As with urinary incontinence, talking to your doctor or a health professional is the first and most important step in diagnosing faecal incontinence. Despite many people’s concerns about embarrassment, doctors are used to discussing this condition and as there are many treatment options it’s important to get a proper diagnosis.

You will be asked questions about your symptoms and it can be helpful to keep a diary of your bowel and dietary habits for a week or so before you go to enable you to provide accurate information.

The doctor may carry out a physical examination and they may also suggest using a proctoscope to look at the bowel lining and rectal wall in more detail if necessary.

If the relevant equipment is not available at your local surgery, you may find yourself referred to hospital for further tests.

Another test that may be carried out is a sigmoidoscopy where a thin, rigid tube is gently inserted through the rectum into the lower part of the bowel. This equipment contains a light and a camera which allow the doctor to look for inflammation, tumours, or other internal problems.

The doctor may also carry out tests to assess how well the nerves and muscles around the anus and rectum are working.