What is the difference between urine and faeces

Try not to collect pee urine or water from the toilet along with the poo, but don't worry if you do. If you need to pee, do this first before collecting the poo. Your sample of poo must be fresh — if it is not, the bacteria in it can multiply. This means the levels of bacteria in the stool sample won't be the same as the levels of bacteria in your digestive system.

If the levels of bacteria don't match, the test results may not be accurate. Your sample should be handed in as soon as possible, as sometimes it can't be analysed after being refrigerated — your doctor will tell you if this is the case.

If you can't hand your sample in immediately, find out how long it can be kept in the fridge. Your GP or the healthcare professional who requested the test will be able to tell you. If you can store it in the fridge, put the container in a sealed plastic bag first. Your GP or another healthcare professional may ask you for a stool sample to help them diagnose or rule out a particular health condition.

By testing the levels of these substances and bacteria in your poo, it's possible to work out what's happening in your digestive system. Find out more about operations, tests and procedures.

Page last reviewed: 27 August Next review due: 27 August This can help you have better control. Some medicines can help control bowel incontinence. Antidiarrheal medicines can help manage diarrhea. And medicine can help bladder muscles relax to give you better control. Keeping a bathroom schedule. Setting a regular schedule for using the toilet can give you better control. This includes trying to urinate or move your bowels at the same time each day.

Electrical stimulation. This therapy can stimulate damaged nerves. This may give you better muscle control in your bladder or bowel. In rare cases, you may need surgery to fix damage to muscles or nerves.

Both bladder and bowel incontinence can lead to a breakdown of skin. Ask your healthcare provider about correct skin care for your situation.

Search Encyclopedia. Bladder and Bowel Incontinence Bladder or bowel incontinence means there is a problem holding in urine or stool. Why do bladder and bowel incontinence happen?