A few years ago, Marcus stopped saying yes to weekend camping trips with his friends. He made excuses about work, about being busy, about needing to stay close to home. The truth was simpler and harder to say out loud: he was afraid of having an accident miles from a bathroom.

Marcus is 44. He runs his own business. He used to hike every chance he got. And like a lot of people living with accidental bowel leakage, he started shrinking his life to fit around his symptoms, without ever telling anyone why.

If this sounds familiar, know that you’re not the only one going through this. And more importantly: you don’t have to stop doing the things you love.

Accidental Bowel Leakage Is More Common Than You Think

Bowel leakage affects millions of adults, including people in their 30s, 40s, and 50s who are otherwise healthy and active. It’s not just an “older person’s problem.” It can happen after surgery, childbirth, or illness. Sometimes there’s no obvious cause at all.

But here’s what often goes unsaid: many people living with accidental bowel leakage continue to travel, exercise, swim, and stay active. They’ve found strategies that work for them, and with the right approach, you can too.

Read More: I Thought I Was the Only One: Real Stories of Living with Bowel Leakage

Staying Active Is Possible with a Plan

The difference between staying home and staying active often comes down to preparation. It’s not about pretending the problem doesn’t exist — rather, it’s about having a plan that lets you move forward with confidence.

Travel

Whether it’s a flight, a road trip, or a weekend getaway, travel with bowel leakage is doable. The key is planning ahead. Here are a few things you can do:

  • Know where the restrooms are — airports, rest stops, hotels
  • Book aisle seats on flights for easier access
  • Pack a small, discreet kit with supplies (wipes, change of clothes, plastic bag)
  • Consider timing meals and bathroom breaks before long stretches
  • If you’re using a prescription option like StaySure™, plan when to use it around your travel schedule

Your Travel Kit Essentials:

  • Flushable wipes
  • Change of underwear and dark pants
  • Small plastic bag for disposal
  • Any prescription products you use
  • Hand sanitizer

Hiking and Outdoor Activities

Being outdoors doesn’t mean being unprepared. Many people with bowel leakage continue hiking, camping, and exploring — with a few adjustments.

  • Start with shorter trails or familiar routes while you build confidence
  • Scope out restroom locations at trailheads and parks
  • Bring a small personal kit in your daypack
  • Time your outings around your body’s patterns when possible
  • Consider a prescription device option that may help prevent leakage during longer activities

The goal isn’t to eliminate all the risk, but to reduce uncertainty enough that you’re willing to say yes again!

Swimming and Water Activities

This is one of the most common questions: Can I still swim?

For many people, the answer is yes. Here’s what to consider:

  • Pools, lakes, and beaches are all possibilities with the right preparation
  • Many people find that timing bathroom breaks before swimming helps
  • Some prescription options, like StaySure™, can be worn during water activities
  • Dark-colored swimwear can provide peace of mind
  • Start with shorter swims and build from there

Swimming isn’t off-limits. It just takes a bit more planning.

Gym, Fitness Classes, and Sports

Exercise is good for your body, and often good for your gut. Staying active can actually support better bowel health over time.

Follow these tips to feel more comfortable getting back to working out:

  • Wear dark, comfortable clothing
  • Know where the restrooms are in your gym or fitness space
  • Keep a small kit in your gym bag
  • Consider lower-impact activities if high-intensity workouts trigger symptoms
  • Talk to your doctor about whether a rectal insert might help during workouts

You don’t have to choose between fitness and managing bowel leakage. Many people do both.

The Mental Game Matters Too

Let’s be honest... the hardest part isn’t always the physical symptoms. It’s the fear. The “what ifs.” The mental energy spent scanning every room for the nearest bathroom.

Over time, that fear can shrink your world, even when your symptoms are manageable.

The shift happens when you move from avoiding situations to having a plan for them. That might mean:

  • Carrying supplies so you feel prepared
  • Using a prescription option that helps you feel more secure
  • Telling one trusted person, so you’re not carrying it alone
  • Gradually re-engaging with activities you’ve been avoiding

Confidence doesn’t come from perfect control. It comes from knowing you can handle what comes up.

A Note for Men

You’re not the only one.

Bowel leakage in men is more common than most people realize, but it’s rarely talked about. If you’ve been dealing with this alone, know that help exists. Talking to a doctor is a good first step.

Read More: How to Talk to Your Doctor About Bowel Leakage Without Embarrassment

Where StaySure™ Fits In Your Life

StaySure™ is a prescription-only silicone insert designed to help prevent accidental bowel leakage. It’s soft, discreet, and can be worn for up to 24 hours and in between bowel movements, including during swimming, exercise, and travel.

It’s not a cure, and it may not be right for everyone, but for many people, it offers a way to feel more confident doing the things they love.

If you’re looking for something beyond pads — something designed to help prevent leakage rather than just absorb it — StaySure™ may be worth discussing with your doctor.

Learn How StaySure™ Works

You Don’t Have to Figure This Out Alone

Living with bowel leakage doesn’t mean giving up the life you want. It means finding what works for you — and knowing that support exists.

If you’ve been avoiding activities, shrinking your plans, or feeling like you’re the only one dealing with this, consider talking to a healthcare provider. There are more options than you might think.

Download the StaySure™ Brochure

Related: Bowel Leakage Shouldn’t Control Your Life: 5 Small Changes That Make a Big Difference

Disclaimer

StaySure™ is a prescription-only medical device designed to help manage symptoms of accidental bowel leakage. It is not a cure for underlying conditions. Individual results may vary. Please review the Instructions for Use for complete safety information.