Uncontrollable passage of feces; Loss of bowel control; Fecal incontinence; Incontinence - bowel
Bowel incontinence is the loss of bowel control, leading to an involuntary passage of stool. This can range from occasionally leaking a small amount of stool and passing gas, to completely losing control of bowel movements.
Urinary incontinence, a separate topic, is the inability to control the passage of urine.
Among people over the age of 65, women more often experience bowel incontinence. Thirteen out of every 1,000 women report a loss of bowel control.
To hold stool and maintain continence requires normal function of the rectum, anus, pelvic muscles, and nervous system. You must also have the physical and mental ability to recognize and respond to the urge to defecate.
Nelson H. Diseases of the rectum and anus. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007: chap 148.