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    Fecal incontinence: Symptoms, treatment and prevention

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Being unable to control bowel movements, called fecal incontinence, is a common problem in people as they age. Fecal incontinence can range from an occasional leakage of stool while passing gas to a complete loss of bowel control. Common causes of fecal incontinence include diarrhea, constipation, and muscle or nerve damage. The muscle or nerve damage may be associated with aging or giving birth. While fecal incontinence is embarrassing and difficult to talk about, health care providers can offer treatments to help control the condition and improve quality of life for patients.

On the next Mayo Clinic Radio program, Dr. Jean Fox, a Mayo Clinic gastroenterologist, will discuss fecal incontinence. Also on the program, Dr. Ekta Kapoor, a Mayo Clinic internal medicine and women's health physician, will explain the dangers of excess belly fat. And Dr. Michael Joyner, a Mayo Clinic anesthesiologist and human performance expert, will discuss a recent study examining whether pushups can predict your future health. 

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Mayo Clinic Radio produces a weekly one-hour radio program highlighting health and medical information from Mayo Clinic.