If a stool becomes lodged in the rectum (impacted), mucus and fluid will sometimes leak out around the stool, leading to leakage of stool from the anus (fecal incontinence).

If you have hemorrhoids, small amounts of liquid stool or mucus may leak out through the anus. Inflamed hemorrhoidal tissue can be swollen or painful, making it difficult to clean yourself completely after having a bowel movement. Stool remaining on the hemorrhoidal tissues may soil your underwear or clothing.

Fecal incontinence is often caused by rectal prolapse. It is also sometimes caused by irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease. If you have one of these conditions, the need to pass stool can come on so quickly and urgently that some stool may leak out before you can get to the bathroom.

Fecal incontinence can also be caused by a stroke, a spinal cord injury or compression, or tumors that involve the spinal cord. If you have suddenly lost the ability to control your bowels, especially if you have any other signs of nerve damage, such as numbness or weakness in the legs, call your health professional immediately to discuss these symptoms.