May also be called: Soiling Encopresis (soiling) is a condition that causes a child beyond the age of toilet training to have bowel movements (poop) in his or her underwear. More to Know Kids with encopresis (en-kuh-PREE-sis) have a bowel problem that dulls the normal urge to go to the bathroom — and they can't control the accidents that typically follow. Most encopresis cases are due to functional constipation — that is, constipation that has no medical cause. In constipation, the stool becomes hard, dry, and painful to pass. These large stools stretch out the rectum and colon (parts of the bowel) and decrease a child's urge to have a bowel movement (BM). Eventually, liquid stool leaks around a large piece of hard stool lodged in the rectum. Keep in Mind Encopresis improves when constipation is successfully treated. Treatment can include medications, modified diet, and increased exercise. All A to Z dictionary entries are regularly reviewed by KidsHealth medical experts. Back to Articles Related Articles Word! Constipation Sometimes your bowel movements - you know, the stuff inside your intestines we call poop - might be hard and dry. Read More First Aid: Constipation Constipation is when a child has fewer bowel movements than usual. Ease constipation with the three Fs: fluid, fiber, and fitness. Read More Toilet Training Even before your child is ready to try the potty, you can prepare your little one by teaching about the process. Here are some tips. Read More Constipation Constipation is a very common problem among kids, and it usually occurs because a child's diet doesn't include enough fluids and fiber. In most cases, simple changes can help kids go. Read More Soiling (Encopresis) If your child has bowel movements in places other than the toilet, you know how frustrating it can be. Many kids who soil beyond the years of toilet teaching have a condition known as encopresis. Read More Constipation If you aren't pooping like usual, you could be constipated. Read More Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor. © 1995-2021 KidsHealth®. All rights reserved. Images provided by The Nemours Foundation, iStock, Getty Images, Veer, Shutterstock, and Clipart.com.