However, many effective treatments for fecal incontinence are available. The anal sphincter is a muscle that contracts to prevent stool from leaving the rectum. This muscle is critical in maintaining continence. The rectum can stretch and hold stool for some time after a person becomes aware that the stool is there. This is the rectal storage capacity.
Rectal sensation tells a person that stool is in the rectum.
Then the person knows that it is time to go to the bathroom. A person also must be alert enough to notice the rectal sensation and do something about it. He or she must also be able to move to a toilet. If something is wrong with any of these factors, then fecal incontinence can occur. Muscle damage is involved in most cases of fecal incontinence.