Anal Leakage – Causes, Symptoms, Treatment and Cure

Having a leaky anus can be a challenging and embarrassing condition, especially when a person uncontrollably or unexpectedly passes stool or anal discharge. Anal leakage is a serious problem that must be discussed. Anal leakage is also known as fecal incontinence.

What is Anal Leakage?

Anal leakage occurs when stool is expelled from the body suddenly, without warning or intent. It is often caused by diarrhea or constipation and typically resolves when the digestive system returns to normal.

Typically, we feel the urge to defecate and can reach the toilet in time. However, with anal leakage, control is lost, and stool may be expelled before reaching the toilet. There are various symptoms, causes, diagnostic procedures, treatments, and preventative measures for this condition, also known as fecal incontinence.

Have you heard of anal fissures? These are cracks or tears in the lining of the anus and anal canal. They can be acute or chronic and are primarily caused by various non-traumatic diseases and trauma.

Fissures in unusual locations indicate underlying conditions. A common symptom of anal fissures is pain during bowel movements.

Bowel incontinence can be categorized into the following two types:

1. Passive Bowel Incontinence: Individuals with this type of incontinence are unaware of stool passage and may only discover it when changing their underwear. They may also experience gas and leakage from the anus.
2. Urge Incontinence: This involves a sudden and urgent need to defecate, often resulting in an inability to reach the toilet in time, potentially leading to a complete bowel movement on the person’s clothing.

Depending on the cause of bowel incontinence, there are various ways to manage anal leakage.

What Causes Anal Leakage?

Anal leakage can have numerous causes, and effective treatment is often possible. Identifying why the rectum cannot retain stool is crucial for determining the most appropriate treatment.

1. Constipation

This is a common cause of anal leakage. Constipation can also cause pain in the lower left abdomen and lower back, along with stomach pain.

According to the UK’s National Health Service, impacted feces can stretch the rectal muscles (R). This can allow watery stool and mucus to leak around the harder stool and unintentionally pass out of the rectum.

Also, Read: 8 Simple Exercises To Relieve Constipation

2. Diarrhea

Diarrhea, a common condition with various causes, is another frequent contributor to anal leakage. Some individuals’ rectal muscles may struggle to retain watery stool, leading to leakage and bowel incontinence.

This leakage can sometimes occur unknowingly, even during gas passage. Several underlying health conditions can cause diarrhea and, subsequently, anal seepage. Some common causes of diarrhea that can lead to anal leakage include:

(a) Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Ulcerative colitis, a type of IBD, can cause frequent episodes of diarrhea and may also lead to anal leakage, particularly at night or with the urge to use the bathroom. IBD can also result in blood or mucus leakage from the rectum.

(b) Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): Diarrhea associated with irritable bowel syndrome can also contribute to anal leakage.

(c) Gastroenteritis: Viral or bacterial infections of the digestive tract (gastroenteritis) can cause severe diarrhea and vomiting, potentially leading to small amounts of stool leakage.

Also, Read How to Stop Diarrhea Quickly: 6 Effective Home Remedies to Relieve Diarrhea

3. Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids, or piles, are swollen blood vessels around the lower rectum. They can cause bleeding, pain, itching, and significant discomfort around the anus. Anal leakage can occur if hemorrhoids become inflamed.

4. Sphincter Muscle Damage

Any damage to these muscles in the lower rectum can cause accidental bowel leakage. Several factors can cause muscle damage in the anus. The most common reason such damage occurs is the muscle’s inability to prevent involuntary anal leaking. Causes of sphincter muscle damage include:

• Damage during childbirth leads to weakened or damaged muscles
• Prostate or rectal surgery or radiation treatment
• Trauma to the anal region
• Inflammatory bowel disease, which can damage rectal muscles

5. Nerve Damage

Passing small amounts of mucus in stool without realizing it can also be due to nerve damage. This means fecal soiling occurs because the nerves do not control the opening and closing of the sphincter muscles as expected. Some causes of anal leakage due to nerve damage include:

• Childbirth
• Stroke
• Multiple sclerosis
• Diabetes
• Frequent and long-term straining during bowel movements

6. Anal Cancer

Anal cancer can damage the nerves and muscles of the anus, weakening the anal sphincter’s function. Blood may also be present in the leakage. Anal cancer is a life-threatening condition. Various causes of fluid, mucus, and fecal leakage include:

• Severe gastroenteritis
• Chronic constipation, particularly with fecal impaction
• Gynecological injuries during childbirth or after a hysterectomy
• Nerve disorders such as diabetic neuropathy, spinal cord injury, stroke, postoperative nerve injury to the anus, dementia, and multiple sclerosis
• Severe hemorrhoids
• Bowel conditions like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and severe irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• Congenital anorectal anomalies (birth defects of the rectum and anus)
• Fecal impaction
• Food intolerances like lactose intolerance
• Gastroenteritis
• Hemorrhoids
• Anal fissures
• Celiac disease
• Colorectal or anal cancer
• Diverticulitis
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Proctitis
• Rectal ulcers

7. Rectal Stiffening

When the rectum becomes diseased, the muscles around it lose their ability to stretch and hold stool effectively. Scar tissue can develop, causing the rectal walls to stiffen. The rectum can no longer support larger stools, resulting in fluid leakage and wet feces. Rectal stiffening can be caused by inflammatory bowel disease, surgery, or radiation damage.

Also, Read: 9 Daily Habits That May Reduce Cancer Risk

Signs and Symptoms of Anal Leakage

The symptoms of anal leakage depend on the underlying cause. As discussed previously, there are various reasons for a leaky bottom. Symptoms can range from an itchy anus, burning sensation, and itchy buttocks to a persistent urge to defecate even after a bowel movement. Here are potential symptoms:

• Itchy buttocks
• Itchy anus
• Pain and discomfort in the anal area
• Burning anus
• Feeling the need to defecate even after a bowel movement
• Changes in bowel habits, such as diarrhea or constipation

If rectal bleeding is present, an endoscopic evaluation (using either a flexible or rigid viewing tube) is necessary to investigate the possibility of more serious conditions in the anus or rectum.

A sigmoidoscopy, which examines only the lower part of the colon, may be sufficient for patients under 50 who present with typical anal fissure symptoms.

How to Stop Anal Leakage?

Treatment for anal leakage depends on the underlying cause. Experiencing a loss of bowel control and leaking stool before reaching the toilet can be a distressing experience.

1. Increase Fiber Intake

If constipation is the cause, increasing fiber intake is essential. Fiber aids digestion and softens the stool. Incorporate whole grains (brown rice, whole wheat pasta, whole wheat bread), beans, popcorn, nuts, and berries into your daily diet.

2. Stay Hydrated

Since the body is composed of over 70% water, adequate hydration is crucial for healthy digestion. Aim for at least eight glasses of water daily to support normal digestive function and soften fiber, preventing anal leakage. Staying well-hydrated is essential for overall health.

3. Managing Diarrhea-Related Leakage

Anal leakage due to diarrhea can be particularly challenging, as watery stool may seep out unnoticed. This can cause both mental and emotional distress.

There are natural ways to manage diarrhea, which can help reduce inflammation in the digestive tract and prevent anal leakage.

Also, Read Refresh and Replenish: Foods That Help You Stay Hydrated All Day

4. Ginger

Ginger, readily available, is a therapeutic root with numerous health benefits. It can soothe gastrointestinal cramps and inflammation.

Studies have shown its effectiveness in calming stomach cramps (R). Add grated ginger to your tea (steeping to extract the juice) and drink it two to three times a day to help reduce inflammation and support a healthy digestive tract, potentially reducing anal leakage.

5. Chamomile Tea

Chamomile is a calming herb that soothes the mind and the digestive system. Studies suggest it can be beneficial in treating diarrhea and reducing its symptoms (R).

6. Probiotics

Probiotics may help reduce anal leakage by improving both diarrhea and constipation symptoms. Research indicates they can aid digestive issues and effectively reduce diarrhea caused by antibiotics, viruses, and bacterial infections (R).

Also, Read Why Probiotics Might Not Work Without Prebiotics: How to Maximize Gut Health

7. Lifestyle Changes That Can Help

Modern, busy lifestyles often make it challenging to maintain healthy routines. If you experience chronic or recurring anal leakage, lifestyle modifications can be beneficial. Here are some suggested home remedies and lifestyle changes:

8. Dietary Adjustments

Avoid foods that cause gas and bloating if these contribute to anal seepage. Limit or eliminate spicy, oily (especially fried), and excessively caffeinated foods, as these can exacerbate bowel incontinence.

If lactose intolerance is a concern, reduce or eliminate lactose-containing milk products to help manage diarrhea and digestive system inflammation.

9. Consult Your Doctor

While home remedies can be helpful, it’s crucial to consult a doctor for persistent anal leakage. As discussed, numerous underlying causes and corresponding treatments exist.

Only a medical professional can accurately diagnose the cause of your problem and recommend the most effective medication and treatment plan to alleviate pain and discomfort.

Conclusion

Leakage of feces is challenging to treat and can compromise one’s quality of life. The possible reasons for this could be constipation, diarrhea, damage to the sphincter muscles, nerve problems, or any other causative factors.

In either case, understanding the cause will help you choose the most effective treatment options. Some lifestyle modifications include dietary changes, enhanced fiber consumption, adequate hydration, and probiotics.

For those experiencing more persistent issues, consulting with a healthcare professional is crucial to determine the appropriate course of action. With proper care and intervention, anal leakage can be managed, helping individuals regain control and improve their overall well-being.

• March 2018
  Written by Kavita R
• Feb 2025
  Edited by Lakshmi Gayatri