Fellowship-Trained Urogynecologist
Urogynecology & Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery
Green Bay, Wisconsin
✓ Medically reviewed March 2026
What Causes Fecal Incontinence in Women?
Fecal incontinence — accidental bowel leakage — has several possible causes, often more than one at the same time. Understanding what’s contributing to your symptoms helps guide effective treatment. Despite how isolating this condition can feel, it’s more common than you might think, and effective treatments are available.
Common Causes
- Obstetric injury — the most common cause in women. Vaginal delivery can injure the anal sphincter muscles or the nerves that control them, sometimes without anyone realizing it at the time
- Nerve damage — diabetes, spinal conditions, or prior pelvic surgery can affect the nerves controlling bowel function
- Muscle weakness — age-related weakening of the anal sphincter
- Chronic diarrhea — frequent loose stools overwhelm the sphincter’s ability to maintain control
- Rectal prolapse — the rectum descends, disrupting normal closure
- IBS and inflammatory bowel disease — chronic bowel conditions that affect stool consistency and urgency
Many women with fecal incontinence had a sphincter injury during childbirth years or even decades ago. The injury may not have caused problems at the time, but as the muscles weaken with age or hormonal changes, symptoms emerge.
Getting Help
If you’re experiencing accidental bowel leakage, a urogynecologist can evaluate the cause and develop a targeted treatment plan. The conversation may feel difficult to start, but Dr. Stewart creates a compassionate, judgment-free environment.
I bring up bowel symptoms proactively because I know how hard it is for patients to raise the topic. You’d be surprised how many women are quietly dealing with this — and how much better they feel once treatment begins.
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