Causes of Bowel Incontinence

Bowel incontinence occurs as a result of how the nerves and muscles function in the bowel area. When they are weak and the sensation to defecate is altered, incontinence can be the result. There are several different causes that can lead to this.

Diarrhea

• Diarrhea causes loose stools which are hard for the muscles in the rectum to hold back.

Constipation

• When someone is constipated, watery stool can work its way around an impacted stool due to the fact that the muscles in the rectum can become stretched out.

Damage

• Damage in the anus can occur as a result of surgery. Any operation where the anus or rectum is involved can cause incontinence. An example of this is hemorrhoid surgery.

Age

• As people get older, their muscles can become weaker. In the case of bowel incontinence, weak muscles in the anal area and pelvis are the cause.

Reliance

• When you continually use laxatives to induce bowel movements, the body become dependent on them, which can lead to incontinence.