What I Need to Know about Bowel Control

The National Institutes of Health Publication 11-6513, "What I Need to Know About Bowel Control," provides background on what Bowel Control means, what it means to have issues, and receiving the proper treatment for any issues you may have. Bowel control means you are able to hold a bowel movement until you reach a bathroom. You may have a bowel control problem if you: have trouble holding a bowel movement, have solid or liquid stool leak when you don't expect it, find streaks of stool on your underwear Bowel control problems-also called fecal incontinence-can be upsetting and embarrassing. Most people with bowel control problems feel ashamed and try to hide the problem. They may not want to leave the house for fear of losing bowel control in public. They may withdraw from friends and family. Bowel control problems are often caused by a medical issue. If you have a bowel control problem, don't be afraid to talk with your health care provider about it. Your health care provider may be able to help. People of any age can have a bowel control problem. Bowel control problems aren't always a part of aging, but they are more common among older adults. Bowel control problems affect about 18 million U.S. adults-one out of every 12 people. Bowel control problems don't have to be a part of aging, but they are more common among older adults. Bowel control problems are often caused by a medical issue that can be treated. Don't be afraid to talk with your health care provider about your bowel control problem. Diet changes, medicines, bowel training, or surgery may help. You can take steps to cope with your bowel control problem.