Stool Incontinence Causes

Doctors prescribe varied treatments for bowel incontinence

Stool incontinence occurs when a person can not control bowel movements. The National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NIDDIC) provides a list of causes, including childbirth. A physician can confirm bowel incontinence. Once a diagnosis has been confirmed, your doctor will create a treatment plan. Treatment options range from lifestyle changes to surgery.

Childbirth

The NIDDIC lists one reason for stool incontinence as childbirth. When a baby passes through the mother's birth canal, the mother can experience injuries to her anus. The anus is the opening of the rectum that allows passage for bowel movements. Besides stool incontinence, the childbirth-related anal injury can cause mild burning pain.

Rectal Prolapse

Another bowel incontinence cause involves a rectal prolapse. A rectal prolapse occurs when the rectum, also known as the lower end of the colon, weakens and droops downward. The American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons (ASCRS) provides reasons, ranging from constant bowel movements to aging. Some people require surgery to correct the bleeding, bowel incontinence and pain.

Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids can cause stool problems. These non-cancerous growths occur both inside and outside of the anus. Two causes of hemorrhoids include recent childbirth and chronic constipation. Depending on the number and size of the hemorrhoids, physicians can recommend different home treatments. One physician-recommended home treatment is using cold compresses. Another physician-recommended option involves dietary changes.

Loss of Bowel Storage Capacity

Some persons face lesser known causes of stool problems. One cause is the loss of bowel storage capacity. Persons who live with inflammatory bowel conditions can experience rectum scarring, causing a blockage. This rectum blockage can interfere with a stool's passing. Two common inflammatory conditions where scarring can occur are inflammatory bowel disease and irritable bowel syndrome.

Other Causes

Some people experience stress incontinence for other reasons. Nerve damage can cause stool incontinence. The nerve damage can come from different types of illnesses. Two common illnesses include diabetes and multiple sclerosis. Other stool incontinence causes include back disc problems, emotional stress, chronic constipation and diarrhea.

References

• National Digestive Diseases Information Cleringhouse: Fecal Incontinence
• The American Society of Colon and Rectal Prolapse

Resources

• The New York Times Health Guide: Bowel Incontinence