Real Stories of Living with Bowel Leakage

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If you’ve ever mapped out every bathroom before leaving the house, you already know how isolating accidental bowel leakage can feel.

Maybe you skip the lunch invitations. Maybe you sit near the aisle. Maybe you quietly stop saying yes to the things you used to enjoy.

And through it all, you may think you’re the only one.

You’re not.

Millions of people live with bowel leakage, also called fecal incontinence or accidental bowel leakage. Most never talk about it. Many wait years before telling a doctor.¹ And a lot of people do not realize there may be options beyond pads and surgery.

The stories below reflect real experiences. Names have been used with permission, and some details may have been changed to protect privacy. But their journeys—and their relief—are real.

You’re Not Alone in Dealing With Bowel Leakage

Bowel leakage is more common than many people think.

Accidental bowel leakage affects about 1 in 10 adults^1,2
Many people wait years before talking to a doctor
Some assume their only choices are absorbent products or surgery
Some people also live with urinary incontinence at the same time

That silence can make the condition feel even heavier. But it also means many people go much longer than they need to without support, answers, or relief.

A Nurse’s Perspective: “I Can Really See This Making a Difference”

Bev Collins is a Lead Clinical Nurse who works with patients managing bladder and bowel conditions. She’s seen how fecal incontinence affects people of all ages and backgrounds—and how few options they’ve had until recently.

“There can be so many reasons for fecal incontinence,” Bev explains. “I meet patients with the same symptoms but very different stories. Some have dealt with this since childhood. Others are young women with complications from childbirth, or older men recovering from rectal cancer.”

Despite their differences, Bev says her patients share one common wish: to stop the leakage.

When she first learned about a soft, flexible silicone insert designed to help prevent leakage, she decided to try it herself.

“I was surprised at how little sensation was felt while wearing it,” Bev recalls. “I wore it for several hours and had no problem going about my day. I even rode my bike to the swimming pool. No one noticed—and no one but me knew it was there.”

For Bev, this kind of product represents a turning point for many of her patients.

“I have met so many people who have no idea that this kind of product even exists,” she says. “I’m confident that for many, fecal incontinence management will become a story of ‘before’ and ‘after.’”

Sten’s Story: Back in the Pool

Sten had always been active—golf, swimming, tennis, hiking. Then, in 2021, part of his intestine was removed due to a tumor. The surgery saved his life, but it came with complications: accidental bowel leakage that made his active lifestyle feel impossible.

“The real problem was gas, which put pressure on my bowel and caused leakage,” Sten explains. “It was unpleasant and caused anxiety, especially since I’m a keen swimmer.”

He tried different solutions, including a different type of plug. It worked, but the handling was messy. Then his nurse introduced him to a silicone insert—soft, flexible, and inserted with a small applicator.

“It’s easy to insert and feels hygienic,” Sten says. “You know immediately when it’s in place. You can hardly feel it.”

For Sten, the difference was immediate—especially in the pool. “When I go swimming, this insert is my only choice—because it makes me feel completely safe,” he says. “Last time, I forgot it was there until I was going to bed.”

Fiona’s Story: Finally, Peace of Mind

For years, Fiona suffered in silence. As a former university professor, she would be mid-lecture and suddenly have to rush out. After years of pleading with doctors, she was diagnosed with bile salt malabsorption—a condition often associated with accidental bowel leakage.

Pads weren’t a long-term option due to skin irritation. Then her nurse introduced her to a soft silicone insert.

“It didn’t take me long to completely forget the insert was there,” Fiona says. “It’s that comfortable—you don’t even feel it.”

The change went beyond physical comfort. Fiona regained control and freedom. Her friends even noticed her new confidence.

“Going out now is great,” she says. “I can sit in a café without being nervous. Knowing you can wear the insert for up to 24 hours is life-changing.”

She sleeps better now, too. No more waking up to soiled sheets.

“The insert has restored my peace of mind.”

“I have met so many people who have no idea that this kind of product even exists.”

— Bev Collins, Clinical Nurse Lead

What These Stories Have in Common

Bev, Sten, and Fiona have different lives and different reasons for dealing with bowel leakage. But their experiences share something important:

Each one thought they were alone. They weren’t.
Each one found something that helped them regain confidence.
Each one wishes they had known about this option sooner.

If any part of these stories sounds familiar, you do not have to keep managing on your own.

Talk to Your Doctor About StaySure™

What Is StaySure™ and How Does It Work

StaySure™ is a prescription medical device designed to help prevent accidental bowel leakage before it happens.

It is a small, soft, flexible insert worn inside the body. Once in place, it helps create a gentle seal that can help stop leakage before it occurs.

Pads absorb leakage after it happens. StaySure™ is designed to help prevent it in the first place.

It is not a cure, and it may not be right for everyone. But for many people, it can be an important part of fecal incontinence management.

How StaySure™ Works

Frequently Asked Questions About Bowel Leakage and StaySure™

What is bowel leakage?

Bowel leakage, also called fecal incontinence or accidental bowel leakage, is the loss of bowel control. It can range from occasional leakage to more frequent accidents.

What causes bowel leakage?

There are many possible causes, including:

Muscle damage from childbirth or surgery
Nerve damage
Digestive conditions
Aging
Chronic diarrhea or constipation

Is bowel leakage the same as urinary incontinence?

No. Urinary incontinence involves loss of bladder control, while bowel leakage involves loss of bowel control. Some people experience both.

What are treatment options for bowel leakage?

Treatment depends on the cause, but options may include:

Diet and fiber changes
Medications
Pelvic floor therapy
Devices like StaySure™
Surgery in some cases

What is StaySure™?

StaySure™ is a prescription-only medical device designed to help prevent accidental bowel leakage. It is a soft, flexible insert worn internally that helps prevent leakage before it happens, rather than just absorbing it afterward.

How long can StaySure™ be worn?

StaySure™ can be worn between bowel movements or for up to 24 hours, depending on your needs and your doctor’s guidance.

Is StaySure™ comfortable?

Many people find it comfortable once they get used to it. It is made from soft silicone and designed to move with the body. As Fiona said, “It didn’t take me long to completely forget the insert was there.”

Do I need a prescription for StaySure™?

Yes. StaySure™ is available by prescription only, so you will need to talk to your healthcare provider.

Can bowel leakage be treated without surgery?

Yes. Many people manage symptoms with non-surgical options such as diet changes, therapy, medications, or device-based support like StaySure™.

Ready to Learn More?

StaySure™ is a prescription device. Talk to your doctor about your symptoms, your goals, and whether StaySure™ may be right for you.

Learn How StaySure™ Works | Order StaySure™

Disclaimer

These stories reflect real patient and clinician experiences with silicone anal insert technology. Names have been used with permission, and some details may have been changed to protect privacy. 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. Talk to your healthcare provider to determine if StaySure™ is appropriate for you.

References

Brown, H. W., Guan, W., Schmuhl, N. B., Smith, P. D., Whitehead, W. E., & Rogers, R. G. (2018). If We Don’t Ask, They Won’t Tell: Screening for Urinary and Fecal Incontinence by Primary Care Providers. The Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine, 31(5), 774–782. https://doi.org/10.3122/jabfm.2018.05.180045
Whitehead, W. E., Borrud, L., Goode, P. S., Meikle, S., Mueller, E. R., Tuteja, A., Weidner, A., Weinstein, M., & Ye, W. (2009). Fecal Incontinence in US Adults: Epidemiology and Risk Factors. Gastroenterology, 137(2), 512-517.e2. https://doi.org/10.1053/j.gastro.2009.04.054

I Thought I Was the Only One – Real Stories of Living with Bowel Leakage