Fecal incontinence (also known as bowel incontinence) can feel overwhelming, frustrating, or even embarrassing. Those feelings are completely normal, but support and solutions are available to help regain confidence and improve daily life. This quick guide covers everything from understanding the causes to finding the right bowel control products and incontinence underwear to fit different needs.

What is Fecal Incontinence?

Fecal incontinence is the accidental loss of solid or liquid stool. It can occur when a person has a sudden urge to use the bathroom but cannot get to a toilet in time. Or, it may occur without warning (known as passive fecal incontinence). For many, leakage can happen while passing gas, coughing, or engaging in daily activities.

While fecal incontinence is not a typical part of aging, it becomes more common over time. Research published in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology estimates that approximately one in twelve adults worldwide experience some form of fecal incontinence, though the actual number may be higher due to underreporting. Because this topic if often difficult to discuss, many fail to report their symptoms to a doctor — thus delaying effective treatment. Speaking with a healthcare provider is the first step in identifying the cause and determining the best fecal incontinence treatment options.

What Causes Fecal Incontinence?

Several factors contribute to fecal incontinence, including:

• Digestive Issues: Chronic diarrhea or constipation can weaken bowel control over time.

• Muscle or Nerve Damage: Injuries from childbirth, surgery, or conditions like diabetes and multiple sclerosis can impact bowel control.

• Hemorrhoid: Swollen veins in the rectum can interfere with normal function.

• Cognitive Conditions: Alzheimer’s, dementia, or stroke may affect the brain’s ability to send signals for bowel control.

Since causes vary, discussing symptoms with a medical professional is the best way to determine the right treatment plan.

How to Treat Fecal Incontinence

For certain cases of fecal incontinence, medical intervention such as prescription medication, fiber supplements, or even surgery may be recommended to resolve one’s symptoms. However, as mentioned above, this can only be determined by speaking openly and honestly with a trained medical professional.

But in the interim, there are many actionable steps that anyone experiencing fecal incontinence can take to help lessen their symptoms and make daily life a little easier.

1. Adjust Diet for Better Bowel Control 

According to Harvard Health Publishing and the NIH, making small dietary changes can help regulate bowel movements and reduce the risk of accidental bowel leakages.

2. Keep a Food and Stool Diary

Consider keeping a record of all meals, snacks, and drinks, as well as a description and timed tally of the day’s bowel movements. Soon, a pattern may start to emerge, linking certain foods or beverages with incontinence symptoms and providing insight as to which problem foods should be eliminated from one’s diet. For a simple and effective tracking tool, download NorthShore’s Bowel Diary.

3. Strengthen Pelvic Muscles

Most people are familiar with the general idea of Kegel exercises to help with urinary incontinence, but many are unaware that this simple exercise can also be an invaluable tool for bowel incontinence as well. Kegel exercises help strengthen the muscles of the anus, increasing an individual’s control over when he or she passes stool. A doctor or trained physical therapist is often an essential resource when first learning how to properly perform Kegel exercises, but there is additional educational information available online to help get started. 

4. Consider Bowel Retraining

Additionally, some people find following a schedule for using the toilet at the same time every day or the more in-depth process of “bowel retraining” to be extremely helpful in managing their fecal incontinence. A trained medical professional will offer the best advice and course of action for someone interested in this kind of therapy, but there are resources online that serve as a good introduction.

The Best Bowel Control Products for Everyday Confidence

For those experiencing fecal incontinence, finding the right protection can provide immediate relief and security while seeking treatment. High-quality products designed specifically for bowel leakage help ensure better containment and comfort while offering the confidence to manage daily activities and take the next step in consulting a healthcare professional. 

NorthShore DynaDry® Supreme Liners: Discreet, Highly Absorbent Protection

For those managing moderate fecal incontinence, NorthShore DynaDry Supreme Liners provide a comfortable and discreet alternative to traditional incontinence underwear. These extra-long, highly absorbent liners feature strong adhesive backing to stay securely in place when worn inside regular underwear or mesh pants. With superior rear coverage designed specifically for bowel leakage, these liners offer exceptional protection without bulk.

NorthShore MEGAMAX® Adult Diapers: Maximum Absorbency & Leak Protection

For individuals needing all-day or overnight protection, NorthShore MEGAMAX Tab-Style Briefs provide maximum absorbency and total coverage for both urinary and bowel incontinence. The secure tab-style fit ensures a snug, comfortable feel, making them an excellent choice for those needing reliable, heavy-duty protection. Featuring a strong, waterproof plastic exterior and extra-wide rear coverage, MegaMax adult diapers are designed for extended wear — offering up to 12 hours of dryness while minimizing the risk of leaks.  An immediate change is required after a bowel movement.

Key Features to Look for in Bowel Incontinence Products

Regardless of the product chosen, look for the following features to ensure the best protection against bowel leaks:

• Maximum Absorbency: Products should be designed to handle both liquid and solid waste efficiently.

• Extended Rear Coverage: Essential for containing bowel incontinence and reducing leaks.

• Secure Fit: Adhesive backing (liners) or strong, adjustable tabs (adult diapers) ensure a stay-in-place design for worry-free wear.

• Smooth plastic exteriors: Key for reducing sagging and controlling odors. 

For more product recommendations, check out our blog post about other top adult diapers and pads for fecal incontinence.

Caring for Skin: Preventing Irritation & Odor

Maintaining skin health can be challenging with fecal incontinence, as stool can be more irritating to the skin than urine and is not absorbed into the core of the diaper or liner. Taking the right precautions can help prevent discomfort, rashes, and odor.

• Change promptly after each bowel movement. Unlike bladder leaks, a bowel movement cannot be absorbed into the core of the diaper, making immediate changes essential to prevent skin irritation and infections.

• Use gentle cleansing wipes. Alcohol-free wipes like NorthShore’s Supreme Quilted Wipes help maintain hygiene when away from home.

• Apply a moisture barrier cream. This can help with irritation and rashes.

• Let skin breathe. When possible, take breaks from wearing absorbent products.

Living Life with Fecal Incontinence… With Dignity

Adjusting to life with bowel incontinence can feel challenging, but it does not have to interfere with daily life. With the right fecal incontinence treatment, lifestyle adjustments, and protective products, confidence and independence can be maintained.

For assistance in finding the right bowel control products, incontinence underwear, or other incontinence care essentials, NorthShore’s expert Customer Care team is available to help. Trained to provide compassionate, discreet advice, support is always available.

Reach us at (800) 563-0161 or email us anytime.