Faecal incontinence is one of those topics that many people find difficult to discuss. It's important to talk about the problem, though, because help is available.

The issue is relatively common among older adults; nearly one in five has trouble controlling their bowels. Fecal incontinence is one of the major reasons older people are admitted to nursing homes.  The problem can be caused by severe constipation, diabetes mellitus, inflammatory bowel disease or nerve damage from conditions such as spinal stenosis. Other causes are more localized — weakness in muscles around the anus, poor blood flow to the rectum, surgery or radiation to the rectum or rectal prolapse.

One key aspect says physician John Morley, Director of Geriatrics at St. Louis University, U.S.A. "I tell patients that the first step in treating the problem is to institute habit training, which means setting a regular time to go to the bathroom. The ideal time is immediately after breakfast because people have a reflex that promotes going to the toilet when there is food in the stomach. Those who suffer from fecal incontinence should use a particular position — leaning forward when they are on the toilet, resting their forearms on their thighs and using a foot stool to lift up their legs. Tightening their abdominal muscles will also help, as can biofeedback and pelvic muscle exercises."

Those who have severe constipation might find relief from the medications but these should always be discussed with their G.P. as these can impact onto other conditions or interact with other medications.

Patients who have minor leakage can use absorbent incontinence pads, though these have to be disposable pads or pants and these need to be changed after any faecal episode as the absorbent materials are only able to absorb liquids, not solid matter. Washable pants aren't suitable for use with faecal incontinence. Wet wipes, wash creams and lotions are important to maintain skin health to prevent sores from developing.