A person isn’t aware that they have passed stool and may only realize when they change their underwear. However, anal leakage occurs when either the anal muscles or nerves don’t work properly.Īccording to doctors at the Mayo Clinic, bowel incontinence can be broken down into two types: 1 When the rectum is full, nerves send a signal to the brain that it is time to get rid of the stool. A bowel program will also be ordered by the doctor to prevent further problems.The nerves and muscles in the anus and rectum work together to hold feces in the bowels. Watery stool if you have not been able to pass a hard stoolĪ doctor or nurse may need to remove the stool from the rectum. If you have the symptoms described below, you must call the doctor. A fecal impaction will need medical care.

Watery stool may leak out around the hard stool causing soiling of clothing. It is often caused by chronic constipation. This occurs when a large, hard, dry mass of stool stays in the rectum and cannot be passed out of the body. Always talk to your doctor before taking any of these. Stool softeners, laxatives, or medicine to prevent diarrhea may be needed to treat the loss of bowel control. Some can cause diarrhea or constipation that can cause loss of bowel control. Medicine: Review your medicines with the doctor. Incontinence pads may be worn to prevent soiling of clothes. Sitting upright makes it easier to have a bowel movement. Sit upright on the commode or toilet if you are able. If it is hard for you to move around by yourself, get a commode in your room. Contract the rectal muscles 15 to 20 times, three times each day.īathroom habits: Use bathroom if you feel the urge to have a bowel movement. Doing pelvic floor exercises improves the strength of the anal muscle. Fluids may include water, fruit juice, and vegetable juice.Īctivity: aim for 10 minutes of activity 4 times a week or 20 minutes twice a week. Fruits, vegetables, whole grain breads, cereals, bran cereals, wheat germ, and beans are some foods that are high in fiber.įluids: Drink 8 – 10 glasses of fluids every day. Treatment for Constipation and Loss of Bowel Controlįirst, tell your doctor if you are having problems with your bowels:ĭiet: Eat high fiber foods. Nerve damage to the anal sphincter or the nerves that sense stool in the rectum

Loss of strength and tone of the anal sphincter Not able to get to a toilet or commode fast enough when there is the urge to have a bowel movement They may feel the urge to have a bowel movement but are not able to hold it until they get to a toilet or commode. People who are having soft or normal stools can lose control over bowel movements. Ignoring the urge to have a bowel movement CausesĪntacids that contain aluminum and calcium If constipation is severe, stool can become lodged (impacted) in the bowel. ConstipationĪ person is constipated when they have trouble passing their bowel movements or are not having bowel movements as often. Loss of bowel control (fecal incontinence)Įach of these problems can cause distress and discomfort. A person may have any of these bowel problems after a stroke: A stroke may have damaged the part of the brain that controls bowel function. People may have problems with their bowels after a stroke.

Passing clear liquid from bowel