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Faecal incontinence
BOWEL INCONTINENCE
A common condition affecting around one in 10 people at some point in their life
About faecal incontinence
Faecal incontinence is a very distressing condition that tends to effect the elderly. However, it can affect younger patients and in particular women following difficult obstetric deliveries. Our consultants can diagnose and treat the condition.
Need to know
Symptoms may include:
- A sudden urge to defecate that you can't control
- Soiling yourself without realising you needed to go to the toilet
- Passing a piece of faeces when passing wind
These symptoms may affect your daily life and routine, for example going on public transport or socialising. They may happen every day or from time to time.
Your consultant will investigate the function of the nerves and muscles in your anus to identify the likely causes of your faecal incontinence. This will help them to develop a management plan.
Common treatments include:
- lifestyle and dietary changes
- exercise programmes to strengthen the muscles in your rectum and anus
- medication to control the symptoms of constipation and/or diarrhoea
- surgery to treat the known cause treatments can lead to you maintaining normal bowel function throughout your life
Our locations
The Harley Street Clinic
35 Weymouth Street W1G 8BJ London
The Princess Grace Hospital
42-52 Nottingham Place W1U 5NY London
The Lister Hospital
Chelsea Bridge Road, SW1W 8RH London
Patient stories
Yvette's story: From back pain to hip replacement surgery
Yvette (54) a journalist from Kent, started experiencing pain in her hip seven years ago in 2015. An ex-national gymnast who had been incredibly active and flexible her whole life, Yvette felt concerned about the growing discomfort impacting her quality of life, and so sought help from her GP.
A new hip and straight back into the spin of things
Michael's MAKO hip surgery to treat his arthritis
73 year-old Michael, an avid walker and charity worker, was diagnosed with arthritis in January 2021. After facing long waiting times and increasing pain that was becoming more frequent, he started to look elsewhere for treatment.
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.