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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Please note: Unfortunately Channel 4 cannot respond to individual inquiries. If you have any concerns, you can check out NHS Choices, but ultimately it is always best to check with a health professional.
'morning rush' best describes my condition. One minute i'm fine then all of a sudden i get an urgent need for the toilet!! If i dont get there in time a white - ish type liquid gushes out of my rectum! Soo embarassing!! Especially if im staying over my boyfriends! Coz you cant control it you just have to run as fast as you can to the toilet! Throughout the day when i go to the toilet, i lose a lot of blood and suffer with really bad wind. I have seen a specialist and they diagnosed me with PROCTITUS. My doc gave my Asacol which worked at first when i had my first flare up a year ago but now it doesnt seem to make a difference. I have also tried a liquid foam enema - which for me personally didnt help - only made me lose more blood. I am starting to get bad stomach aches too. I have kept a food diary but am told its not food related. Is this true? What else can i try and what causes it?
Thank you for visiting our web site and for discussing your problem so openly. If you would like the opportunity to be seen by one of the Embarrassing Bodies Doctors and have your problems assessed and treated by a specialist, then why not apply for the chance to take part in the programme. Please visit the following link and click ‘Apply to be on the show’ where you can fill in an application form: http://www.channel4embarrassingillnesses.com/features/be-on-embarrassing-bodies/
Hi im 16 female and i have had bowel problems since i was 4 i get bloated and i go the toilet for a poo once every month i want to know is they any way i can go regularly i have been taking medication to go the toilet but it does not work should i go on a diet? How do i go reguarly please help?
I'm 34 and I think I suffer from a mild for of Bowel Incontinence. I just seem to have a small liquid discharge sometimes when walking fast, and yet if I exercise regularly, it doesn't happen. I've read the brief breakdown on the website and wondered if I should be concerned or see a doctor? It's not really a major issue, but I'd like to sort it out if possible.
Hi, im 13 and when i wee i really burns and stings. also i have to wee nearly 7 or 8 times a day even waking up at night to use the loo. please help me!!!!
I am 51 years old... a year ago I had an operation for piles... since then when I open my bowels I have to keep cleaning myself for ages as my bowel seems to leak afterwards... It's getting to a point where I hate opening my bowels... Please Help!!!! thank you x
I've got exactly the same problem. I get leakage after a bowel motion. I seem to be there ages wiping but never getting clean. Then after this I get further movement which requires another trip to the loo . I can never keep clean. It is horrible. Any answers to what is causing it would really help.
I too get this exact same thing. Im worried that if i don't get the problem sorted il end up with bowl cancer or another serious problem. Im too scared to go to the doctors. I know i should. Has this problem got a name & does anyone know what will help get rid of it?
i am a 64 yr old women and suffer from a weak bladder. I had a operation to rectify the problem which was not very successful. You featured a lady that had a similar problem which she has had for the last 18 years. She was given a set of weighted cones to strengthen her mucles below, I would like to know if these cones are available on the NHS or if not where can I get a set from.
I think I may be suffering from Dyssynergic defacation which means I find it very difficult to have a complete bowel movement. How do I find a repretable bio feedback specialist as I understand bio feedback can be of help.
my 9month old baby has never passed a solid stool she passes green slimey stools after every thing she eats or drinks could be anything from 7 to 15 a day is this normal
My son had this as a baby at a similar age and I recognised it as a symptom of coeliac disease, from when I was a children's nurse. Has this only started since the introduction of solid food? The best thing to do is make an appointment with your GP asap. If your daughter is diagnosed, then coeliac disease is very easily managed.
Hi, Im a 52 year old male and after I have passed a stool and cleaned myself,Around an hour afterwards I will feel wet and will need to clean myself again because of small mucuss discharge, Please help.
For the past 2 years I have had the same complaint,the only difference being that it may be 1hour or several hours before the mucus appears. I have had various camera/ barium tests whilst I am waiting for the result of the last one, all the other results have not shown anything abnormal. I would certainly like to have a diagnosis as when it happens I feel dirty.
I think this problem is more widespread and little understood. I have this same problem and am trying to understand it? My GP doesn't have a clue. Any help?
i have this problem too and its drving me crazy. i have coeliac disease so Im guessing its to do with that altho i do stick to my diet. could really do with some help here
every time i go to the toilet its a stessful time it can take ages even though i feel empty it seems the stool is stuck in my bowels it can make even the simplest of things like cleaning myself difficult . it doesnt matter if i change my diet or eaven eat less the problem ramans constant .
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