Ulcerative Colitis

Besides the ones mentioned above, other causes can include chronic constipation or diarrhea; loss of storage capacity in the rectum due to rectal surgery, radiation treatment and inflammatory bowel disease; and pelvic floor dysfunction.More than 5.5 million Americans have FI, reports the NDDIC, a service of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, which is a part of the National Institutes of Health.

It affects people of all ages, but is more common in women than men, as well as older than younger people.

"Doctors need to ask about fecal incontinence, just as they have learned to ask about urinary incontinence.

Only then can it be evaluated and hopefully treated," said Pamela R.

Yoder, M.D., Ph.D., chair of the Women's Health Center for the Revolution Health Group's Medical Advisory Board.Women also need to take an active role, Yoder added.

"[Fecal incontinence] has received little attention in the media and in doctors' offices.

However, urinary or fecal incontinence can have a tremendous impact on the w...

Read more...