Loss of bowel control (faecal incontinence and urgency)

Losing control of your bowels or struggling to reach the toilet in time can be distressing and deeply personal – but you’re not alone, and it’s more common than many people realise. At the Rapid Access Bowel Clinic, we understand how sensitive these symptoms are, and we’re here to help you take back control with expert, compassionate care.

 

What is loss of bowel control?

Loss of bowel control includes:

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• Faecal incontinence – the accidental leakage of stool, which may be occasional or frequent.

• Bowel urgency – a sudden, strong urge to pass stool, often with little or no warning.

 

 

You might experience one or both symptoms, which can significantly affect your confidence, social life, and sense of independence. But the good news is that these symptoms are treatable.

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Common causes of bowel incontinence and urgency

There are a number of conditions and factors that can lead to poor bowel control, including:

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• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) – with frequent loose stools and urgency

• Nerve damage – often caused by childbirth, spinal injury, diabetes, or pelvic surgery

• Weak pelvic floor muscles – especially after childbirth or due to ageing

• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) – such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis

• Chronic diarrhoea – which may be due to infection, IBS, or food intolerances

• Rectal prolapse – where part of the bowel slips out of place

• Previous pelvic radiotherapy – which can affect bowel function

• Neurological conditions – such as multiple sclerosis or Parkinson’s disease

 

When to seek help

You should consider seeing a bowel specialist if you:

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• Leak stool, even occasionally

• Struggle to control bowel movements

• Frequently experience sudden urges to open your bowels

• Avoid going out due to fear of accidents

• Notice any other changes in your bowel habits

 

 

Many people delay seeking help out of embarrassment, but we want you to know that this is a common and treatable

condition – and you deserve support.

 

How we investigate loss of bowel control

At the Rapid Access Bowel Clinic, we provide a safe, private environment for you to talk openly about your symptoms. We may recommend:

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• Physical examination – to assess anal tone and muscle function

• Stool and blood tests – to check for infection or inflammation

• Flexible sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy – to look for structural or inflammatory causes

• Endoanal ultrasound or MRI – to assess damage to the sphincter muscles

• Anorectal physiology studies – to measure strength, coordination, and sensitivity

• Pelvic floor assessment – especially in women with a history of childbirth or surgery

 

 

These tests are carefully chosen based on your symptoms and are carried out with the utmost care and dignity.

 

Treatment options

Treatment is tailored to you and may include:

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• Dietary and fluid advice – to improve stool consistency

• Medications – to manage diarrhoea or reduce bowel urgency

• Pelvic floor physiotherapy – to strengthen key muscles

• Biofeedback therapy – to retrain bowel and sphincter coordination

• Sacral nerve stimulation – a minimally invasive option for nerve-related incontinence

• Surgical procedures – such as sphincter repair or rectal prolapse surgery, if needed

 

 

Our overall aim at the Rpaid Access Bowel Clinic is to restore your confidence and comfort – with care that’s effective, respectful and personalised.