Bowel incontinence occurs when there is a problem controlling the bowels which can lead to accidental and involuntary soiling. It can be very stressful and unpleasant if it’s something you live with, but one thing to remember is that it isn’t something to be ashamed of and is an extremely common condition. There are lots of reasons why it can happen, and lots of help, support and treatment available to you.
In this article, we’re going to discuss the different types of bowel incontinence there are and understand why they might be happening. Read on to find out more and discover how Complete Care Shop can help you find the best products for bowel incontinence, letting you get on with enjoying your life with confidence.
Understanding bowel incontinence
It’s important to understand the different reasons that bowel incontinence can occur. This will give you the best opportunity to find the help and support that suits you best. Sometimes, accidents happen. If bowel incontinence happens as a ‘one off’ or as a result of another illness such as food poisoning, it’s just as unpleasant but it's usually not something to worry about long term. However, it’s strongly recommended to get medical help if the problem persists, for example:
- If you suddenly can’t control the need to go to the toilet
- If you soil yourself, but you didn’t even feel the need to go
- If you accidentally leak faeces regularly when you pass wind
What are the different types?
Bowel incontinence falls into two main categories. Knowing which type you are experiencing will help you better understand how it can be treated:
- Urge incontinence is when you feel a sudden and unexpected need to go to the toilet and you’re unable to get there in time
- Passive incontinence is when stool is ‘leaked’ accidentally. This may happen when passing wind and there may be no feeling or sensation before it happens
Either way, incontinence may leave people feeling isolated and alone because they don’t have the confidence to go out and socialise anymore. It’s important to know that this is a common condition, affecting many more people than you might expect. One in 10 people will be affected by bowel incontinence at some point in their life. It can affect people of any age, although it is more common in the elderly and affects both men and women.
Why does bowel incontinence occur?
Bowel incontinence can happen for many reasons but is usually a symptom of an underlying problem or medical condition. Understanding why it’s happening will help you get it under control. Reasons include (but are not limited to):
- Injury to the anal sphincter, for example during childbirth when these muscles can become torn and damaged
- Nerve damage to the pelvic floor, which can lead to a loss of normal use and feeling in these muscles, especially later in life
- Deterioration of muscle tissue in elderly individuals
- Diseases and medical conditions – some examples include irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Crohn’s disease, strokes, Coeliac disease, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, dementia, ulcerative colitis, and haemorrhoids (piles)
Choosing the right product for bowel incontinence
At Complete Care Shop, we have a range of discreet, effective products that are specifically designed to help you manage and treat bowel incontinence. The most effective products available for bowel incontinence are pull-up pants and all in one pants.
Disposable pads and washable pads
While they may seem like a good option, most disposable pads and washable pads aren't recommended for bowel incontinence simply because they're not really designed for it. Most disposable incontinence pads aren't able to contain faeces in the same way that pull up pants or all in one pants are. There's also nothing to stop potential leakage with disposable pads - they're designed to contain liquids and so may struggle with containing faeces.
Disposable pads may be briefly useful as a stop-gap but would need to be changed immediately and quickly to avoid any smells and potential leaks. The exception here would be disposable pads that have been specifically designed for use for those with faecal incontinence, but this is not true of all incontinence pads, so be sure to read any packaging or product descriptions carefully before use.
Pull up pants
Pull up pants are ideal for those who are mobile and active. They are disposable and designed so that the wearer can use them like normal underwear, as they can pull on and pull off. The sides can also be torn to make it easier to remove them.
- Pros: Comfortable and disposable, so any accidents can be completely disposed of every time, giving you more confidence and peace of mind
- Cons: Because they need replacing every time they can be a little inconvenient when out and about. They can be harder to put on for those who are bed-bound or who need a carer to change them
All in One pants
All in One pants are for less mobile people or those who are bed-bound, who cannot walk or stand or require a carer to change them. These full sized pants wrap around the body and seal with reusable adhesive tabs and tend to be easier to put on than pull-up type pants.
- Pros: They're generally easier to put on for those who are bed-bound or who need a carer to change them
- Cons: Like with pull up pants, these need replacing each time, which can be more inconvenient when out and about
Whatever you choose, it’s important to make sure you get the correct absorption level to make sure you’re comfortable and fully protected.
If you need more information or support, you can visit the help and advice section of our site.
Top pads and pants for bowel incontinence
We’ve put together a few of our best pads and pants for bowel incontinence to help you find the right one for you.
TENA Pants Super Incontinence Pants
The TENA Pants Super Incontinence Pants are designed to look just like normal underwear for that extra level of discretion. They're made to help those dealing with heavy incontinence, offering triple protection against leaks, odour, and moisture. The waistband is elasticated to make it that little bit easier to pull the pants up and down as needed.
The odour control system helps to keep any odours at bay, making them a great option for extended use. Once they need to be changed, the tearaway seams make it easy to remove the pants and the adhesive tape at the back helps to seal them up so they can be discreetly disposed of.
Lille Suprem All In One Incontinence Pads
The Lille Suprem Fit All In One Incontinence Pads are latex-free, hypoallergenic and designed for use with faecal incontinence as well as moderate urinary incontinence. These pads are designed to help protect your skin and keep you comfortable as you go about your day. They also include an odour control system to help keep any unwanted smells at bay. The wetness indicator on the outside helps to let you know when the pad needs to be changed.
Abena San Special Premium Incontinence Pads
The Abena San Special Premium Incontinence Pads have been specifically designed for use by those with faecal incontinence (although they are also suitable for urinary incontinence). The pads have leakage barriers with built-in pockets to help keep faeces contained and to help protect you against unwanted leaks.
This type of pad must be used with special fixation underwear, like the Abri-Fix Pants, to help make sure that the fit is right and you are properly protected.
Tips for managing bowel incontinence
As well as the products we’ve mentioned, there may be some additional things you can do to help take control of your bowel incontinence.
Lifestyle changes
What you eat and drink can affect your bowel incontinence. It’s generally advised to avoid alcohol and caffeine but make sure you do drink plenty of fluid.
Constipation and diarrhoea can be linked to incontinence, but there are things you can do to help yourself with this:
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To reduce constipation
Try eating more high-fibre foods like fruit, vegetables, beans, and wholegrain foods. Also drink plenty of fluids - especially water -
To reduce diarrhoea
Try cutting down on high-fibre foods, avoiding alcohol and drinks that contain caffeine, such as tea and coffee, and avoid products containing sorbitol, an artificial sweetener
If the above methods don't help, be sure to speak with your doctor as they may be able to prescribe medicine to help with your symptoms.
Exercises
You can try pelvic floor exercises to help to strengthen the muscles around the bowel and regain better control. Bowel retraining exercises are a way of breaking habits and forming new ones to help manage your bowel incontinence. Speak to your physiotherapist or specialist nurse for more information.
Hygiene
It’s important that your bowel incontinence doesn’t cause any irritation or infections to your skin. Make sure you stay clean and dry as much as possible. Incontinence wipes offer a hassle-free and hygienic cleaning solution and barrier creams help to protect the skin.