Common Causes of Bowel Incontinence

Bowel incontinence can be difficult to talk about, but it’s a more common issue than many people realize, especially as we age or deal with other medical conditions. At the Northwest Center for Colorectal Health in Portland, Oregon, Dr. Scott M. Browning, Dr. Jeffrey V. Manchio, and Dr. Richard U. Kalu provide expert care for people living with this challenging condition. Understanding the causes will help you find the right treatment and get back to everyday life with less worry.

What Is Bowel Incontinence?

Bowel incontinence refers to the inability to control bowel movements, leading to unexpected stool leakage. It may happen occasionally or more frequently, and it can range from staining to complete loss of control. For some people, it’s triggered by specific situations, like physical activity or gastrointestinal upset, while for others, it’s a constant concern.

Common Causes

1. Muscle or Nerve Damage

Injury to the anal sphincter or the nerves that control bowel function is one of the most common causes. This can happen during childbirth, after certain surgeries, or as a result of trauma. In some cases, long-term conditions like diabetes or multiple sclerosis can gradually affect nerve function.

2. Chronic Constipation

Straining to pass hard stools can stretch and weaken the pelvic floor muscles. Eventually, the rectum may become less sensitive to the urge to go, leading to overflow incontinence, in which liquid stool leaks around hard stool that’s stuck.

3. Diarrhea

Loose, urgent stools are harder to control than well-formed ones. Chronic diarrhea from conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), or infections can make accidents more likely, especially if there’s already some weakness in the muscles or nerves.

4. Aging

As we get older, the muscles that help control bowel movements naturally lose some strength. Aging doesn’t cause incontinence on its own, but it can make other contributing factors more impactful.

5. Rectal Prolapse or Pelvic Floor Dysfunction

Conditions that affect the structure or support of the rectum can also cause bowel incontinence. Rectal prolapse, for example, occurs when part of the rectum slips out of place. Similarly, pelvic floor dysfunction can prevent the muscles from tightening properly during moments of need.

Know Where to Turn for Help

While bowel incontinence is rarely life-threatening, it can severely affect your quality of life.. At the Northwest Center for Colorectal Health, we offer advanced diagnostic tools and treatments, from physical therapy and dietary strategies to surgical solutions, when needed.

If you're experiencing symptoms, schedule a consultation with one of our colorectal specialists in Portland, Oregon, by calling (971) 254-9884.