Flatus Incontinence: Causes, Symptoms and How to Strengthen Your Pelvic Floor

Medically reviewed by Amanda Savage - 20 July 2023

What is Flatus Incontinence?

Flatus incontinence (also called flatal incontinence) is a type of bowel dysfunction where you can’t always control the release of wind. Flatulence is a normal part of digestion, but when you lose the ability to hold it in, it can become embarrassing and affect confidence.

Normally, your internal sphincter signals when gas passes through, and your external sphincter contracts to hold it until an appropriate time. If either sphincter is weakened or damaged, wind can escape without warning.

Research shows that around 60% of people with faecal incontinence also have flatus incontinence, though it can occur on its own. While not dangerous, it can lead to social isolation, anxiety, and low mood if untreated.

Symptoms of Flatus Incontinence

You may have flatal incontinence if you:

• Cannot prevent wind from escaping

• Pass wind more than 25 times a day

• Avoid foods that cause bloating or gas

• Experience frequent constipation

• Use the toilet just to reduce trapped gas out of embarrassment

Because flatus incontinence may also indicate another bowel condition such as IBS, coeliac disease, or food intolerance, it’s important to seek a diagnosis from your GP.

Causes of Flatus Incontinence

Common causes include:

• Childbirth – complicated deliveries, forceps, large babies, or tearing can damage the pelvic floor and anal sphincter.

• Constipation – fermenting stool produces excess gas and weakens pelvic floor support.

• Neurological conditions – such as Parkinson’s, MS, stroke, spinal cord injury, or diabetes, which affect nerve signals.

• Pelvic or abdominal surgery – can damage sphincter or nerve function.

• Excess weight – places pressure on the pelvic floor.

• Ageing – risk increases over 35 as muscles naturally weaken.

• Smoking – irritates the digestive system, and chronic coughing strains the pelvic floor.

• Food intolerance – lactose or certain foods increase gas production.

How to Treat Flatus Incontinence

The good news is that conservative treatments often improve or even resolve symptoms.

1. Pelvic floor exercises
Strengthening your pelvic floor improves the function of the sphincters and bowel control. If you struggle with manual exercises, biofeedback therapy or an electronic pelvic toner (such as the Kegel8 Ultra 20) can make training more effective.

2. Review your diet

• Avoid trigger foods (onions, cauliflower, cabbage, fizzy drinks).

• Try peppermint tea for bloating.

• If lactose intolerant, avoid dairy or use lactase supplements.

3. Lifestyle adjustments

• Eat more slowly and chew food thoroughly.

• Stop smoking and reduce chewing gum to avoid swallowing excess air.

• Exercise regularly to improve digestion.

• See Shreddies Flatulence Filtering Underwear – discreet protection for flatus incontinence.

4. Manage constipation

• Increase fibre and water intake.

• Consider stool softeners, laxatives, or a squatty toilet stool to reduce straining.

• Up to 50% of constipation cases are linked to pelvic floor dysfunction, so strengthening the muscles is key.

• Try a Vaginal splinting device to ease Bowel Movements: Femmeze helps reposition the rectal wall, making bowel movements easier and reducing straining, which can help prevent worsening of prolapse.

5. Medical review
Some medicines (laxatives, statins, antifungals) may worsen symptoms — always discuss with your GP before making changes.

The Bottom Line

Flatus incontinence can feel embarrassing, but it is very common — particularly after childbirth and with age. By addressing diet, lifestyle, and strengthening the pelvic floor muscles, many people see a significant improvement in their control and confidence.

Want to learn more? Download your free Kegel8 eBook.

Download your free Kegel8 eBook written by Specialist Pelvic Health Physiotherapist - Amanda Savage to learn the causes, symptoms, and treatments for bowel incontinence. Discover how pelvic floor exercises and simple lifestyle changes can help you regain control and confidence.

Medically reviewed by Amanda Savage - 20 July 2023

Amanda Savage, M.A. (Cantab) MSc MCSP
Specialist Pelvic Health Physiotherapist - Amanda Savage is one of the UK’s leading specialist pelvic health physiotherapists, with over 20 years’ experience supporting women and men with bladder, bowel, and pelvic floor disorders. A graduate of Cambridge University (MA Cantab) and King’s College London (MSc in Physiotherapy), she is a member of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (MCSP) and a trusted clinical adviser to Kegel8.

Amanda has worked extensively in both the NHS and private practice, helping patients manage pelvic floor weakness, prolapse, incontinence, postnatal recovery, and pelvic pain. She is passionate about making high-quality pelvic health information accessible, combining the latest clinical research with practical strategies that empower people to take control of their wellbeing.

At Kegel8, Amanda contributes her clinical expertise to educational content, ensuring advice is evidence-based, supportive, and easy to follow.

Sources

Bladder & Bowel Community. (2024). Faecal Incontinence. [online] Bladder and Bowel Support Company. [viewed 28/08/2025]. Available from: https://www.bladderandbowel.org/bowel/bowel-problems/faecal-incontinence/

International Continence Society (ICS). (2025). Flatus Incontinence – Definition and Pelvic Floor Dysfunction. [online] ICS. [viewed 28/08/2025]. Available from: https://www.ics.org

Mayo Clinic. (2023). Fecal Incontinence – Symptoms and Causes. [online] Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. [viewed 28/08/2025]. Available from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/fecal-incontinence

NHS. (2025). Bowel Incontinence. [online] NHS UK. [viewed 28/08/2025]. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/bowel-incontinence/

NICE. (2019). Faecal Incontinence in Adults: Management (CG49). [online] National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. [viewed 28/08/2025]. Available from: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg49

Further Reading

For more support and information on managing flatus incontinence and improving pelvic floor strength, these trusted resources may help:

NHS – Bowel Incontinence: Causes, symptoms, and treatments.
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/bowel-incontinence/

Bladder & Bowel Community – Faecal Incontinence: Support and practical tips.
https://www.bladderandbowel.org/bowel/bowel-problems/faecal-incontinence/

NICE – Faecal Incontinence in Adults (CG49): Clinical guidelines on diagnosis and management.
https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg49

International Continence Society (ICS): Global information on continence and pelvic floor health.
https://www.ics.org

Mayo Clinic – Fecal Incontinence: Accessible patient-friendly information.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/fecal-incontinence