Bowel Incontinence

There are many causes of incontinence. Injury during childbirth is one of the most common causes. These injuries may cause a tear in the anal muscles, as well as a damage to the nerves supplying the anal muscles. Bowel incontinence may also be caused by damages due to anal operations or traumatic injury to the tissue surrounding the anal region.

Some diseases, such as diabetes, stroke, epilepsy, spina bifida and Parkinson's disease may also contribute to an impaired bowel control. Some individuals experience loss of strength in the anal muscles as they age, hence impaired control of their sphincter.