---
url: 'https://www.healthinaging.org/a-z-topic/fecal-incontinence'
title: 'Fecal Incontinence'
author:
  name: 'Jennifer Cross'
  url: 'https://www.healthinaging.org/user/102'
date: '2018-11-02T18:09:06+00:00'
updated: '2026-05-11T15:28:05+00:00'
type: topic
summary: 'Fecal incontinence happens when you cannot control your bowels long enough to get to a bathroom. Healthcare professionals will diagnose adults with fecal incontinence if this happens more than once for at least a month. Between 2% and 7% of adults have fecal incontinence.'
tags:
  - Health
published: true
---
 Fecal incontinence means a person cannot control their bowel movements (small and large intestines) long enough to reach a bathroom.

Fecal incontinence is not a normal part of aging. However, it happens more often in older adults because health problems that affect bowel control are more common later in life.



 



 

 [Basic Facts

 ](/a-z-topic/fecal-incontinence/basic-facts) 

 

 [Causes

 ](/a-z-topic/fecal-incontinence/causes) 

 

 [Symptoms

 ](/a-z-topic/fecal-incontinence/symptoms) 

 

 [Diagnosis & Tests

 ](/a-z-topic/fecal-incontinence/tests) 

 

 [Care & Treatment

 ](/a-z-topic/fecal-incontinence/care-treatment) 

 

 [Lifestyle & Management

 ](/a-z-topic/fecal-incontinence/lifestyle)