Faecal incontinence

BOWEL INCONTINENCE


A common condition affecting around one in 10 people at some point in their life

Enquiries & Appointments

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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 Faecal incontinence locations

41 Welbeck Street

41 Welbeck Street

41 Welbeck Street W1G 8EA London

Patient stories

This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.