Fecal Incontinence: 10 Terms to Know

Fecal incontinence is a loss of control over bowel movements. This can be caused by a number of factors, but most commonly it is due to muscle or nerve damage that occurs with aging or following vaginal childbirth. Although many people try to hide the problem, fecal incontinence is actually pretty common and should be talked about with a doctor, because treatment is available. Here are 10 common terms to help you better understand fecal incontinence. 
 

1. Stool: Also called feces, stool is the solid mass that is discharged in a bowel movement. Stool may leak or be difficult to control if you experience fecal
2. Defecate: To discharge stool from the body—also known as a bowel movement. The change or loss of ability to defecate properly is a sign of fecal incontinence
3. Colon: The large intestine or large bowel that is the final part of the digestive system. One cause of fecal incontinence is problems with the colon, such as chronic constipation. 
4. Rectum: The rectum is the final, straight portion of the large intestine. A common cause of fecal incontinence is damage done to the rings of muscle at the end of the rectum.
5. Anal sphincter: Muscles surrounding the anus. The anal sphincter is able to act as a seal that can open to discharge stool. Aging weakens these muscles, which increases risk of loss of control over bowel movements. 
6. Pelvic floor: The muscular base of the abdomen that is attached to the pelvis. The pelvic floor is sometimes damaged in women who deliver children vaginally, but pelvic floor muscle training can help treat fecal incontinence.
7. Encopresis: Usually occurring in young children, encopresis is voluntary or involuntary fecal leaking due to a psychological or neurological condition. 
8. Central nervous system:  The central nervous system is responsible for coordinating and influencing activities of the body. Impairment to the parts of the nervous system that influence proper function of the bowels can cause fecal incontinence. 
9. Maceration: A consequence of fecal incontinence is maceration ,which is a breakdown of the skin due to continuous exposure to moisture.
10. Decubitus ulcers: More commonly known as a bedsore, this is another consequence of fecal incontinence.