What Is Encopresis?
Understanding Chronic Poop Accidents in Children
Encopresis is a condition many parents have never heard of, until they are living it. If your child is having frequent poop accidents after the age of toilet training, you’re not alone. And more importantly: it’s not their fault.
Why is my child constantly soiling themselves?
I find many parents have never heard of encopresis.
What Exactly Is Encopresis?
Encopresis is the repeated passing of stool (poop) into clothing, usually involuntarily, in children over the age of 4. It often results from chronic constipation, where the child holds their stool, leading to buildup in the colon. Over time, the colon stretches, and liquid stool may leak around the blockage without the child feeling it.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), encopresis affects about 1–3% of children, more commonly boys than girls.
The Science Behind It
When children ignore or delay the urge to poop (often due to pain, embarrassment, or fear), the colon begins to overfill. This leads to:
Hard, painful stools
Loss of normal urge sensation
Stretching of the rectum
Leakage of liquid or soft stool
Over time, they may not even know they are soiling themselves. This is not a behavioral problem, it’s a medical one.
Study Highlight: According to a study published in Pediatrics (2014), more than 90% of encopresis cases are associated with chronic functional constipation, not emotional or behavioral causes.
Signs of Encopresis
Frequent soiling of underwear
Avoiding the toilet (especially for poop)
Complaints of tummy aches
Reduced appetite
Withholding behaviors (crossing legs, hiding, clenching)
Large, infrequent bowel movements
Treatment: It’s More Than Just Laxatives
Effective treatment is a multi-step process and usually involves a pediatrician, sometimes a pediatric gastroenterologist, and supportive parenting strategies.
Initial clean-out (usually with prescribed laxatives or enemas)
Maintenance: daily stool softeners, regular toilet time
Behavioral support: routine, rewards, no shame or punishment
Dietary changes: more fiber, fluids, and physical activity
It’s also crucial to remain calm, positive, and supportive. Punishing a child with encopresis often worsens the condition.
Recovery Takes Time
It can take months for the colon to shrink back to its normal size and for sensation to return. Patience is key. If your child is struggling, it’s not your fault—and it’s definitely not theirs.
💬 What Parents Need to Know
Your child is not lazy.
They can’t feel it happening.
It is fixable.
You are not alone.
Encopresis can feel isolating and shameful for both parent and child. The most important thing you can do is get medical support early and stay emotionally available for your child through the process.
