I’m constipated or leak gas or poo

Almost everyone experiences constipation at some point in their life. It is more common in women and adults ages 65 and older. Pregnant women may have constipation as the gut slows down in pregnancy, and it is a common problem following children.

Most constipation is temporary and not serious. Understanding its causes, prevention and treatment will help most people find relief.

Constipation is a symptom, not a disease. Constipation means the bowel does not move easily or regularly. This may mean having a bowel movement fewer than every three days and the stools (bowel motion) may be hard and difficult to pass.

Learn more about constipation

Managing constipation with diet: Adults (HealthLinkBC)

Fecal incontinence occurs when you lose control over bowel movements, resulting in leakage of gas or stool (feces) through the anus.

It is a common problem, which can affect up to 1 in 10 people at some time in their lives. They may have bowel accidents that are caused by not being able to get to a toilet quickly enough (urge leakage), or they may experience soiling or leaking from the bowel without being aware of it (passive leakage).

Learn more about fecal incontinence

Although it might feel embarrassing, share your concerns with your current health-care provider: family doctor, nurse practitioner, physiotherapist and/or occupational therapist. They can discuss treatment options with you or refer you to another health-care provider. Your family doctor who may refer you to a specialist urologist, gynecologist or urogynecologist.

Physiotherapists
Physiotherapists have manual therapy techniques, strategies and education advice to deal with constipation. They can help with pelvic floor strengthening for weakness associated with incontinence. To find a physiotherapist in your area:

• Go to Find a Physiotherapist in British Columbia on the Physiotherapy Association of BC website
• Under “By Areas of Practice” select any/all:
  • Incontinence (urinary/bowel)
  • Pelvic Floor
  • Women’s Health

Nurse continence advisors

Nurse continence advisors have training to help you with your bladder issue. There are also continence clinics in some parts of the province.

To find a nurse continence advisor in your area:

• Go to the Canadian Continence Foundation website
• Under Resources, click “Locate a Professional”
• Use the Filter feature to find a clinic in your location