Faecal incontinence is defined as the involuntary loss of faecal material from the bowel. It can occur passively, without awareness or it may be preceded by urgency.

Crohn's disease is a lifelong condition in which parts of the digestive system become inflamed. The wall of one or more segments of the gastrointestinal tract becomes thickened, inflamed and swollen.

Ulcerative colitis is one type of a condition called inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). New Zealand has the third highest rate of inflammatory bowel disease in the world with the number increasing at an alarming rate. It is estimated to affect 15,000 New Zealanders. Find out more with Intus.

Over 80% of people will experience rectal bleeding at some point in their lifetime. The causes of such bleeds are multiple and most often the underlying problem is not a serious one. However, this is not always the case – bleeding from your bowels should always be reported to your doctor so that an accurate assessment of your bleeding can be made.

An ano-rectal fistula is an abnormal communication or tract between the rectum and perineum with an opening at each end. Faeces enter the track from the anus and provoke chronic infection, which prevents the fistula from healing. The faeces and inflammatory fluid discharge from the other end of the track on the skin beside the anus.

Rectal prolapse refers to a condition where the rectum (lower part of the bowel) telescopes upon itself and sometimes through the anus (back passage). Learn more about management at Intus.

It is usually normal to not go every day, or go anywhere from 3 times a day to 3 times a week. Constipation however means a hard dry stool that is difficult to pass, or passing less than 3 bowel movements a week. It can cause discomfort and bloating for many who suffer with it.