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Risk factors
By Mayo Clinic staffFecal incontinence can occur at any age. But it's most common among older people, who sometimes have to cope with a lack of bladder control (urinary incontinence) as well. Other risk factors include:
- Being female. Fecal incontinence is more common in women than in men because this condition can be a complication of childbirth.
- Nerve damage. People who have long-standing diabetes or multiple sclerosis — conditions that can damage nerves that help control defecation — may be at risk of fecal incontinence.
- Alzheimer's disease. Fecal incontinence is often a sign of late-stage Alzheimer's disease, in which both dementia and nerve damage play a role.
- Physical disability. Being physically disabled may make it difficult to reach a toilet in time.
