How to treat bowel incontinence
31st January 2018

Bowel incontinence (or faecal incontinence) is undeniably a difficult subject to talk about. Despite being very common, the problem tends to be stigmatised, with many sufferers failing to mention it to their medical practitioner. Nearly half of all people with incontinence wait at least five years before seeking help.

Perhaps because of this secrecy, it is hard to determine exactly how many people are affected. However, one 2014 study interviewed 500 irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) outpatients about their symptoms. Of these, 285 patients (57%) reported some level of faecal incontinence, with 91 of them stating it happened once a week or more. The study authors concluded: "[Faecal incontinence] is a major problem in IBS and … patients are not necessarily going to disclose it without being specifically asked."

Among patients living with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), the prevalence of incontinence may be even higher. One large study found that ‘at least a quarter, and up to three quarters’ of people with IBD are likely to experience the issue.

"Probably if you actually probed people, around a third of people with IBS and IBD have moments of incontinence," says Dr Simon Smale, a consultant gastroenterologist and medical adviser at The IBS Network. "I see people on an almost daily basis who have episodes. But I think it's something that doctors, as a group, don't ask enough about."

For people dealing with accidental bowel leakage, there can be a serious knock-on effect on quality of life. Sufferers often become withdrawn, with implications for their personal and intimate relationships.

"It's a big problem for people," says Dr Smale. "If you're out with friends, you don't want to be in a position where you're having to nip off to the toilet to change a pad - people find that very difficult."

Other causes

Of course, gut troubles aren't the only reason someone might suffer from faecal incontinence. The issue can also be due to nerve damage or damage to the anal sphincters. Since this damage is often sustained during childbirth, women are more commonly affected than men. It is also very common in elderly people, with many associated issues (such as impaired rectal sensation or even neurological damage) becoming more likely as we age.

Many children also experience soiling problems (encopresis), which can be a result of chronic constipation. James Parkin, who suffered from encopresis until the age of 11, has written books for children in this position. He says that, although his bowel issues did not restrict his activities as a child, they undoubtedly damaged his self-esteem.

"Being cleaned up after an accident was a humiliating experience, which only got worse as I got older," he says. "I truly thought that I was the only school-aged child in the whole world who still soiled his pants, and this made me feel increasingly unhappy about the situation."

He adds that he would like to see an end to the stigma around bowel leakage, whatever its causes.

"Parents do not seem to have a problem these days discussing bedwetting, and we should also be able to discuss bowel problems in children," he says. "Ultimately, I would like to see every health professional, teacher and parent, and even children, aware of soiling problems so that sufferers get the help they need."

Dealing with the problem

If you (or your child) are dealing with incontinence, it is important to discuss the situation with your doctor. They will typically conduct a physical examination, and may refer you for further tests such as endoscopy. This will help them pinpoint the cause, determine the most appropriate treatment and rule out more serious problems such as bowel cancer.

For many patients, the solution is a combination of dietary changes, certain exercises, and medications that bulk up the stool. If this fails, you may be a candidate for surgery to repair the anal sphincter, with a colostomy operation being very much a last resort. Children with encopresis may be treated with 'bowel retraining' strategies, and possibly psychotherapy.

If your incontinence is linked to IBS or IBD, a range of strategies may prove useful.

"There are drugs people can use to slow the bowel down, and they're often helpful," says Dr Smale. "For people whose incontinence is clearly precipitated by certain situations, such as eating out, it's about recognising those triggers and finding ways you can manage them, as well as using pads if appropriate. You also need to know where the toilets are - I have patients who plan their shopping around the toilet stops."

The NHS provides continence clinics, which you can visit without referral from a GP. These provide continence pads and products and can give you a clearer idea about your options. You can also purchase a Radar NKS Key from Disability Rights UK and The IBS Network, which gives you access to more than 9,000 accessible toilets for disabled people around the UK.

The most important point is not to be ashamed. Bowel incontinence can affect anyone and is an extremely manageable issue if properly tackled.