What Causes Fecal Incontinence?

Posted on Tue, 6 Sep 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Tue, 6 Sep 2016 Answered on

Mon, 3 Oct 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : I have had "ribbony" bowl movements for about two weeks. I don't have urgent needs to go but pass stool almost everytime I have to urinate. What could be causing this?

Okay, I'll make an appointment with my internest. I do have colonoscopies every 5 years. Have had 3 total. Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Grzegorz Stanko (6 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Colonoscopy should be done.

Detailed Answer:
Hello!

Thank you for the query.

Any change it stool habits at your age (over 50) should be checked with a colonoscopy. Its because such symptoms can be an early sign of colon cancer. And the risk of this cancer significantly rises over 50.
Bad diet (low fiber intake), thyroid issues, hypertension medicines can be a reason of such symptoms as well. But before checking this possible condition, you should have a colonoscopy done.

Hope this helps.
Regards.

Brief Answer:
Colon cancer is not very probable.

Detailed Answer:
That makes any colon cancer less possible, but still this test is necessary.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar