Bowel Urgency
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Bowel urgency is a sudden and intense need to have a bowel movement, and it’s a common yet often misunderstood symptom of conditions like IBD, IBS, and other gastrointestinal disorders. While it may feel embarrassing to talk about, bowel urgency can significantly affect daily life and deserves proper care and support. Learn what causes bowel urgency, how to manage it, and how to start a conversation with your doctor.
understanding Bowel Urgency
Bowel urgency is the sudden, intense need to have a bowel movement—and when it strikes, it can feel impossible to delay. For people living with bowel conditions, this isn’t just a mild inconvenience. It can come on quickly, with little warning, and may result in accidents if a restroom isn’t nearby.
If you live with bowel urgency, you’re not alone. It’s a common symptom in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and other gastrointestinal disorders. In fact, more than 80% of people with ulcerative colitis and 74% of those with Crohn’s disease report experiencing bowel urgency as a regular part of their condition.1
And yet, despite how common it is, many people suffer in silence.
Talking about bowel issues can be deeply personal, emotional, and even embarrassing. But at NAFC, we want to make one thing very clear: bowel urgency is a medical symptom—nothing to be ashamed of. You deserve support, information, and treatment that helps you live life on your terms.
What Causes Bowel Urgency?
Bowel urgency is not a diagnosis by itself. It’s a symptom caused by underlying medical issues. Some of the most common conditions that cause bowel urgency include:
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are chronic inflammatory conditions that can damage the intestinal lining, triggering inflammation, diarrhea, and urgency. Over 80% of people with IBD experience bowel urgency at some point in their condition.1
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
IBS, particularly the diarrhea-predominant type (IBS-D), often causes unpredictable bowel habits, cramping, and a frequent, uncontrollable need to go.2
Colorectal Cancer or Polyps
Infections
Gastrointestinal infections caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites can inflame the bowel, producing loose stools and an urgent need to go.
Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
Post-Surgical Changes
People who have had surgeries on the bowel—such as resections or ostomy procedures—may experience changes in how their body signals the need to go.
Everyone’s experience is different, and multiple factors may contribute to urgency. Understanding the root cause is an important first step toward finding the right treatment.
Symptoms That May Accompany Bowel Urgency
In addition to the intense need to go, you may experience other symptoms, such as:
- Diarrhea or loose stools
- Abdominal pain or cramping
- Fecal incontinence (accidental bowel leakage)
- Frequent bowel movements
- Bloating or gas
- Fatigue, weakness, or dehydration during flare-ups
These symptoms can vary from day to day or flare up during certain triggers. It’s not uncommon for people to feel anxious, embarrassed, or even ashamed, especially when symptoms interfere with their ability to work, socialize, or travel comfortably.
If you’ve ever skipped meals, avoided long drives, or declined invitations out of fear you won’t find a bathroom in time, you’re not alone—and you don’t have to keep suffering in silence.
The Impact on Daily Life & Mental Health
Bowel urgency doesn’t just affect your body—it can affect every part of your life. From planning your day around bathroom breaks to canceling social plans, the condition can quickly take a toll on your confidence, relationships, and well-being.
In a recent NAFC survey on bowel health, 75% of people with bowel symptoms—including urgency—said their condition disrupted daily life.5 Many reported living with constant anxiety, always scanning their environment for a restroom, and avoiding situations that might trigger a flare.
Emotional and Social Effects
Bowel urgency can cause a lot of emotional stress in addition to the physical symptoms:
- Fear of accidents in public
- Anxiety in unfamiliar places
- Depression, isolation, or avoidance of social activities
- Strain on relationships, including intimacy with partners
- Worry about traveling or leaving home
Living with bowel urgency can feel exhausting, frustrating, and sometimes hopeless—but you are not alone. There is support, and there are effective tools and treatments that can help.
How Is Bowel Urgency Treated?
Bowel urgency is treatable—but the right treatment depends on what’s causing it. That’s why it’s important to talk to your doctor and get a proper diagnosis.
Common Medical Treatments
- Anti-diarrheal medications like loperamide
- Anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g., mesalamine, corticosteroids, or biologics for IBD)
- Antispasmodics or low-dose antidepressants for IBS
- Probiotics to restore gut balance
- Surgery, in some cases, for structural or inflammatory conditions
These treatments should always be discussed with a healthcare provider.
Self-Management Strategies
- Keep a food diary to identify potential triggers
- Work with a dietitian to explore low FODMAP or elimination diets
- Practice scheduled toileting to retrain bowel habits
- Consider pelvic floor physical therapy if coordination is an issue
- Manage stress, as anxiety can exacerbate symptoms
- Stay hydrated and replenish electrolytes during flare-ups
These tools may not eliminate bowel urgency overnight—but over time, they can help you gain more control and confidence in daily life.
Talking To Your Doctor About Bowel Urgency
We know this can be a tough conversation. Bowel urgency is personal, and it can feel embarrassing to bring it up—even with a doctor. But it’s important to remember: your doctor is there to help, and this is a very common issue that they are trained to treat.
Tips For Preparing
- Track your symptoms using a symptom tracker for at least a week
- Record when urgency occurs, any accidents, and possible triggers
- Bring up how the urgency impacts your life—emotionally and practically
- Prepare specific questions, like:
- Could this be IBD or IBS?
- What tests can help confirm the cause?
- What are my treatment options?
- Can I be referred to a gastroenterologist?
- Could this be IBD or IBS?
If you’ve ever felt dismissed in the past, know that you’re not alone—and it’s okay to seek a second opinion. You have a right to be heard, respected, and supported.
NAFC Tools To Support You
NAFC is here to help you every step of the way. Whether you’re just starting to learn about bowel urgency or looking for better ways to manage it, our free tools are designed to empower and support you.
- Download the Bowel Urgency Symptom Tracker
- Get our Doctor Discussion Guide
- Try our Mental Health Check-In Tool
- Listen to the Patient Podcast Series
- Watch the Video: Understanding Bowel Urgency
These resources are private, printable, and easy to use—and they’re built with compassion and real patient insight.
You Are Not Alone
Bowel urgency can feel isolating, but support is available—and your symptoms are valid. With the right care plan, tools, and mindset, it’s possible to reclaim your comfort, confidence, and daily life.
NAFC has supported people with bladder and bowel health conditions for over 40 years. We’re here for you.
References
Rubin, D. T., et al. (2021). Patient Reported Bowel Urgency and Its Impact in Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Inflammatory Bowel Diseases, 27(3), 365–372.
Mayo Clinic. (2023). IBS and Urgency Symptoms
Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation. (2024). Bowel Urgency Overview
Cleveland Clinic. (2022). Incontinence and Bowel Control Disorders
NAFC Internal Bowel Health Survey (2022).
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