Feacal Incontinence (FI) is the involuntary leakage of gas, liquid or stool. The most common cause of FI is injury to a nerve or muscle during childbirth, thus it is not surprising that women tend to suffer a higher rate of FI than men. Childbirth-related FI can present immediately but often presents later in life. Sadly, most sufferers have incomplete knowledge of available treatments. Too embarrassed to discuss the condition even with a qualified healthcare provider, FI sufferers will often go untreated.
FI can be triggered by a specific event or may develop over time with no single underlying cause. Damage to the anal sphincter may cause FI immediately; however, most cases develop later in life.