Information for the public

About this information

NICE clinical guidelines advise the NHS on caring for people with specific conditions or diseases and the treatments they should receive. The information applies to people using the NHS in England and Wales.

This information explains the advice about faecal incontinence (bowel control problems) that is set out in NICE clinical guideline 49.

Does this information apply to me?

Yes, if you are an adult who has faecal incontinence.

No, if you:

  • are younger than 18 years

  • have urinary incontinence (the leakage of urine when you do not mean to urinate [pass water]).