Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Encopresis overview
Introduction
Overview
Overview
Encopresis, from the Greek κοπρος (kopros, dung) is involuntary “fecal soiling” in children who have usually already been toilet trained. Children with encopresis often leak stool into their underwear.
Epidemiology and Demographics
Epidemiology and Demographics
The estimated prevalence of encopresis in 5-year-olds is ~1-3%. The disorder is thought to be more common in males than females, by a factor of 3 to 1.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis
Abdominal X Ray
An abdominal x-ray may confirm impacted stool in the colon.
Treatment
Treatment
Primary Prevention
Because the causes often are obscure, prevention is difficult. As a general rule, refrain from toilet training that is too early and too coercive.
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]