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Bowel control problems (fecal incontinence): the signs, the causes, the tests, and treatment
For anyone who leaks stool or does not make it to the toilet in time; anyone too embarrassed to tell a doctor; anyone whose leaking started after giving birth; anyone caring for an older person who has accidents; and the parent of a child older than 4 who soils their underwear. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK, part of the NIH) says fecal incontinence, also called accidental bowel leakage, is a common problem, affecting about 1 in 3 people who see a primary health care provider; that it is a medical problem, not something to be ashamed of; that it has many causes; and that simple treatments can improve symptoms by about 60 percent. This page passes on, by name, what NIDDK says: the signs and when to see a doctor, who gets it and the causes, the questions, the exam and the tests, treatment, and food, skin care and getting through the day. It builds the words to say to a doctor, and prints a card to keep.
Right now
- A sudden loss of bowel or bladder control together with new back pain, numbness between your legs or around your bottom, or new weakness in your legs? Ours: go to the emergency room now, or call 911, most of all after a back injury or a fall. It can mean the nerves at the bottom of the spine are being pressed on.
- A lot of blood from your bottom, black or tar-like stool, or blood in the stool with dizziness or fainting: call 911 (ours). Do not drive yourself. Any blood in the stool needs a doctor soon: GI bleeding.
- Leaking that is frequent or severe, or that is changing your life? NIDDK says to see a doctor. It says your doctor will not be shocked or surprised.
More help
- The bowel, on this site: Constipation in adults · Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) · Crohn’s disease · GI bleeding · An upset stomach: find the right page.
- What can go with it: Bladder leaks · Diabetes · Diabetic neuropathy (nerve damage) · When memory starts to slip · Kidneys, bladder and urine: find the right page.
- Children and caregivers: Constipation in a baby or child · When you’re caring for someone.
- Day to day: Symptom diary · My medicines list · Quit smoking · When the heaviness won’t lift.
- Care and costs: When you need a doctor and can’t pay · When a medical bill is too much · Get ready for your appointment.
- In a crisis: Help right now (988, 911). All our free tools.
An upset stomach, and not sure this is the right page? The pages on this site for throwing up, diarrhea, heartburn and constipation, on one list.
This page and its wording were written with AI (Claude) for Scarlet Beast (our AI policy). No doctor or nurse has reviewed it. The facts were read on October 17, 2026 on NIDDK’s Bowel Control Problems (Fecal Incontinence) pages (NIH): the overview, Definition & Facts, Symptoms & Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment and Eating, Diet, & Nutrition (last reviewed July 2017). Ours: the emergency room or 911 for a sudden loss of bowel or bladder control with new back pain, numbness between the legs or around the bottom, or weak legs, and why; 911 for a lot of blood, black stool, or blood with dizziness or fainting, and not driving yourself; a doctor soon for any blood in the stool, or for leaking that began suddenly; writing it down if it is hard to say; telling your doctor or midwife after childbirth, even years later; that a child does not do this on purpose, and no punishing or shaming; keeping the dignity of the person you care for; asking which medicine and how much, and not stopping or changing a prescribed medicine on your own; 988 when it has worn you down; health centers when money is tight; and the order of the steps. What we left out: the names and brands of medicines (NIDDK names some), doses, research studies, and clinical pages for providers. This page saves nothing and loads no trackers.