Incontinence is the impaired ability to control gas or stool.
Its severity ranges from mild difficulty with gas control to severe loss of control over liquid and formed stools. Incontinence to stool is a common problem, but often it is not discussed due to embarassment. Both bladder and bowel incontinence are problems that tend to increase with age. There are many causes of incontinence. Injury during childbirth is one of the most common causes.