FAECAL INCONTINENCE

Faecal Incontinence (FI): This is when you are unable to control passage of wind or stools from your anus (back passage). This can lead to leaking of wind or liquid or stool from your anus either with or without your awareness or control. There are two types of FI: 1. Urge: This is when you are aware the need to pass wind or stools but unable to get to toilet in time, leading to leakage. 2. Passive: This is when you pass stools or wind without being aware of it. This is an embarrassing problem and people generally suffer in silence. It can affect both men and women of all ages. This is caused by various conditions like Child birth, previous anal surgery, Irritable bowel syndrome, X ray treatment for cancer, Anxiety or stress, Infections and severe constipation or diarrhoea Majority of patients can be treated with simple measures and there is no need to suffer in silence!