A shart is commonly defined as the accidental release of watery stool when passing gas. This happens when gas and loose stool escape the rectum at the same time, often unexpectedly. Sharting may occur occasionally due to diarrhea, digestive upset, or certain medications. When it happens frequently, it may be classified as fecal incontinence, also known as accidental bowel leakage—a condition that affects nearly one in three people at some point in their lives.

While sharts can feel embarrassing, they are a medical issue rather than a personal failure. Understanding what they feel like, what causes them, and how they can be treated or prevented may help reduce both symptoms and anxiety.

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What Does a Shart Feel Like?

In most cases, a shart feels similar to passing gas, but with a noticeable wet or liquid sensation. People often describe it as air escaping from the rectum accompanied by bubbling, warmth, or moisture. This usually involves a small amount of loose or watery stool rather than a full bowel movement.

The experience can vary widely from person to person. Some individuals may feel an urge to have a bowel movement just before the shart occurs but are unable to reach a restroom in time. Others may not feel any warning at all, especially if nerve sensation in the rectal area is reduced. In some cases, a shart may only be noticed afterward due to staining or dampness in underwear.

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Common Causes of Sharts

Occasional sharting is common and usually harmless. However, frequent episodes may point to an underlying medical, digestive, or lifestyle-related cause.

Diarrhea

Loose or watery stool is much harder for the rectum and anal sphincter muscles to hold back. Diarrhea is often accompanied by gas, cramping, and bloating, which increases the likelihood of accidental leakage when passing gas. Causes of diarrhea include infections, food intolerances, medication side effects, and chronic digestive conditions.

Aging

Sharting becomes more common with age. In older adults, the muscles and nerves involved in bowel control may weaken, reducing the ability to fully close the anal sphincter. Conditions such as dementia, limited mobility, or nerve damage may also interfere with recognizing the need to use the bathroom.

Constipation

Although it may seem contradictory, constipation can lead to sharting. Hard stool can stretch and weaken rectal muscles over time. Liquid stool may then build up behind the blockage and leak out as “overflow diarrhea,” especially during gas release. This is often accompanied by straining, abdominal discomfort, and a feeling of incomplete bowel emptying.

Digestive Disorders

Several gastrointestinal conditions increase the risk of sharting:

• Hemorrhoids: Swollen veins around the anus may prevent full closure of the sphincter.

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): Alternating diarrhea and constipation raise the likelihood of accidental leakage.

• Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Chronic inflammation and diarrhea can damage rectal tissues.

• Rectal prolapse: The rectum slips downward, interfering with muscle control.

• Lactose intolerance: Gas and diarrhea after consuming dairy may lead to sharting episodes.

Medications

Some medications cause gas, loose stool, or both. Common examples include antibiotics, laxatives, antacids, NSAIDs, chemotherapy drugs, and diabetes medications such as metformin. A healthcare provider should always be consulted before stopping or changing medication.

Other Health Conditions

Neurological and chronic conditions that affect nerve signaling or muscle control can contribute to sharting. These include multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, stroke, spinal cord injuries, type 2 diabetes, and gallbladder removal. In these cases, a person may not feel the urge to pass gas or stool clearly.

Lifestyle Factors

Everyday habits can also play a role:

• Stress can disrupt digestion and trigger diarrhea or constipation.

• Physical inactivity slows bowel movement.

• Smoking is associated with increased digestive inflammation.

Vaginal Childbirth

Vaginal delivery may temporarily or permanently weaken pelvic floor and anal sphincter muscles, especially if complications occur. This can result in short-term fecal leakage, which often improves over time with healing and muscle strengthening.

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When to See a Healthcare Provider

An occasional shart is usually not a cause for concern. However, medical advice should be sought if sharting:

• Occurs frequently

• Worsens over time

• Causes emotional distress or social avoidance

• Is accompanied by pain, blood, or unexplained weight loss

A healthcare provider may review medical history, perform a physical exam, and order tests such as blood work, stool tests, bowel function studies, endoscopy, or imaging to determine the underlying cause.

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Treatment Options

Treatment focuses on reducing symptoms and addressing the root cause. Many people experience significant improvement with proper care. Common approaches include:

• Dietary adjustments: Increasing fiber, staying hydrated, or modifying meal size

• Bowel training: Establishing regular bathroom routines

• Medications: Anti-diarrheals, stool softeners, or laxatives when appropriate

• Pelvic floor physical therapy: Exercises to strengthen bowel-control muscles

In more severe cases, prescription medications or surgical procedures may be recommended.

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How to Help Prevent Sharts

While not all sharts are preventable, certain habits may lower the risk:

• Eat smaller, more frequent meals

• Stay physically active

• Avoid excessive straining during bowel movements

• Limit spicy foods, artificial sweeteners, and heavily processed foods

• Reduce swallowed air by eating slowly and limiting carbonated drinks and gum

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Key Takeaway

Sharts are a common and often manageable symptom linked to digestion, muscle control, and overall health. With proper understanding, medical guidance, and lifestyle adjustments, most people can significantly reduce their frequency and impact.