Risk factors

A number of factors may increase your risk of developing fecal incontinence, including:

• Age. Although fecal incontinence can occur at any age, it's more common in adults over 65.
• Being female. Fecal incontinence can be a complication of childbirth. Recent research has also found that women who take menopausal hormone replacement therapy have a modest increased risk of fecal incontinence.
• Nerve damage. People who have long-standing diabetes, multiple sclerosis, or back trauma from injury or surgery may be at risk of fecal incontinence, as these conditions can damage nerves that help control defecation.
• Dementia. Fecal incontinence is often present in late-stage Alzheimer's disease and dementia.
• Physical disability. Being physically disabled may make it difficult to reach a toilet in time. An injury that caused a physical disability also may cause rectal nerve damage, leading to fecal incontinence.