No, it’s not just you. If you’ve ever had a bowel movement sneak up on you, rushed to the bathroom but didn’t quite make it, or experienced a little leakage, you’re not the only one. In fact, over 18 million people in the United States1 have likely been through it, too.

It’s something many people feel embarrassed to talk about, even with their doctor. But here’s the thing: accidental bowel leakage (ABL), or fecal incontinence, is more common than you might think, and there’s help available. Whether this is a new issue or something you’ve been quietly managing for years, this guide is here to help you understand what’s normal, what’s not, what you can do about it, and how to regain a sense of confidence and control.

What Is Accidental Bowel Leakage (ABL)?

Accidental bowel leakage (ABL) is just what it sounds like: stool (solid or liquid) or gas leaking out when you don’t want it to. Sometimes it happens during a cough or sneeze.1 Sometimes it happens after an urgent bathroom need that comes on too fast. And sometimes, you may not even notice it’s happened until you see or feel it.

It can range from light staining in your underwear to full accidents. For some, it only happens once in a while. For others, it's a daily concern. This can feel scary or frustrating, but ABL is not a disease; it’s a symptom that something else is going on in your body.

How Common Is Bowel Leakage?

It’s much more common than most people realize. In fact:

1 in 12 adults experience accidental bowel leakage globally.2

And that’s only accounting for those willing to report the symptoms to their healthcare provider. It’s also not just an “older adult” or “female” issue. ABL can affect:3

  • People who’ve had children
  • People with digestive problems like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
  • People who’ve had surgeries, injuries, or nerve damage
  • People with long-term constipation or diarrhea
  • Men and women of all ages

ABL is not caused by you doing something wrong, either.

What Causes It?

There are several reasons ABL might happen. Here are some of the most common causes:

1. Weakened Muscles

The sphincter muscles in your bottom help hold in stool. If they’ve been stretched or weakened, like they typically are after childbirth or surgery, it may be harder to “hold it.”3

2. Nerve Issues

Sometimes the nerves that tell your body when you need to go aren’t working as they should.3 This can happen with aging, diabetes, spinal injuries, or nerve disorders.

3. Digestive Issues

Conditions like chronic diarrhea, constipation, or irritable bowel syndrome can lead to ABL.3 With diarrhea, it’s harder to control the flow. With constipation, stool can build up and eventually leak out around a blockage.

4. Aging

While yes, it’s not just a part of getting older; it does become more common with advanced age.3 Your muscles lose strength, and the tissues become less elastic, including those that help you control bowel movements.

5. Other Medical Reasons

Injury, surgery, rectal prolapse, or pelvic floor disorders can also play a role.3

Sometimes, it’s a mix of factors. Regardless of the cause, it’s important to remember that none of this is your fault.

How Do I Know If My Symptoms Are “Normal”?

It’s normal to feel confused or unsure about what’s “normal” when it comes to bathroom issues. Let’s break it down:

What’s Normal?

  • Going 1–3 times a day, or even once every 1–2 days4
  • Having solid, soft, easy-to-pass stools (see stool types below)
  • Feeling like you have control over your bowel movements
  • Having predictable bowel movements (generally at the same time of day)

What’s Not?

  • Leaking a little (or a lot) of stool without warning
  • Rushing to the bathroom and not making it
  • Going too many times a day or not at all for days
  • Ongoing diarrhea or constipation
  • Staining your underwear with no sensation of needing to go

If any of the “not normal” signs sound familiar, it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor.

Bowel Health 101: Let’s Talk Poop (Yes, Really)

Everyone poops, even if they like to pretend that they don’t. A healthy bowel movement is a good sign that your body is working well. Doctors often use the Bristol Stool Chart to describe different types of stool:5

  • Types 1–2: Hard, dry pellets = possible constipation
  • Types 3–4: Smooth, soft, sausage-like = healthy and normal
  • Types 5–7: Mushy, watery, or loose = possible diarrhea

If your stool is too hard or too loose, it can increase your chances of leaking.

How ABL Affects More Than Just Your Body

Living with accidental bowel leakage affects not only your physical health, but it also takes a toll on your mental and emotional well-being.

You might:

  • Avoid social outings or travel for fear of an accident
  • Feel embarrassed during intimacy
  • Wear pads or multiple layers “just in case”
  • Skip meals or dehydrate yourself to avoid needing the bathroom

These coping strategies are very common, but they shouldn’t be your only option. You deserve a life that isn’t ruled by fear or shame.

What Can I Do About It?

You don’t have to just “live with it,” or wait until it gets “bad enough” to ask for help. There are some ways to take back control and feel more confident.

Diet and Hydration

  • Drink plenty of water
  • Eat more fiber (fruits, veggies, whole grains)
  • Avoid triggers like caffeine, spicy foods, and greasy meals

Pelvic Floor Therapy

Working with a physical therapist trained in pelvic floor health can help you strengthen the muscles that support your bowels.

Bowel Training

This means going to the bathroom at scheduled times to train your body into a more regular routine.

Medication or Medical Support

Depending on the cause, your doctor may suggest medications for diarrhea, constipation, or muscle control.

Discreet Devices and Products

Some people use soft internal inserts, like StaySure™, that help prevent leaks without needing pads or surgery. These are safe, simple tools that sit comfortably inside to support your body’s natural seal.

When Should I Talk to a Doctor?

If you’ve experienced leaks more than once, it’s worth talking to a healthcare provider, even if it feels embarrassing.

You deserve to feel in control, and the sooner you talk about it, the more options you have. You might be surprised how common it is and how many solutions are available.

Here are a few ways to start the conversation:

  • “Sometimes I have trouble making it to the bathroom in time…”
  • “I’ve noticed occasional leaking, and I’m not sure if it’s normal…”
  • “Can we talk about options for managing bowel control?”

Frequently Asked Questions About Bowel Leakage

Is it normal to leak a little stool sometimes?

No amount of bowel leakage is “normal,” but it is common. Many people think it’s something they just have to live with, especially as they get older, but that’s not true. If you’re experiencing even occasional leaks, talk to your doctor. There are safe, simple options, like StaySure™, that can help you regain control and live more freely.

Can I still exercise or go out if I have ABL?

Yes! With support tools like pelvic floor therapy or internal inserts, many people enjoy active lives again.

Will changing my diet help?

It often does. Cutting back on foods that upset your stomach (like dairy or spicy foods) and adding more fiber can help stabilize your bowel movements.

Who should I talk to about this?

Start with your regular doctor. They might refer you to a gastroenterologist (a doctor specializing in the digestive system) or a pelvic floor therapist.

Are there any non-surgical ways to manage ABL?

Yes. Options like pelvic floor therapy or internal inserts like StaySure™ offer simple, discreet ways to manage leaks.

Should I be keeping track of when leaks happen?

Definitely. A simple notebook or phone note can help you notice patterns, like if certain foods or times of day make symptoms worse.

You Don’t Have to Stay Silent

There’s no shame in seeking help. Accidental bowel leakage is more common than we think, and it’s nothing to be embarrassed about. Millions of people are dealing with the same thing. And many are finding relief, support, and confidence again, thanks to new solutions designed with your life in mind.

If this blog made you feel seen, consider sharing it with someone else who might be struggling quietly. If you’re ready to explore new options, ask your doctor about StaySure™, because your confidence shouldn’t end at the bathroom door.

It’s not just you. It’s not your fault. And there is help.

Want to Learn More?

We’re here when you’re ready. Explore discreet, clinically proven tools like StaySure™ to help you stay active, confident, and in control, without pads or surgery.
Explore StaySure™ Now

References

  1. Meyer, I., & Richter, H. E. (2015). Impact of Fecal Incontinence and Its Treatment on Quality of Life in Women. Women’s Health, 11(2), 225–238. https://doi.org/10.2217/whe.14.66
  2. Mack, I., Hahn, H., Gödel, C., Enck, P., & Bharucha, A. E. (2023). Global Prevalence of Fecal Incontinence in Community-Dwelling Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology: The Official Clinical Practice Journal of the American Gastroenterological Association, 22(4), S1542-3565(23)007152. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cgh.2023.09.004
  3. Johns Hopkins Medicine. (2023, October 26). Understanding Fecal Incontinence. www.hopkinsmedicine.org. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/understanding-fecal-incontinence
  4. Walter, S. A., Kjellström, L., Nyhlin, H., Talley, N. J., & Agréus, L. (2010). Assessment of normal bowel habits in the general adult population: the Popcol study. Scandinavian Journal of Gastroenterology, 45(5), 556–566. https://doi.org/10.3109/00365520903551332
  5. Continence Foundation of Australia. (2020, April 23). Bristol stool chart. Continence Foundation of Australia. https://www.continence.org.au/bristol-stool-chart