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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Frequent Urge For Bowel Movement At 80 Years?

Need help,

I am an 80 year old male and have had fecal urgency (very very urgent at times) for about 5 years. Only need to go 2 or so times daily and the stool seems normal consistency. I am otherwise healthy and am wandering what causes it and how to treat it. My doctor seems to think it just goes with old age. I don't think things should be blamed on age.

C .R.
Mon, 2 Jun 2014
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Geriatrics Specialist,  's  Response
Hello CR,

Bowel habits can vary from 3 times a day to 3 times a week. Until it is of normal consistency, without any blood - its nothing to worry. Your bowel habits seems to be fine. Your complaints about fecal urgency is quite common in the elderly due to reduced physical activity and overall muscle weakening.

To improve it, you can try kegel exercises (exercise involves routinely contracting the muscles used when in bathroom) to strengthen the bowel sphincter and also try to maintain a overall improved physical activity.

I agree with you, everything should not be blamed on age. I can say, reduced physical activity with weakening of the bowel sphincters is the cause.

Hope I have answered your query. If you have any further clarifications, I am happy to help.
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What Causes Frequent Urge For Bowel Movement At 80 Years?

Hello CR, Bowel habits can vary from 3 times a day to 3 times a week. Until it is of normal consistency, without any blood - its nothing to worry. Your bowel habits seems to be fine. Your complaints about fecal urgency is quite common in the elderly due to reduced physical activity and overall muscle weakening. To improve it, you can try kegel exercises (exercise involves routinely contracting the muscles used when in bathroom) to strengthen the bowel sphincter and also try to maintain a overall improved physical activity. I agree with you, everything should not be blamed on age. I can say, reduced physical activity with weakening of the bowel sphincters is the cause. Hope I have answered your query. If you have any further clarifications, I am happy to help.