As discussed above, fecal incontinence can be a temporary symptom associated with other medical conditions or it can be a permanent and irreversible medical condition that must be treated appropriately.  Some congenital disorders that result in the patient’s inability to control stool passage includes, but is not limited to; spina bifida, myelomeningocele with associated spinal cord damage, and spinal cord damage. Other conditions that can result in fecal urgency and possible associated incontinence include inflammatory bowel diseases.  Inflammatory bowel diseases include Crohn’s disease and Ulcerative Colitis.  

Post-surgical patients may experience fecal incontinence, especially if the surgery is associated with any form of sphincter injury.  For example, healthy women of reproductive age who have just given birth vaginally may be at increased risk of developing fecal incontinence.  This is because during vaginal delivery the sphincter may become disrupted or damaged, and the woman may actually suffer damage to the pudendal nerve, resulting in possible fecal incontinence.  The pudendal nerve is responsible for innervating the external anal sphincter muscle; and if it is damaged, the sphincter muscle may not work properly, resulting in fecal incontinence. Medical conditions can also contribute to increased risk of fecal incontinence.  Such conditions include;  Diabetes Mellitus, Cerebrovascular Accident (Stroke), Spinal cord damage secondary to trauma (Cauda Equina Syndrome) or any other neurodegenerative disease that may present.

It is imperative to remember that medical conditions are not the only cause of fecal or bowel incontinence.  There are functional reasons why patients may actually have fecal incontinence.  It is important to remember that social factors also play a role in a patient’s overall well-being and physical health.   For example, if a patient is in a nursing home or at an assisted living facility, then it is pretty much understood that the individual needs a higher standard of care as compared to individuals who do not need assistance with their activities of daily living.  Those individuals living in nursing facility require help to visit the bathroom.  If caregivers are unable to reach the patient within a certain period of time, then the patient may empty their bowels where they sit.  This occurs as a result of their inability to get to the bathroom on time; it is not a neurological or medical disorder.  This type of fecal incontinence can be prevented by ensuring that the patient is able to access the bathroom within a reasonable amount of time.  Also, if a patient is wheelchair bound, then it is even more essential that the staff is available to take the patient to and from the bathroom so that avoidable instances of fecal incontinence can be prevented.

Whether functional or medical, fecal incontinence is a concern among many. It is a symptom that is a great cause of concern to those who are affected.  It is a delicate matter and must be addressed with compassion and professionalism.