About Incontinence
Many otherwise healthy, active individuals suffer from incontinence. Fecal incontinence (also called bowel incontinence or stool incontinence) affects people of all ages. It may be defined as the involuntary loss of solid or liquid stool sufficient enough to result in impaired quality of life for the individual.
"It's difficult to imagine the devastating impact bowel incontinence can have on a person's life without experiencing it directly. This is a disorder that people feel they must hide from others and talk about only in whispers."
Frequent or involuntary passage of gas (flatus) without loss of fecal material may also impair a person's quality of life and warrant treatment. The term 'anal incontinence' may be used to refer to involuntary loss of gas as well as solid or liquid stool.
Incontinence is a distressing and isolating condition. Many people fail to report it, even to their own physician.
Incontinence significantly impacts on social and work related aspects of an individual's life.
There are numerous causes for incontinence. Most importantly, there are ways to treat and manage the condition.
NEW! Video Corner: The Experts Speak
Courageous stories
Are you living with incontinence? Share your story; it can be be therapeutic for you as well as others who suffer. Go »
IFFGD on Oprah & Friends XM Radio
(June 25, 2007) Nancy Norton of IFFGD was featured on Oprah & Friends. Dr. Mehmet Oz talked with Nancy about causes of incontinence and what people can do to find treatment. Go »
Needs Recognized in Landmark Conference
NIH State-of-the-Science Conference Statement recognizes the huge unmet need of those who are affected by incontinence. Go »