Faecal Incontinence is the inability to control the passage of faeces or flatus from the anus. This can be severe with major accidents or minor with streaking or smearing of the underwear. Incontinence may occur everyday or at irregular intervals. There may be difficulty with cleaning and sufferers may routinely have to wear a pad. Faecal urgency is the inability to wait or ‘hang on’ to go to the toilet to use the bowels. A sufferer has to get to the toilet as soon as they feel an urge to go. Accidents may not happen but faecal urgency is disabling. Faecal incontinence or urgency may lead a sufferer to be house bound or only go to places where they feel safe from or can cope with an accident. Work, social and sex life can all be affected.
Normal Continence: This is the ability to recognise the need to go to the toilet and to “hang on” until a socially appropriate time to go. It relies on a healthy bowel and healthy anal spincter. These are the muscles of the anus that we can contract or relax.
Please refer to the full article published by Colorectal Surgical Society of Australia and New Zealand.
