Faecal incontinence

Diet is the first thing to check. Anything that makes the consistency of the faeces more runny, such as a heavy intake of beer, will make it more difficult for you to hold them in. Rhubarb, figs, prunes and plums all contain a natural laxative, and excessive doses of vitamins and minerals (vitamin C, magnesium, calcium) can worsen leakage of faeces. In some people, caffeine loosens the faeces, so it might be a good idea to reduce your intake of coffee or other caffeinated products (e.g. energy drinks, cola).

 

Olestra, used in some ‘slimming’ foods, has gained unwelcome publicity for this reason. It is an artificial mixture of fats, none of which can be digested or absorbed. Instead, it goes straight along the gut and is passed out at the other end. This means that the faeces are runny and slippery with fat, and soiled underwear can result. Some snack foods (e.g. some crisps) contain olestra, but the amount in the snacks is too small to cause a problem.

 

Some chewing gums contain sorbitol as a sugar-free sweetener. Sorbitol has a laxative effect, so chewing large amounts of sugar-free gum will make your faeces runny (British Medical Journal 2008;336:96–7).

 

Anything which makes you pass more wind makes leakage more likely. This is because the anus has to relax to let the wind out, and some faecal material may be propelled out at the same time. Beans, cabbage, sprouts and some spices (such as chilli) commonly cause this problem.

 

Irritable bowel syndrome is the other common cause. In irritable bowel syndrome (also known as IBS), the bowel muscle squeezes strongly, so that it may be difficult to hold the faeces in. If you have abdominal pain as well as leakage of faeces, then IBS is a strong possibility. The pain of IBS can occur anywhere in the abdomen, but is usually felt low down on the right or left side. Passing wind or opening the bowels often relieves it. People with IBS often have to rush to the toilet, and some leakage is common. There is also often a ‘morning rush’ – the bowels have to be opened urgently several times on rising and after breakfast.

 

For more information on irritable bowel syndrome, go to:

Patient Pictures: Irritable bowel syndrome

 

 

Childbirth. After having a baby, more than 1 in 10 women finds that she has difficulty in controlling wind or faecal leakage. It is most likely if you were an older mother (over 35 years of age) or had a large baby or are overweight. The reason may be that the anal muscle is damaged by a tear, or by the episiotomy cut made during childbirth. Damage to the pudendal nerve can also occur during childbirth, and result in incontinence. The problem is likely to improve somewhat, but if you first noticed faecal incontinence after having a baby, do see your doctor – a surgical operation to repair the damage often gives good results even if you have had the problem for years.

 

It is quite common to have both faecal leakage and leakage of urine. A study of women with incontinence of urine found that almost 1 in 4 also had some leakage of faeces (Obstetrics and Gynecology 2002;100:719–23). The connection is that both are related to childbirth, especially if the baby was large.

 

Ageing. Faecal leakage is also quite common in older people, because the anal muscle becomes weaker with age. This is something that you should definitely discuss with your doctor, because a lot can be done to help. The real reason may be constipation – if you have hard faeces in the lower bowel, some watery faeces can leak round them and be difficult to control. Doctors are very familiar with this problem (called ‘overflow incontinence’) and should know how to deal with it.

 

Being overweight makes loose faeces more likely (American Journal of Gastroenterology 2004;99:1807–14). So losing weight might help. 

 

Medications. Some medications make the faeces looser and therefore more difficult to hold in. Check that you are not taking a laxative from habit. If you are taking an indigestion remedy, check that it does not contain magnesium trisilicate, because this can cause diarrhoea. Misoprostol (a medication for stomach and duodenal ulcers that is sometimes prescribed for elderly people), calcium channel blockers (for blood pressure), nitrates (for angina), sildenafil (for erection problems) and SSRIs (for depression) are other possible culprits (British Medical Journal 2010;340:1350-5). If you are taking any of these drugs, do not just stop them; discuss the problem with your doctor.

 

Orlistat (Xenical, Alli) is a diet pill that works by blocking the enzymes that digest fat. This means that the fat cannot be absorbed from the gut. With the correct dose, a third of the fat that you eat is blocked, and is excreted in the faeces instead of ending up as part of your spare tyre. By the time it reaches the lower part of the gut, this extra fat has the consistency of light machine oil. As a result, it can cause oily anal leakage, and the problem gets worse with the more fat that you eat. To stop it happening, you have to eat less than 70 g of fat a day.

 

Piles can prevent the anus closing properly, so leakage can occur.

 

What you can do about faecal incontinence

Try to avoid the causes listed above. You may have noticed that eating stimulates the urge to pass faeces, so changing the timing of your meals and their size may help to reduce the possibility of anal leakage. For some people, eating more fibre to bulk up the faeces helps (British Medical Journal 2010;340:1350-5). Look at our constipation section for information. Other people find that this makes the problem worse, and that a low-fibre diet is better for them.

There are exercises that will strengthen the anal muscles. Look at the website of St Mark’s Hospital UK, listed in the Useful contacts. It has a leaflet (Anal Sphincter Exercises for Leakage) explaining how to do these exercises. 

Your doctor will try to work out what the cause is. Before seeing the doctor, you may wish to keep a diary for a week, listing when you are troubled by the leakage. In difficult cases, an ultrasound scan can tell if the anal muscles have been damaged (e.g. by childbirth). Medications such as loperamide can be used to prevent the bowel muscle squeezing too strongly and to make the faeces more solid.

 

If the anal muscles are weak, injections of ‘bulking agents’ into the wall of the anus may help, but these have to be done by a specialist doctor and it is uncertain how effective the treatment is (British Journal of Surgery 2005; 92: 521–7).

 

For major incontinence, percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS) or sacral nerve stimulation is a possibility. PTNS is a non-surgical technique in which a small needle electrode is inserted into the tibial nerve just above the ankle, and impulses travel to the nerves that control bowel function. The procedure is quite new and there is limited information about how well it works. Sacral nerve stimulation involves insertion of electrodes into the lower back, attached to a pulse generator, and is an expensive procedure. A surgical operation is a last resort and may not be successful.

Written by: Dr Margaret Stearn
Edited by: Dr Margaret Stearn
Last updated: Wednesday, April 4th 2012

Useful contacts for Faecal incontinence

Click to see all the contacts that you may find useful in relation to faecal incontinence

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Comments on this article

Posted by Optional on 26/04/2012 at 10:56

I have a problem that sometimes not really that often I leak liquid excrement This extremely embarrassing and shameful It only started when I was 40 I have got Diabetes Mellus 2 and I was wondering if that had anything to do with it. I have been subscribed Mebeverine and that has helped to control it a bit better but still it happened again last night, I really need help with this It is beginning to ruin my life

Posted by CoverGirl on 18/04/2012 at 08:57

If you are afraid to swim because of this problem, there are containment swim briefs that can be worn discreetly under a swimsuit. www.SOSecureproducts.com

Posted by Kerry on 14/04/2012 at 08:22

Yeh I have this all the time, don't know what to do about it and I'm always taking spare knickers with me as I mess all the time and it smells real bad

Posted by Evie on 22/03/2012 at 03:47

Please can anyone help me with an extremely embarrassing problem. When I have sex and especially when I orgasm, a little bit of faecal matter comes out at the same time and dirties the sheet.It's horribly shameful and i feel ashamed and dirty. Luckily I don't think my partner has spotted it yet as i always check and lie on the patch to hide it.I then clean it up at the first opportunity before he sees.Does any other woman have this problem? I'm older, but very fit and active and quite fastidious which makes it worse.

Posted by Optional on 16/03/2012 at 02:44

I found this site very useful and informative. Several recomendations have been noted and I will pursue them. many thanks.

Posted by 'Don't Panic!' on 08/03/2012 at 04:18

I've read most of the comments here, and I can see alot of people are ruining their lives by letting the worry of fecal incontinence control what they do and don't do. I'm 22, diagnosed with IBS (Which is for sure a name given to a myriad of, as yet, new and exotic illnesses which science cannot explain). Unfortunately, IBS causes me much pain and anguish, but at random times which makes it near enough impossible for me to do anything about it. I've had to mess myself on a number of occasions now, and yes it's embarrassing. However, lots of us do it! The problem lies in the fact that no one actually appears to talk about it, or will admit that it happens to them face to face. Take consolation in the fact that probably the majority of the commenters on this board do it, and I wonder how many others, who have read, but haven't commented? At the end of the day, it's a bodily reaction which is out of your control. If you mess, just laugh it off, clean up, and get on with you day. It doesn't mean your dirty, stupid or a kid, you're just unfortunate for having such a time consuming illness, which is embarrassing to most people. ALWAYS carry spare underwear and jeans/skirts. It might help to have a top than you can wrap around you so others can't see the mess you've made! Perfume can help, and so can perfumed wipes if you're unlucky enough to be out in public, and only have access to public toilets. This way you can relax knowing you have all bases covered, so if you have to go (and lets face it, those of you with IBS-D will know), you HAVE to go. So just do it. Then laugh it off (Damn you fecal incontinence!), and remember that there are probably a number of other people in the same situation as you right that moment! For those of you who don't know, I want to stress massively that IMMODIUM is the most wonderful drug ever. It's like literally having a cork in your bum. If I have one an hour before doing anything important, nothing will happen, because it kills the bowel spasms, and dries up your...well yeah. I find it often has this effect for a few days, so alot of you might find taking one the day before an event might be a very good idea. Anyway, good luck everyone, and don't panic!

Posted by Optional on 07/03/2012 at 11:34

I have just read the book Is Gluten making me ill by Dr Shari Lieberman, I think it could help a lot of people on this site, gluten and dairy can be quite bad for us but doctors don't take it seriously

Posted by Optional on 04/03/2012 at 01:38

I have had this problem ever since I suffered from a trauma. Now my anus really sweats continuously especially when I need to go to the loo. I have done some research an there is a lot of possibilities it could be, parasites in the gut, ulcers, allergies, Who knows but most doctors dnt have a clue and this problem can really, I mean "really" affect your personal life confidence and self esteem Scientist please help this problem, best advise I can give I de worm yourself, eat healthy, no spicy foods lots of veg, hit the gym, steam room, drink water. Good luck peeps

Posted by Aliciana on 25/02/2012 at 09:17

I know I am old but very active and I am struggling daily with trying to keep clean.There is always leaking I have been tested and my anual muscle is weak. it is very frusterating.

Posted by ruwi on 21/02/2012 at 08:45

I have IBS but can handle it

Posted by OptionalClare on 17/02/2012 at 10:16

My name is clare I have ibs I cannot make it to the toilet on time with my bowls I wear adult nappys at night time and in the day my under wear is damp. Is ibs incontence could somebody please tell me

Posted by Optional on 08/02/2012 at 11:49

I am Very Greatful for this help, But I need a better understanding of my problem In Lamen tererms,It Could be connect to the Medicne that I take, that I am not aware of, Many thanks.

Posted by Optional on 02/02/2012 at 06:06

I have the same problems as most of the people that have written, I have been to my doctor,has not ben able to help me.I read on another site a nurse working with older patients in a nursing home suggested using Zinc Oxcide Ointment I have tried it after having a bowel movement. it seems to help with the pain. I drink coffee and think that may be one of the problems. Has any one been to a Herbalist or tried any Holistic methods. Has anyone had luck finding help with the Gas problem. Thats the scariest, you don't whats going to happen. I am so thankful for this blog and hope we can help each other.Lets keep writing

Posted by VSRE on 31/01/2012 at 02:26

Dear SIr/Madem, I would like to enquire as to whether any Gastroenterologist/surgeon in singapore uses this product (Solesta from Oceanathera) to treat fecal incontinence in Singapore? I have suffered with this very socially unacceptable issue for 7 years, it has destroyed my life. I feel I have exhausted all other other options Please help I am desperate.

Posted by Optional on 30/12/2011 at 01:47

i have problem last of the end of back bone leakage of dirty water please advise what to do to get rid of this problem and also explain is pepper or chilli also not good for this disease

Posted by Kellyt Clark on 12/12/2011 at 05:14

I've had IBS for a while and suffer from constipation. The Lady Soma Fiber Cleanse is the only fiber that works well for me. And it not only works well it works great. It's such a relief to be so regular again. I can't recommend this enough though for constipation. It's even helped my heartburn quite a bit!

Posted by Optional on 06/12/2011 at 09:39

Hi, My dad has is having bowel trouble, he can seem to control himself and has soiled his trousers a few times. He is 55, a builder and about 13 stone about 5ft 10inches. He had a stroke about 15 years ago and has been taking 2 asprin a day for a year. This tends to happen when he forgets to take it. Is this something that could of been caused by the asprin? He tells me he has seen a doctor who says its is diet but I dont believe him because he eats a healthy diet. Can someone please advise me.

Posted by Optional on 22/11/2011 at 02:13

dear dr i am 35 yrs age and i have inconsistent bowel movemet problem since 10 to 12 yrs there is no major problem but its more of an incomplete feeling which bugs me a lot and bothers me most of the time .can i take triphala powder and feel better.hope that does not have side effects ?

Posted by DD Dave on 19/11/2011 at 12:47

No-one knows what a person with IBS diarrhoea type goes through (pardon the pun). It is difficult to know whether to leave home some days as bowel motions may happen with sudden and unpredictable urgency, and be explosive and lava like. Imodium allows a person to go in public with a great deal of confidence, as it slows and dries up the gut.

Posted by mag,s on 15/11/2011 at 12:20

i have got to the stage that if i go out with my husband i always wear dark clothes and have to put a pantry liner on my bottom because i no i will leak poo also i have to take air freshener out in my handbag just in case i smell

Posted by Shailesh on 02/11/2011 at 12:12

I m not having proper and normal stool outcome.what should i do?

Posted by Shaz on 27/10/2011 at 10:13

After having thriple surgery on my rectum I have now developed eczema in the delicate area. There is little you can do antihistaimens no itching less spice lots water. Steriodal cream only Now and then

Posted by Optionalmmarie on 11/10/2011 at 06:53

I have fibromialgia &I B S.Last night I went for my actual speed walking and I decided to chew gum instead of bringing a water bottle.When I came home I felt discomfort in my stomach then started having bowel movements at first the poop started comming out normal but after awhile,I could barely make it to the bathroom on time.I went to bed not thinking a terrible smelling leakage came out without me noticing it in my sleep it was my husband who woke be up just to see the terrible mess I made in bed.After cleaning the mess & myself I put on a large pad that my mom left hete because she has a similar problem.I was told that if you walk at a fast pace & chew gum this could happen.I want to know if this is true.

Posted by Submit on 06/10/2011 at 01:17

4 years ago I had my bowel removed and an ileoanal pouch constructed. Thought it would be the answer and my life would be back on track. Bowel removal has saved my life, but it has left me with bad tolieting issues. I am contemplating returning to an illeostomy, (bag), but as it's thought I have IBS, this may make things worse for me. I want to travel, walk the dog, do exercise and have a fun and active life with my young children and husband. I don't want to be tied to toliets and only good quality onces with washing facilities. Yesterday I made the decision that I have to accept that I am bowel incontinent. I can carry on not doing things, or I can get the proper support and nappies and just go for it. However I AM STILL WORRIED ABOUT HAVING MY FIRST POOH IN A NAPPY. I have to overcome this. Just do it, but I find myself holding on which gives me lots of pain and discomfort, makes tolieting for the rest of the day tricky and prevents freedom of movement. HOW DO I OVERCOME THIS FEAR OF THE FIRST POOH IN A NAPPY?

Posted by hygene problem on 08/09/2011 at 08:43

I seem to have an ongoing problem with fecal matter coming out after I wipe good. It seems almost greasy. Very embarssing odor at times. Help

Posted by Optional on 09/08/2011 at 05:11

This problem started after childbirth for me.

Posted by Bowel bleeding and cant get clean on 08/06/2011 at 02:17

I have just reached 60 I have trouble with my bowel movement I can go a number of times to wipe my self and still mark my garments I wipe till I bleed and a around my anus it swells like a balloon I have seen a program from america that points to a pocket of faecal behind the muscle I am going to ask my surgeon if I have this problem hope we find a reason

Posted by Optional on 01/06/2011 at 01:15

Have had problems with IBS for years and can't seem to get any long lasting help. I am a Pepsi cola drinker and Menthal cig smoker. Wondering if any of these could be a problem. Have had every test in the book.

Posted by Mr Optional on 10/04/2011 at 12:25

Hi, I have a problem with my rectum, Last year i tried to stop smoking with the help of Champix, i took these for three weeks, at the same time i was also prescribed a course of antibiotics, i think they were called Cloromycin or something, the problems started about a day or two after i started taking the medications, an intensely painful burning sensation in and around the rectum, i tried washing it and applying various creams and ointments to lessen the discomfort but nothing worked and i stopped taking the medications which helped stop the immediate symptoms, however, i still get the burning and pain because i tend to leak sometimes which can be caused when i break wind or when the stool is looser than usual, part of the trouble is that i dont notice until i feel discomfort by which time a rash has developed, i'm very fed-up with this condition, i've had it for more than a year, sometimes it feels as if it is going away and the next thing its back even worse, my rectum sometimes feels swollen, i went to my doctors two or three months ago and she said it was likely to be thrush and she prescribed cream for this but it is just as bad as ever, any advice would be welcome.

Posted by Optional on 07/04/2011 at 04:59

Sandy, I have the same fear. Just bought some adult nappies. Feel a fool but so much more relaxed in traffic. No accidents so far.

Posted by demoralised on 07/04/2011 at 01:20

Has happened again worse than last time, walking my son to school. After reading this article I am determined not to let this affect my quality of life so I am going to book an appoint with my GP to get down to the bottom of it.

Posted by the dude on 26/03/2011 at 05:49

I'm 20 and since I started drinking A LOT of Cola I have small leakage and itching.In the hot days I feel burns very severe and painfull but when I wipe there's almost nothing.I cant stand the pain and the itching.What do you recommand? And to all of those that have anal ic, do you feel pain and burning while hot days?

Posted by Optional on 24/03/2011 at 10:19

this information has been very helpful because now i have a direction in which i can go.

Posted by demoralised on 22/03/2011 at 04:12

walked my son to school today and had a major accident, had to go to the loo and it was everywhere,major clean up nobody knew it happened but I knew. I was totally demoralised. Iwent before I left but it was like the walking brought it on. I do have IBS as well as 5 kids can anyone help I don't want to give up walking

Posted by Optional on 16/03/2011 at 07:00

First time I have ever openly said about my problems. I have suffered for the past 30 years with this. Not making it to the loo, leaking in my pants etc...felt like a freak of nature, a dirty bitch (my mums words) and always thought I was the only person in the world to suffer like this. I then happened to come across a telly programme about "embarressing illnesses" where there was a woman describing exactly what I was going through I no longer felt alone. After a another year of building up the courage and realising I didn't want to spend the rest of my life planning journeys around toilets, never travelling, always carrying spare underwear and perfume I finally went to the Drs. I have finally been diagnosed with an internal prolapse and I've had it since I was a kid. I am now waiting for my next hospital/dr appointments to now start my treatment. I am going for biofeedback and pelvic floor training to strengthen my pelvic floor and will be on very mild antidepressents for 6 months which will work on the sudden urges. If after 6 months it doesn't work I will need surgery. I still have a long way to go but I feel so positive about my future now. My advice do not suffer in silence...please go to the doctors now. The tests are quire intrusive but worth it in the long run.

Posted by Sandy on 13/03/2011 at 05:01

I have developed a fear of being stuck in motorway traffic and I poop myself or desperately want to when in motorway traffic. My therapist has told me the way to overcome this problem is to face it so I was thinking of buying adult nappies so I am prepared for the worst but I am very unhappy about the thought of having to sit in my own faeces. Anyone have a better idea?

Posted by RMS on 02/03/2011 at 05:34

I'm new to this site and am crying to hear so much distress. I relate because I've suffered with IBS for over 25 years. I can't begin to explain how much I have been through. Here's what I know about embarassing flatulence and bloating: Carbonated drinks are your enemy; you are literally swallowinging gas bubbles. I don't drink them, period. Sugar and foods that turn to sugar in your body, such as potatoes, white bread, etc. will make you gassy because bacteria loves feeding on it and it increases their numbers. Foods like broccoli, cucumbers, greens, eggs, garlic, etc. create gas and it stinks. Dairy products can cause bloating, gas and diarrhea- make sure you're not lactose intolerant. At my worst I've been known to have up to 9 bowel movements in an hour, and have been constipated for up to 2 weeks at a time. I have incomplete bowel movements as well as what I call "porcelain-breakers". I KNOW what all of you are going through. What has helped is certain food avoidance and probiotics. A new one called, "Align", has been a tremendous help in regulating my digestive system. Yougurt doesn't have enough to really make a difference. The cause of the stinky gas is a build-up of "bad" bacteria that gives off a sulphur smell. Probiotics replace those with 'good' bacteria. I use anti-diarrheal meds to control the anal leaks. Anti-anxiety meds help a lot with nervousness and stress over worrying about your illness and accidents. I dealt with this illness everyday but I can honestly say I'm now better at controlling it. I have seen many doctors and controlling my diet has been the most helpful. I hope some of what I said is helpful.

Posted by Mabel Smith on 01/03/2011 at 07:40

My mother struggles with fecal incontinence. She lives with me and my husband and I knew she was losing fecal without knowing it. We can't see the doctor until the 8th March. I was tring to see if I should change her diet or if I can do anything for her. Im her daughter.

Posted by Optional on 05/02/2011 at 04:01

the thing is, im only 16 and im having this problem and its pretty embarrassing. I dont know whats up:/

Posted by lee on 01/02/2011 at 07:14

so we just let it take over our lives.. iv lost my girlfriend over this ibs why did it happen to me why ... I'm begging for an answer a cure ,,please

Posted by Optional on 29/01/2011 at 06:47

I read afew years ago that the diet med phen-phen caused anal leakage. I do have a fairly often problem, but it was years ago that I used phen-phen and only for a few months. The problem showed up only a couple of years ago. Can anything be done?

Posted by Eve on 24/01/2011 at 06:46

What a very informative article. I am a health professional and have been unfortunate enough to suffer from faecal incontinence on and off througout my adult life but more specificly over the past 20 years. I have four children and have seen various specialists who put it down to damaged muscles after chilbirth. Basically what I wanted to say is dont give up. I stuggle day and daily to have a " life" Every journey has to be pre arranged round toilets, I havent had a holiday in years as I couldnt cope with being out of range of a toilet. I dont go to concerts or large gatherings in case I need urgently and cant get to a toilet in time. I have lost count of the number of times I have soiled myself, or worse became totally incontinent. However, I value getting out and about, I try to find out where all the toilets are situated, and always carry spare underwear and wet wipes. I no longer can do spontanous outings, but at least manage places I am familiar with. I felt quite intimadated by my surgeon, but do my own research and keenly follow every new research project or new treatment. Just wanted to share my story with you.

Posted by Optional on 19/01/2011 at 09:42

Heamoroid operation as a young man, I think, is partly to blame. I am hoping injections to bulk up the muscle will help.

Posted by White Knight MD on 12/01/2011 at 09:12

Prolapsing internal hemorrhoids (piles) protrude through the anal sphincter and prevent proper closure of the anus. This allows feces to escape and cause soiling of the underwear and inability to wipe enough to clean up. You can see this article: http://health.independent.co.uk/index.php?option=com_static&view=article&id=172 See a GI surgeon to be evaluated and have the hemorrhoids treated by injection sclerotherapy or rubber band ligation. You will see improvement immediately. Sometimes this treatment may need to be repeated. In addition, avoid gas forming food especially beans. This aggravates any problems you have with your anal sphincter. Good Luck and I hope this helps many of you.

Posted by sadness on 06/01/2011 at 02:58

A couple of weeks ago I started getting lower bowel aches, like gas buildup. I would have runny farts, and had to start wearing a pad so nothing would leak through to my pants. I saw my Dr, he said it must be an intestinal virus and wait a week, then come back if it didn't clear up. It was ok for a couple of days and today I had a bad mess. Happens when I fart. I have been eating oatmeal for breakfast the last month, it's the only dietary change I've made. Does the extra fiber cause the runniness? Doc says use immodium, I haven't yet because I'm afraid of constipation. When I fart I do not feel like I have to poop, but I sometimes have a mess afterwards, and then burning like I farted glass. What a disgusting topic, but what do you do?

Posted by Optional on 07/12/2010 at 06:00

Hi, I've been taking alot of medication for pain due to spinal injury caused by a motor vehicle accident and was wondering whether these medications or the injury to cervical/lumber spine or an infection would cause an itch around the anus that I have to wipe to stop the terrible itch, the stuff on the paper is very watery and brownish, thanks.

Posted by Optional on 06/12/2010 at 03:19

My symptoms of gas and rectal leakage started about 3 years ago. I had major gas and couldn't go anywhere due to it. I got from the internet "Great Taste No Pain Manuals" by Sherry Brescia. When I stopped eating starch (rice, pasta, etc.) with meat protein, the gas immediately stopped. Re rectal leakage, I still have this but am in the process of going further with the proper food combining and will see if this helps. It is better since if stopped eating starch and meat protein together at a meal and going with more of the combining and cutting out coffee, milk, etc. may be the answer. Hope this helps some people. h.

Posted by Michel on 04/12/2010 at 04:17

I have some of the problems mentioned here: I wipe myself clean - use water too- but aftewr wiping if I happpen to wipe again I find poo residue still there. So I've repeated this and have found that i'm never fully clean. To make matters worse I have recently been having many UTI (urinary tract infections for which I have been taking antibiotics often)and my doctor now thinks the fecal matter in the area may be the culprit, because it may travel to the vaginal area. I have another appointment soon to find out what be done. I may need to see another doctor too.

Posted by Optional on 06/11/2010 at 08:34

please note - the list of medications that can cause faecal incontinence is incomplete, in that SSRI anti-depressants can cause it, a fact not even known by a lot of psychiatrists! Glenn Cornish MRCPsych

Posted by sajit on 21/10/2010 at 04:19

sir i have a problem that i used to go 4-5 times a day for defecating. i have a anxiety problem ,before i go somewhere i need to go to toilet for the same.. plz suggedt a remedy..

Posted by Same thing on 19/10/2010 at 09:48

My problem is with leaking gas. I used Balenol to clean after I used the toilet. I insert my finger and the balenol with my finger and this help 90% of the time with the fece leak. the uncontrollable gas is what killing me. I ask friend and anybody who will listen do they smell anything and most say no. But I think most of the time I can smell it and they can't and other time they can smell it and I can't. this has gotten me so depressed because I don't know when or how to control the smell. the spicher excerise seem to help for a while. It may have something to do with the oatmeal,coffee, beer, and weigth lifting.

Posted by karen m. on 03/10/2010 at 05:10

I had colitis for 13 years and had my colon removed in may. they ruptured my bowel wall. i was in the hospital for 5 weeks..i almost died...anyways i have dirreah about 50 times a day. i have skin tags and my butt is raw and itchy. i have been to the dr. several and and have used every medicine i can think of but nothing helps more thank 5 minutes. i stopped eating so i would go to the bathroom less..that only cut it to 30 times a day. what can i do for the itching, and the dirreah? thanks

Posted by caron on 30/09/2010 at 11:59

I have had problems with urine and occasionally faecal incontinence since having my third child who was 10ib almost 15 yrs ago. The problem is getting worse now especially as I'm having, menopause symptoms, and I have finally been to see my g.p who has referred me to a gynacologist. I'm hoping something can be done to help me as this is having negative effect on my life.

Posted by Julia on 22/09/2010 at 11:59

Hi . HELP. I am suffering with faecal incontinence which is gradually getting worse. Walking can make problem worse but not all the time. I probably have IBS and have got the runs bad recently and have been destroyed as I had been walking on one occasion and another at a public event where I had to wait until it was over and run to the car. I am scared that it will happen at work . I had a colonoscopy and my sphincter valves checked all ok. I am doing pelvic floor excercises . Does any body know of a doctor( in Irl or Uk) who could help me or any cure Thank you Julia

Posted by Optional on 18/09/2010 at 08:31

i have recently had two occassions when having sex with my partner that faeces starts to come out and it is effecting my sex life that was very good before and i think i will lose my partner because of it. we have had anal sex is this a factor?

Posted by Optional on 14/09/2010 at 10:02

I have suffered faecal incontinence for years and do my best to live with it!! I know every toilet in the shopping centres!! My concern is travelling. I havent been on holiday for years as the stress would only exacerbate my problems. However, I have booked to go to visit a friend next month as she is ill and I really want to see her. My journey involves a short flight, then a train. I was wondering if I took imodium the night before and on the day would that be sufficient to " hold back" bowel movements for at least 24 hrs, I have had mixed results in the past with Imodium, does anyone recommend any other medication. Many thanks Eve

Posted by Optional on 13/09/2010 at 06:24

I get ring sting when I walk a long way. This is due to slight leakage that seems to irratate the skin around my anus. This gets rubbed in as I walk or run. I rub oil in there and that helps. But I still got the leakage.

Posted by Health Press team on 17/08/2010 at 02:29

The post submitted by "I'm cured" on 08/12/2009 is displayed as we received it. The sender may have experienced a connection problem while sending the comment.

Posted by Optional on 12/08/2010 at 04:01

Where is the rest of the post below under this name?: Posted by I'm Cured on 08/12/2009 at 02:57:00 am

Posted by Optional on 10/08/2010 at 04:10

hi there yes its when ever i go to the toilet for a poo it leaks slowly most of the day

Posted by Optional on 16/07/2010 at 03:07

I have the same problem as "Worried" posted below. I do not understand what is going on - it's very upsetting. What could this be? I don't even know how to explain it to my doctor.

Posted by Worried on 06/07/2010 at 07:45

I have an embarassing problem. After going to the toilet and wiping, I find that often: a)I just can't wipe enough to clean up b)I appear to have done a good job of wiping, but later find skid marks in my underwear and "residue" that now nees wiping. I never used to have this problem. What can I do about it?

Posted by Sofia on 21/06/2010 at 03:38

'morning rush' describes my condition. One minute i'm fine then all of a sudden i get an urgent need for the toilet!! If i dont get there in time a white - ish type liquid gushes out of my rectum! Soo embarassing!! Especially if im staying over my boyfriends! Coz you cant control it you just have to run as fast as you can to the toilet! Throughout the day when i go to the toilet, i lose a lot of blood and suffer with really bad wind. I have seen a specialist and they diagnosed me with PROCTITUS which is a form of ULCERATIVE COLITUS also known as IBD (IMFLAMMATORY BOWEL DESEASE) Hope this helps. Does anyone else suffer like this?? My doc gave my Asacol which worked at first when i had my first flare up a year ago but now it doesnt seem to make a difference. I have also tried a liquid foam enema - which for me personally didnt help - only made me lose more blood. I am going to see the specialist again tomorrow... hoping it will just go away so i can just go back to normal and carry on with life without being effected by it. Also getting stomach pains with it now.

Posted by Optional on 17/06/2010 at 07:13

i have had the problem for about 20 years. I have 2 surgeries to correct the problem and the second was worse than the first and it left me in worse condition. I now must wear a cotton ball up against my rectum to be sure I dont leak or smell. It is horrible and gone to the best doctors with only bad to worse news. I am horrified that I must live like this and there is nothing that can be done. The surgeries only seemed to have made it worse because each time they cut the sphinker muscle. good luck. I hate that part of my life.

Posted by Optional on 17/06/2010 at 03:18

.....I'm cured, what cured you? That's all we want to hear!!http://www.embarrassingproblems.com/problem/faecal-incontinence#

Posted by Jeannie on 09/06/2010 at 05:10

when i have a bowel movement and i am finished the faeces seems to leak from me for an hour or longer.This is so bad it has ruined my life i cannot go anywhere is there any help for me?

Posted by hun on 03/06/2010 at 03:35

I have been reading on the comments below and was pleased to find I was not the only one, I am not coping very well as it seems to be getting worse. everytime I go to the toilet I wipe myself clean and then for about an hour it wont stop using a whole toilet roll wipes water nothing will stop and know one seems to be able to tell me what's going on. that's the most annoying thing not knowing what it is or what you can do to stop it.

Posted by Optional on 31/05/2010 at 05:25

HAD THIS PROBLEM,GOES AWAY FOR A LONG TIME,THEN JUST REAPPARES FOR NO APPARENT REASON, THIS INFO WAS HELPFUL BECAUSE I NOW KNOW THAT I HAVE BEEN OVER BATHING,USING OILY CREAMS AND WEARING WARM CLOTHES WHICH HAS CONTRIBUTED TO THE PROBLEM,ALSO RELISE IT COULD BE MY DIET,ORANGES, AND WINE

Posted by Optional on 03/04/2010 at 08:02

drives me made makes me feel dirty

Posted by Optional on 28/03/2010 at 08:38

I AM STARTING THINK THAT MY ITCHING IS DO TO SODA MOSTLY PEPSI. IF ANYONE DRINKS LOTS OF SODA LET ME KNOW. IM ADDICTED TO SODA AND AM TRYING TO STOP IF I USE THE BATHROOM I HAVE TO GO BACK AND WIPE OR ELSE LEAKS AND MOSTLY WHEN IM WORKING STANDING UP IT LEAKS ENOUGHT TO WHERE IT CAUSE AND IRRITATION TO MAKE ME WANT TO ITCH, BUT ALLS I REALLY NEED TO DO IS WIPE THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR A YEAR NOW. IF I RUBB TO HARD WITH TOILET PAPER IT REALLY MAKES IT WORSE. PLZ RESPOND IF YOU HAVE ANY OPTIONS FOR ME THANKS

Posted by oily orange coloured stool on 26/02/2010 at 11:52

I have been experiencing runny stool of the above mentioned colour. I was tking fish oil and have now stopped taking them. A few times there have been blood in my stool.

Posted by Anonymous on 25/02/2010 at 11:24

Thanks to this article! I just had a leak and I was for sure it was all oil cus it didn't smell like poo! And it was water resistant! After reading this I found my problem! I had a really oily mean and had passed a wind when this happened!

Posted by Optional on 18/02/2010 at 06:11

my problem seems to be diferent from thoes mentioned.. going to toilet no problem, i am a very nervouse person wich results in me going to toilet regulary..but after iv'e been and cleaned up i still lose faecal in my underware, it's as thoe my rectrum is still open after iv'e been to toilet.been to doctors and they cant find anything wrong.av you got any sugestions that will help. thank you

Posted by KK on 17/02/2010 at 05:51

I have noticed lately that there are white soft small 'balls' about the 1 cm passed out in my faeces. Can someone tell me what are those?

Posted by greg on 16/02/2010 at 06:36

Ok i have an ongoing issue since I was about 24. I have a bowel movment and about 2-3 hrs later I have to go wipe my ass a second time. If I don't my rectum becomes extremly itchy. I am not sure if it is really anal leakage and/or hemroids or a combination of the 2. I don't have any accidents on my underwear.

Posted by Chris on 12/02/2010 at 07:02

I have to share this...I had symptoms of anal leakage for at least 9 months. It would happen unexpectedly an hour or two after eating. The smell was putrid and I was never regular and sometimes extremely constipated. Then I went for my first colonoscopy ever and everything checked out fine. The symptoms resumed about a week later. I never told the doctor my symtoms until 6 months later when I planned a trip to South America. I was really quite worried how I would cope with all the changes in my diet and routine. I was given a referral to return to the gastroenterologist when I got back. On the trip I managed pretty well until the last day when I got an intestinal bug that sent me straight to bed for the rest of the day. Totally nauseous I just needed to sleep. Before I left, my doctor insisted I bring Cipro antibiotic in case of a problem as this can happen in many Latin countries. I slept for a whole day and took my pills; couldn't eat a thing and like a zombie. I was lucky to make my plane late that night. I didn't really recover for a few days after getting home. Then I couldn't believe it. I stopped having all the symptoms I had before the trip. Wow! I couldn't wait to tell the doctor that he cured me twice. It's been 6 months without any symptoms at all. I never went back to the gastroenterologist. I just wanted to give some of you some hope as this is not always a permanent condition and I hope people will get a proper diagnosis and help as this was probably an infection of some kind that was undetected even with a colonoscopy. I read many blogs and thought I would be living with this problem forever. Good luck, I hope this helps someone out there.

Posted by Anonymous on 30/01/2010 at 06:15

every time after i leak alittle but for about three wipes then ok ,i have had this for a long time since the service. dont know what to do.

Posted by Soo on 27/01/2010 at 08:26

I wipe myself everytime I go to the bathroom just to urinate. When I wipe my anus, there is feces even though I haven't gone since morning. It's there all the time & my under wear gets dirty from it & the smell is awful. What can I do? I think maybe I eat too much olive oil & vegetables & very little meat.

Posted by Ryan Jones on 22/01/2010 at 07:36

I have been having what I believe to be a very weird problem. After my partner and I have sex, for days I have this feeling of needing to have a bowel movement. This started to happen the past few times we have done it. It almost feels like he is still inside me. I continue to have liquid leakage for the next 3 or so days. I am beginning to think that we should stop having sex.

Posted by jane on 20/01/2010 at 10:33

For the last couple of months, almost every time I go to the toilet, I find excrement sitting in my anus - my doctor said I am not emptying my bowels properly and suggested that I take laxatives. However, she did not listen properly on my first visit but she has now realised that my problem is more serious as there is exterement in my vagina. I have never heard of this before and neither has my doctor!! I am too ashamed to tell anybody, especially my husband!!!

Posted by Kirk on 20/01/2010 at 09:31

Ok embarassing but here goes alot of times after I go to the washroom I have to go back and rewipe again.It's like I didn't wipe good enough the first time but I know I did. Anyways if I don't get a chance to rewipe right away my ass gets very irritated and it hurts alot like a rubbing rash. Please let me know if anyone has a solution. Thanks Kirk

Posted by kit on 04/01/2010 at 01:06

i have a strange sensation of a worm moving around the tip of my anus. its not painful its just unomfortable because i feel the movement and sometime it pricks the walls. i've had this a few times before- probably a few yrs back and it goes away. i have never been able to find out what it is. right now i'm having my period and i wonder if it is related at all.

Posted by i got nappies on 12/12/2009 at 11:03

i have problems with my stomache and anal and nearly 3 times a week i can be normal in the day but few hours later my stomach can go of on one and i leake badly from my anal. i went to day after wearing pullups for 2 months i went i got my self a pack of adult nappies. they helped me loads and im not worred to have a problem now as i know im fully proctected from these nappies.it might seem silly that i wear them but i know it was my only option as the doctors dont know whats up with me so i had to buy them

Posted by I'm Cured on 08/12/2009 at 02:57

I'm writing this in hopes it might help others. I spent hours on the Internet searching for causes and cures for anal leakage. I read about others having the same symptoms I did and no one could help them, including their doctors. Just like my doctors could not help me. The start of my anal leakage began with a stomach upset causing messy bowel movements. The bowel movements were accompanied with slight leakage that caused irritation and burning in the anal area. It cleared up in a couple of days. A month later I had anal leakage again causing severe irritation. These episodes continued on a monthly cycle. I went to the doctor and she immediately referred me to a gastrologist. He saw the severe irritation and prescribed Nystatin and Triamcinolone Acetonide ointment which was the best medication for the irritation. So far the treatment was addressing one of the effects but not the cause. This doctor said to take Metamucil and Immodium, other than that, he had no answers. He wanted to perform a colonoscopy, but with my severe hypoglycemia, that was out of the question. The time between the episodes started to decrease. It went from monthly cycles to weekly cycles. I thought it must be triggered by something in my diet. My diet was limited, so I started by eliminating certain foods that I thought could cause my problems. Nothing helped. So, I starting eliminating groups of food such as gluten, dairy (lactose), caffeine, alcohol, chocolate, sodas. Still no help. I took Immodium, probotics, different yogurts, increased my dietary fiber to 80 grams (don't do this, it only causes large bulky stools that tears the anal area), and eventually no extra fiber. Nothing helped. It had been 1.5 years since the start of my problem and it was only getting worse. I was having to use cotton balls to prevent large leakage. The leakage would cause second degree burns and hemorrhoids. Desperate and willing to try anything, I was in the pharmacy section of Wal-

Posted by Anonymous on 02/12/2009 at 07:29

everyday in the morning when i go for a dump,after passing stools normally i strech my anal area so that more stool if there comes out...so that i dont hv to go to toilet again. after cleaning with water jet i still found something yellow like potty on my tissues. was it anal leakage?

Posted by Anonymous on 22/11/2009 at 02:15

i got ibs. And now have an itchy anus. Leakage of yellow smelly liquid and blood. Is this the same?

Posted by Anonymous on 07/11/2009 at 02:21

I am so relieved to read about other people struggling with the same thing, have felt so alone and can't talk to anyone about it. I also take forever to get clean after a bowel movement and have leakage. I'm FASTITDIOUS about hygine and feel so dirty and unfeminine. I'm also afraid of anal cancer. Is this the first sign?

Posted by Walt on 03/11/2009 at 10:52

I went to a specialist who diagnoed mine as Psudo incontenence and that I needed more fiber in my meals and suggested Benofiber. I will see how this works. My problem was minor, but during a prostate exam, the Dr got a dirty finger full so he sent me to the specialist.

Posted by Richard on 10/08/2009 at 11:37

Jim... I have EXACTLY the same issue. Blood when I wipe... severe itching... and very slow leakage. HELP ME PLEASE!!

Posted by George on 31/07/2009 at 09:26

I was eating processed ham for lunch almost daily,and drinking lots of instant coffee.(Still have perk coffee) -Have been off both for almost a month & leakage problem seems to have all but disappeared! Also inst. coffee makes the urine smell.Hope this helps someone. G