Conditions
Bowel Incontinence
It is said that bowel incontinence (sometimes called faecal or anal incontinence) is a sign or a symptom, not a diagnosis. It is the uncontrolled loss of solid or liquid stools, or wind (gas) with leakage, which occurs when the sphincter muscles and nerves in and around the rectum and anal canal are damaged (e.g. after childbirth or surgery), or become weaker (with age). Bowel incontinence affects 1% to 10% of adults and can seriously affect quality of life for most sufferers. Due to the nature of the condition it has largely been a hidden problem, with sufferers too embarrassed or ashamed to tell anyone about their symptoms. Bowel incontinence can affect anyone, but it is much more common in older people, particularly those with long-term health and mobility problems. There are a number of treatments for bowel incontinence (non-surgical and surgical) depending on the cause of the problem.
If you’re suffering from continence problems then you can watch a special webchat with Mr Andrew Clarke on Thursday 10th December at 2pm (GMT). Go to www.webchats.tv to submit your questions ahead of the live chat.
Comments and Questions
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hello for as long as i can remember i can only go for a feces once or twice a week and i don't know what to do i am not constipated or nothing
Iam having a problem after going to the toilet and having a Bowel movement as I make sure I clean myself proper and then llater when I want to pass urine and wipe myself I find brown stains on the toilet paper and wonder where this coming from. I am 70 years of age but slim and fit Concerned
hello i really need advice, i get pain in my lower area and randomly wet myself even in public, i cant seem to control it and its really embarrassing. i get pain after i eat all the time and bloating, i also suffer from anxiety. im too embarrassed to go the doctors
My poo is an orangey colour its kind of gooey in texture i have no symptoms exept feeling when i need to go to the toilet witch is a lot more often then usual, ive had it for about 4 days now and it dosnt seem to be getting any better and I haven't eaten anything out of the ordinary what on earth is wrong with me?!?!
I have had a urine infection before it affected the way I poo and how much it hurts. I have just been to the poo and my anus all the way to my vagina is stinging alot. Right now I am siting with no trousers or pants (embarrassed ) on to try and relieve the sting.
I have a problem going for a No2, my stomack bloats I have a lot of wind, when I go I have a lot of pain and it feels as if my hole is not big enough, I also have been to GP and have been given laxatives that are not helping. I have also been for a scan and they have found nothing, it is getting to a stage now where I can't bare trying to go for a No2 because of the pain it is causing.
im 22years old had my son 5moths ago natural birth ever since then i haven't been able 2 poo propley it takes me a while an when i finally go it really stings i don't no what to do an think its really un normal doctor says it fine but im still worried
i am 42 years old no children a few years ago i had an anal fissure, i underwent a number of operations where i had the intestine stretched. now i have incontinence, i have been told by a hospital that it was normal practice to stretch the muscle a number of years ago but that is no longer the case. However, last week a child was having his intestine stretched for the same issue... i am not happy that there is different responses within the medical profession and dont know where to turn
hi guys , im 34 years old and i've been having trouble going to poo. i go about every 3 days and eat lods but its just don't come. can someone help me plesase . thanks
hi i have been suffering with a problem with my bowls since i gave birth to my son 3 n half years ago. i go atleast 5 times aday..and i have been known to go upto 24 times in a day. i have had a cohlonoscopy and they found a polyp which was removed but i am stiill suffering . it really effects my life as i cant go anywhere much on my own with the kids cos im scared will need the toilet. and cant go on long car journeys cos i end up needing to go. it causes alot of pain. and when the pain comes i have to go straight away to the toilet. if i dont go, i have had a accident which is very embarrasing. as i am only 24. i am being seen by the doc and keep going for blood tests but it is very stressful and they all keep coming back ok. but i know in myself something is wrong cos going upto this many times n this much discomfort is not normal. thanks xx
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