Information for the public

Treating conditions that can cause faecal incontinence

Treating conditions that can cause faecal incontinence

Some conditions that can cause faecal incontinence should be treated first, before your doctor offers any treatment for the incontinence itself. These conditions are:

  • faecal loading

  • diarrhoea (including inflammatory bowel disease and irritable bowel syndrome, and diarrhoea caused by infection)

  • signs of cancer of the bowel, rectum or anus

  • prolapse of the rectum

  • third-degree haemorrhoids (severe piles that extend from the anus)

  • recent injury to the anal sphincter

  • a 'slipped disc' in your back.