Incontinence

Definition It is an inability to hold in stools or wind, often also associated with difficulties with urine (wee) leading to accidents and the need to wear pads.

This is quite common and happens more often as people get older especially women and particularly those who have had difficult deliveries – many people are too embarrassed to tell anyone.

Treatment Sometimes simply eating less roughage and taking bowel sedatives such as immodium, lomotil and codeine phosphate can greatly help and restore people’s confidence.

There are newer treatments such as sacral nerve stimulation SNS which are proving to be very successful for some patients.

If your problem doesn’t quickly respond to simple treatments, see your GP.