Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
151 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

What Causes Sudden Trouble In Bowel Movement?

Sometimes I have trouble controlling my bowels and can t get to a bathroom on time which is pretty embarrasing. I take stool softeners and fiber pills because I will be constipated if I don t. This does not happen that often maybe once a month, but I have no control when it happens so I never can pin point exactly what not to eat or drink.
posted on Thu, 3 Nov 2016
Twitter Mon, 4 Feb 2019 Answered on
Twitter Wed, 6 Feb 2019 Last reviewed on
Report Abuse
General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hi,

It is possible that the use of the stool softener may be contributing to your incontinence.

Unfortunately, the persistent use of stool softeners or other laxatives can eventually cause a type of constipation themselves because they prevent the bowels from working by themselves.

They lose normal function. Fibre supplements are good, the dose may need to be increased if they are not helpful causing bowel movements on their own. Your use of fluids and other fibre may also need to be adjusted.

Leaking stool can sometimes be soft stool coming around and over hard stool in the bowel. You may need to consider a gastroenterologist for assessment.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Take care

Regards,
Dr Michelle Gibson James, General & Family Physician
I find this answer helpful
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Loading Online Doctors....
What Causes Sudden Trouble In Bowel Movement?

Hi, It is possible that the use of the stool softener may be contributing to your incontinence. Unfortunately, the persistent use of stool softeners or other laxatives can eventually cause a type of constipation themselves because they prevent the bowels from working by themselves. They lose normal function. Fibre supplements are good, the dose may need to be increased if they are not helpful causing bowel movements on their own. Your use of fluids and other fibre may also need to be adjusted. Leaking stool can sometimes be soft stool coming around and over hard stool in the bowel. You may need to consider a gastroenterologist for assessment. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Take care Regards, Dr Michelle Gibson James, General & Family Physician