Educational Content: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.

Definition of Anal incontinence

Medically reviewed by Dr. Otari Nergadze, Neurosurgeon | Updated: January 2026

Anal incontinence: Inability to hold feces in the rectum. This is due to failure of voluntary control over the anal sphincters. This failure results in the untimely passage of feces and gas.

There are many causes of anal incontinence, including congenital disorders of the spinal cord or anus; subsequent injuries to the rectum and anus; obstetric injuries during delivery; injury of the spinal cord; diabetic neuropathy (nerve damage); advanced Alzheimer disease or other forms of dementia; fecal impaction; and tumors.

Also called rectal or fecal incontinence.