Prevalence of Bowel Incontinence
Unless asked specifically about it, individuals often are reluctant to disclose bowel or fecal incontinence – even when talking to their own physician. This reluctance can make it difficult to obtain accurate estimates of the true prevalence of bowel/fecal incontinence. The results, and criteria, from several studies vary in reported prevalence of bowel/fecal incontinence.
"I thought I was the only one."
"You feel so alone. You don't dare tell most people."
Fecal incontinence affects people of all ages.
- In women living in the community, fecal incontinence occurs in 6% of those younger than 40 and increases to 15% in older women. Combined fecal and urinary incontinence is estimated to occur in about 10% of women.[1]
- In men living in the community, fecal incontinence occurs in 6–10% and increases slightly with age. Combined fecal and urinary incontinence occur in 10% of men.[1]
- Two nursing home studies have identified a 45.0%[3] to 47.0%[4] prevalence of fecal incontinence among residents. Studies suggest that incontinence contributes to the decision to institutionalize elderly patients.
- Minor fecal incontinence (staining underclothes, or leaking or losing less than 2 tsp. of stool) affects 7.4% of adult males and 6.9% of adult females.[2]
- Approximately 30% of people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) have frequent loose stools and 20%[5] report fecal incontinence.
- Obstetrical trauma, leading to sphincter muscle injury or pudendal nerve injury, is a common cause of fecal incontinence.[6]
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References
- National Institutes of Health State-of-the-Science Conference Draft Statement. Prevention of Fecal and Urinary Incontinence in Adults. December 12, 2007.
- Drossman DA, Li Z, Andruzzi E, et al. U.S. Householder Survey of Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders: Prevalence, Sociodemography, and Health Impact. Dig Dis Sci 1993;38:1569-80.
- Dey AN. Characteristics of elderly nursing home residents; data from the 1995 National Nursing Home Survey. Advance data from vital and health statistics; no. 289. Hyattsville, Maryland; National Center for Health Statistics 1997.
- Nelson R, Furner S, Jesudason V. Fecal Incontinence in Wisconsin Nursing Homes. Diseases of the Colon and Rectum Vol. 41, No. 10 October 1998.
- Drossman DA, Sandler RS, Broom CM, et al. Urgency and fecal soiling in people with bowel dysfunction. Dig Dis Sci 1986;31:1221-25
- Whitehead WE, Wald A, Norton NJ. Consensus Conference Report: Treatment Options for Fecal Incontinence. Diseases of the Colon and Rectum Vol. 44, No. 1 January 2001.
Last modified on January 17, 2013 at 09:33:26 AM