecal incontinence. […] Damaged or weak muscles can cause fecal incontinence. […] Nervous system disorders also may affect a person’s awareness of the need for passing stool. […] Irregular physical changes in the anus or rectum can contribute to fecal incontinence.

• #167 Fecal Incontinence: Etiology, Evaluation, and Treatment

  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3140335/

  Fecal incontinence is a debilitating problem facing ~2.2% of the U.S. general population over 65 years of age. Etiologic factors include traumatic, neurologic, congenital, and iatrogenic. Most commonly, obstetric trauma causes fecal incontinence as well as poorly performed anorectal surgery or pelvic radiation. […] The etiology of FI is multifactorial and can be due to several factors including neuropathic, traumatic, congenital, and obstetric trauma, as well as iatrogenic injuries due to injudicious fistula surgery, hemorrhoidectomy, and lateral internal sphincterotomy among several others. […] Fecal incontinence may be attributed to a disturbance of any of the mechanisms that are required to produce continence: sphincter function, rectal sensation, adequate rectal capacity and compliance, colonic transit time, stool consistency, and cognitive and neurologic factors. The etiology of FI includes the following: congenital, obstetric, surgical, accidental and iatrogenic trauma, colorectal disease, neurologic diseases (cerebral, spinal, peripheral) or other causes such as diarrhea, laxative abuse, or fecal impaction.

• #168 Fecal (Bowel) Incontinence: What It Is, Causes & Treatment

  https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14574-fecal-bowel-incontinence

  The rectum, anus and anal sphincter muscles within the colonConditions that damage the nerves and muscles that help you poop, like those in your rectum and anus, can cause fecal incontinence. […] The most common causes of fecal incontinence include constipation, diarrhea and conditions that damage the muscles or nerves that help you poop. Prior surgeries and procedures can also play a role. […] Muscle damage can occur during a difficult vaginal delivery, when doctors have to use forceps or make a small cut (an episiotomy) to make a larger opening for your baby to come out. Surgery on your anal or rectal area (like surgery to remove hemorrhoids or to treat an abscess or fistula) can also cause muscle damage, leading to incontinence. […] Nerve damage: Many of the same things that can damage your muscles, like surgery and a difficult vaginal delivery, can also damage the nerves that control their movement. This includes nerves that control rectal sensation, the signal that tells you its time to poop. Several chronic conditions affecting your nerves increase your risk of fecal incontinence. Overusing laxatives can also damage these nerves. […] Conditions that cause muscle or nerve damage or tissue scarring can increase your risk of fecal incontinence, including: Alzheimer’s disease, Dementia, Parkinson’s disease, Type 2 diabetes, Multiple sclerosis, Proctitis, Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Stroke.

• #169

  https://fascrs.org/patients/diseases-and-conditions/a-z/fecal-incontinence

  Fecal incontinence (also called anal or bowel incontinence) is the impaired ability to control the passage of gas or stool. This is a common problem, but often not discussed due to embarrassment. Failure to seek treatment can result in social isolation and a negative impact on quality of life. […] There are many causes of fecal incontinence such as injury, disease and age. […] The most common cause of fecal incontinence results from a tear in the anal muscles during childbirth. Additionally, the nerves controlling the anal muscles may also be injured, leading to incontinence. […] Anal operations or traumatic injury to the tissues near the anal region can damage the anal muscles and/or nerves and lessen bowel control. […] Some people gradually lose anal muscle strength as they age. A mild control problem may have existed when they were younger may progress later in life. […] Severe stroke, advanced dementia or spinal cord injury can cause lack of control of the anal muscles, resulting in incontinence.

• #170 Fecal (Bowel) Incontinence: What It Is, Causes & Treatment

  https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14574-fecal-bowel-incontinence

  The rectum, anus and anal sphincter muscles within the colonConditions that damage the nerves and muscles that help you poop, like those in your rectum and anus, can cause fecal incontinence. […] The most common causes of fecal incontinence include constipation, diarrhea and conditions that damage the muscles or nerves that help you poop. Prior surgeries and procedures can also play a role. […] Muscle damage can occur during a difficult vaginal delivery, when doctors have to use forceps or make a small cut (an episiotomy) to make a larger opening for your baby to come out. Surgery on your anal or rectal area (like surgery to remove hemorrhoids or to treat an abscess or fistula) can also cause muscle damage, leading to incontinence. […] Nerve damage: Many of the same things that can damage your muscles, like surgery and a difficult vaginal delivery, can also damage the nerves that control their movement. This includes nerves that control rectal sensation, the signal that tells you its time to poop. Several chronic conditions affecting your nerves increase your risk of fecal incontinence. Overusing laxatives can also damage these nerves. […] Conditions that cause muscle or nerve damage or tissue scarring can increase your risk of fecal incontinence, including: Alzheimer’s disease, Dementia, Parkinson’s disease, Type 2 diabetes, Multiple sclerosis, Proctitis, Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Stroke.

• #171 Fecal incontinence, Osseo – Mayo Clinic Health System

  https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/locations/osseo/services-and-treatments/gastroenterology-and-hepatology/digestive-disorders/fecal-incontinence

  Injury to the rings of muscle at the end of the rectum (anal sphincter) may make it difficult to hold stool back properly. This kind of damage can occur during childbirth, especially if you have an episiotomy or forceps are used during delivery. […] Injury to the nerves that sense stool in the rectum or those that control the anal sphincter can lead to fecal incontinence. The nerve damage can be caused by childbirth, constant straining during bowel movements, spinal cord injury or a stroke. Some diseases, such as diabetes and multiple sclerosis, also can affect these nerves and cause damage that leads to fecal incontinence. […] Fecal incontinence can be a result of this condition, in which the rectum drops down into the anus. The stretching of the rectal sphincter by prolapse damages the nerves that control the rectal sphincter. The longer this persists, the less likely the nerves and muscles will recover. […] In women, fecal incontinence can occur if the rectum protrudes through the vagina. […] Surgery to treat enlarged veins in the rectum or anus (hemorrhoids), as well as more-complex operations involving the rectum and anus, can cause muscle and nerve damage that leads to fecal incontinence.

• #172 Symptoms & Causes of Fecal Incontinence – NIDDK

  https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/bowel-control-problems-fecal-incontinence/symptoms-causes

  Fecal incontinence has many causes, including digestive tract disorders and chronic diseases. Some causes of fecal incontinence, such as childbirth by vaginal delivery, happen only in women. […] Diarrhea is the most common risk factor for fecal incontinence for people not staying in hospitals, nursing homes, or other similar institutions. […] Constipation can lead to large, hard stools that are difficult to pass. […] If the muscles in your anus, pelvic floor, or rectum are injured or weakened, they may not be able to keep your anus closed, letting stool leak out. […] If the nerves that control your anus, pelvic floor, and rectum are damaged, the muscles cant work the way they should. […] Neurologic diseases that affect the nerves of the anus, pelvic floor, or rectum can cause fecal incontinence.

• #173 Fecal incontinence, Osseo – Mayo Clinic Health System

  https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/locations/osseo/services-and-treatments/gastroenterology-and-hepatology/digestive-disorders/fecal-incontinence

  Chronic constipation may cause a dry, hard mass of stool (impacted stool) to form in the rectum and become too large to pass. The muscles of the rectum and intestines stretch and eventually weaken, allowing watery stool from farther up the digestive tract to move around the impacted stool and leak out. Chronic constipation may also cause nerve damage that leads to fecal incontinence. […] Solid stool is easier to retain in the rectum than is loose stool, so the loose stools of diarrhea can cause or worsen fecal incontinence. […] When the veins in your rectum swell, causing hemorrhoids, this keeps your anus from closing completely, which can allow stool to leak out. […] Normally, the rectum stretches to accommodate stool. If your rectum is scarred or stiff due to surgery, radiation treatment or inflammatory bowel disease, the rectum can’t stretch as much as it needs to, and excess stool can leak out.

• #174 Fecal Incontinence – Diagnosis, Evaluation and Treatment

  https://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info/fecal-incontinence

  Diarrhea. Loose stools can worsen fecal incontinence. […] Other conditions. Fecal incontinence can also result from a condition called rectal prolapse. This is where the rectum slides out of place, sometimes protruding out of the body. In women, fecal incontinence can also result from a condition called a rectocele. This is where the rectum bulges towards the woman’s vagina (due to thinning or tearing of the tissue that normally separates the rectum and vagina). […] True fecal incontinence. This is a congenital condition in which normal bowel structures do not develop properly. Children with true fecal incontinence are physically unable to control their bowel movements. They may experience loose stools or constipation. Spinal problems, spina bifida, or an anorectal malformation may cause this condition. An anorectal malformation is a congenital defect in which the anal opening, the rectum, and/or the nerves that tell the body to defecate do not develop properly.

• #175 Fecal incontinence, Osseo – Mayo Clinic Health System

  https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/locations/osseo/services-and-treatments/gastroenterology-and-hepatology/digestive-disorders/fecal-incontinence

  Injury to the rings of muscle at the end of the rectum (anal sphincter) may make it difficult to hold stool back properly. This kind of damage can occur during childbirth, especially if you have an episiotomy or forceps are used during delivery. […] Injury to the nerves that sense stool in the rectum or those that control the anal sphincter can lead to fecal incontinence. The nerve damage can be caused by childbirth, constant straining during bowel movements, spinal cord injury or a stroke. Some diseases, such as diabetes and multiple sclerosis, also can affect these nerves and cause damage that leads to fecal incontinence. […] Fecal incontinence can be a result of this condition, in which the rectum drops down into the anus. The stretching of the rectal sphincter by prolapse damages the nerves that control the rectal sphincter. The longer this persists, the less likely the nerves and muscles will recover. […] In women, fecal incontinence can occur if the rectum protrudes through the vagina. […] Surgery to treat enlarged veins in the rectum or anus (hemorrhoids), as well as more-complex operations involving the rectum and anus, can cause muscle and nerve damage that leads to fecal incontinence.

• #176 Fecal Incontinence: Etiology, Evaluation, and Treatment

  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3140335/

  Obstetric trauma comprises the largest proportion of FI causes in women. Vaginal delivery can damage the pelvic floor and sphincters resulting in FI. Direct mechanical tears of the sphincter occur ~0.69% of vaginal deliveries and risk factors associated obstetric tears include use of forceps, mediolateral episiotomy, and primiparity. […] Anorectal disease is a significant risk factor for incontinence, including hemorrhoids, fissure or fistulae even without surgical intervention. […] Other colorectal conditions may be associated with FI such as inflammatory bowel disease, malignancies, or infectious diseases. Along with anorectal conditions, surgery for these disorders is a common causative factor of FI. […] Pelvic radiation results in significant morbidity including severe FI. It can lead to incontinence through radiation proctosigmoiditis, small bowel injury, fistula, reduced rectal capacity, decreased sphincter function, rectal mucosal sensitivity, and neuropathy; surgical options are limited so most radiation-induced FI is treated nonoperatively or with fecal diversion. […] Other causes of FI include neurologic (central, spinal, peripheral), diarrhea, fecal impaction, or laxative abuse.

• #177 Patient education: Fecal incontinence (Beyond the Basics) – UpToDate

  https://www.uptodate.com/contents/fecal-incontinence-beyond-the-basics/print

  Damage to the anal sphincters — The internal and external anal sphincters are the muscles located at the end of the rectum. These muscles and the surrounding pelvic muscles create a barrier that prevents the escape of feces. Any damage to or loss of control over these sphincters can lead to incontinence. Damage most commonly occurs during vaginal childbirth and anal surgery. […] Neurologic causes — Neurologic disorders such as diabetes, multiple sclerosis, and spinal cord injury can decrease sensation and control over the lower digestive tract. Nerve damage during vaginal childbirth can also decrease anal sphincter function. […] Decreased distensibility of the rectum — Conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease (eg, Crohn disease and ulcerative colitis) and radiation-induced inflammation of the rectum (radiation proctitis) can impair the rectum’s ability to expand and store fecal matter.

• #178 Fecal Incontinence: Etiology, Evaluation, and Treatment

  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3140335/

  Obstetric trauma comprises the largest proportion of FI causes in women. Vaginal delivery can damage the pelvic floor and sphincters resulting in FI. Direct mechanical tears of the sphincter occur ~0.69% of vaginal deliveries and risk factors associated obstetric tears include use of forceps, mediolateral episiotomy, and primiparity. […] Anorectal disease is a significant risk factor for incontinence, including hemorrhoids, fissure or fistulae even without surgical intervention. […] Other colorectal conditions may be associated with FI such as inflammatory bowel disease, malignancies, or infectious diseases. Along with anorectal conditions, surgery for these disorders is a common causative factor of FI. […] Pelvic radiation results in significant morbidity including severe FI. It can lead to incontinence through radiation proctosigmoiditis, small bowel injury, fistula, reduced rectal capacity, decreased sphincter function, rectal mucosal sensitivity, and neuropathy; surgical options are limited so most radiation-induced FI is treated nonoperatively or with fecal diversion. […] Other causes of FI include neurologic (central, spinal, peripheral), diarrhea, fecal impaction, or laxative abuse.

• #179 Fecal Incontinence | Boston Children’s Hospital

  https://www.childrenshospital.org/conditions/fecal-incontinence

  Fecal incontinence is the inability to control bowel movements, causing a child to repeatedly pass stool in inappropriate places. It is often related to constipation, though some children have fecal incontinence after surgery to correct an anorectal malformation or other condition in the rectal area. […] Common causes of fecal incontinence include: Diarrhea, Constipation, Problems with muscles or nerves, Hirschsprung’s disease, Congenital malformations of the anorectal area, like imperforate anus, Neuropathic conditions like spina bifida.

• #180 Fecal Incontinence – Diagnosis, Evaluation and Treatment

  https://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info/fecal-incontinence

  Hirschsprung disease may also cause true fecal incontinence. This is a congenital disease in which nerve cells are missing from the muscles in the rectum or colon. This results in problems with passing stool. […] Encopresis or „pseudo-incontinence.” Developmental or emotional issues may also cause an inability to control bowel movements. It occurs in children who resist having bowel movements. This causes stools to collect in the colon and rectum. When stools become hard, the rectal muscles may weaken, and liquid feces may leak around the hard stools and out of the body. The term encopresis means involuntary spilling of stool outside of the body due to fecal incontinence.

• #181

  https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/BF02050307

  Fecal incontinence is a challenging condition of diverse etiology and devastating psychosocial impact. Multiple mechanisms may be involved in its pathophysiology, such as altered stool consistency and delivery of contents to the rectum, abnormal rectal capacity or compliance, decreased anorectal sensation, and pelvic floor or anal sphincter dysfunction. […] The evaluation of idiopathic fecal incontinence may require tests such as cinedefecography, spinal latencies, and anal mucosal electrosensitivity. […] In the absence of pudendal neuropathy, sphincteroplasty is an excellent option. If neuropathy exists, however, then postanal or total pelvic floor repair remain viable surgical options for the treatment of idiopathic fecal incontinence. […] The final therapeutic option is fecal diversion. This article reviews the current status of the etiology and incidence of incontinence as well as the evaluation and treatment of this disabling condition.

• #182 Bladder & Bowel: Faecal incontinence – Leaflet library

  https://www.oxfordhealth.nhs.uk/leaflets/title/faecal-incontinence/

  Damage can be caused from childbirth, operations, injury and rectal prolapse. […] This can be caused by conditions such as spinal injury, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s, and stroke. […] This is the inability to get to the toilet in time or manipulate clothing. […] Treatment will depend on the cause of the faecal incontinence. Treating underlying inflammation, infection and constipation can improve symptoms of faecal incontinence. […] Diet can have a significant effect on stool consistency which in turn may lead to faecal incontinence. Having too much or too little of certain food types may increase the risk of accidental leakage. […] When done correctly, anal sphincter exercises can build up and strengthen the anal sphincters to help you hold on to both gas and stool in the back passage.

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