A "shart" is a colloquial term used to describe a wet fart, where a person passes gas and accidentally releases a small amount of watery stool. While it can happen to anyone occasionally, when this symptom occurs frequently, it becomes a condition known as fecal incontinence or accidental bowel leakage. This condition affects approximately 1 in 3 people, and it can be caused by a variety of health factors.

While a single, accidental shart is usually nothing to worry about, frequent occurrences could indicate an underlying medical issue that requires attention.

What Does a Shart Feel Like?

Shart Sensation And Symptoms
A shart typically feels like passing gas, but with a liquid-like sensation accompanying it. Often, a small amount of loose stool is released, which may feel like watery diarrhea. This experience can vary based on the underlying cause. In some cases, a person may feel the urge to pass stool when they release gas but fail to reach the bathroom in time. In other situations, a person may not realize a shart is happening until it’s already occurred, sometimes leading to stains on underwear.

Sharts can happen unexpectedly, especially when the muscles controlling bowel movements are weakened or impaired.

Common Causes of Sharts

While occasional sharting is normal—especially during episodes of diarrhea or as one ages—chronic or frequent sharts may indicate a deeper issue. Below are some of the common causes:

1. Diarrhea

Diarrhea is the most common trigger for sharting. Loose, watery stools are much more likely to slip out unnoticed, especially when combined with the natural release of gas. Conditions that cause diarrhea, such as viral infections, food intolerances, and digestive disorders, can lead to this.

Diarrhea Symptoms Include:

  • Stomach cramps

  • Bloating

  • Increased farting

  • Urgent bowel movements

Diarrhea can be triggered by a variety of causes, including infections, medication side effects, and digestive issues like IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) or IBD (inflammatory bowel disease).

2. Aging

Older adults may experience sharts more frequently due to the natural weakening of the muscles around the anus and rectum. These muscles, known as the anal sphincters, help control bowel movements. As people age, these muscles may become weaker, making it more challenging to control bowel movements.

Increased Risk Factors Include:

  • Weakened sphincter muscles

  • Nerve damage from conditions like stroke or diabetes

  • Conditions such as dementia, which can impair awareness of the need to defecate

As we age, the muscles and nerves associated with bowel control can become less responsive, increasing the likelihood of sharts.

3. Constipation

Constipation may seem counterintuitive as a cause for sharts, but it can lead to a situation where hard stools back up in the rectum, causing the muscles to stretch. This stretching can lead to an overflow of watery stool, which leaks out when gas is released.

Constipation Symptoms Include:

  • Hard, dry stools

  • Difficulty passing stools

  • Abdominal discomfort

  • Feeling of incomplete bowel evacuation

In cases of constipation, the built-up stool can eventually lead to diarrhea leaking out as the body attempts to expel waste.

4. Digestive Disorders

Certain digestive conditions are linked to an increased likelihood of sharts, as they affect bowel movements and stool consistency.

Conditions That Contribute to Sharts Include:

  • Hemorrhoids: Swollen veins around the rectum can prevent the anal sphincter from closing properly, allowing stool to leak out.

  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): IBS causes irregular bowel movements, alternating between diarrhea and constipation, which increases the chances of accidental stool leakage.

  • Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Conditions like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis cause chronic inflammation of the intestines, leading to frequent diarrhea and bowel leakage.

  • Rectal Prolapse: A condition where the rectum slips out of place, making it difficult to control bowel movements.

5. Medications

Certain medications can cause side effects like diarrhea and increased gas production, which might lead to sharts. Some of these include:

  • Antibiotics: Can disrupt gut bacteria and lead to diarrhea.

  • Antacids: Some antacids can cause loose stools.

  • Chemotherapy drugs: Often result in diarrhea as a side effect.

  • Diabetes medications: Such as metformin, can also cause digestive disturbances.

If you suspect that medication is contributing to sharting, consult your healthcare provider to discuss potential alternatives or adjustments.

6. Other Health Conditions

Several chronic health conditions can affect the nerves in the pelvic area or rectum, making it more likely to experience sharts. These conditions include:

  • Dementia

  • Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

  • Parkinson’s Disease

  • Stroke

  • Diabetes (Type 2)

In these cases, nerve damage can impair both the sensation of needing to pass stool and the physical ability to control bowel movements.

 

When to See a Healthcare Provider

Occasional sharting may be normal, especially during bouts of diarrhea or as a temporary symptom of aging. However, frequent or severe sharts should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.

If you experience the following, it may be time to seek medical advice:

  • Persistent Symptoms: Sharting that happens more than once a week or interferes with daily life.

  • Signs of Other Conditions: Abdominal pain, weight loss, blood in the stool, or fever.

  • Incontinence Issues: Inability to control bowel movements or a lack of sensation leading to accidents.

Your healthcare provider may perform various diagnostic tests, including stool samples, blood tests, and physical exams to determine the cause.

Treatment Options for Sharts

Treatment for sharts typically focuses on managing the underlying condition causing the symptom. Possible treatment options may include:

1. Dietary Adjustments

A high-fiber diet can help regulate bowel movements and improve stool consistency. Foods like whole grains, fruits, and vegetables can provide the necessary fiber to prevent diarrhea and constipation.

2. Medications

If necessary, your doctor may recommend medications to treat the underlying cause of your sharting. These may include:

  • Antidiarrheal medications (e.g., loperamide)

  • Stool softeners

  • Laxatives for constipation-related leakage

3. Pelvic Floor Exercises

Strengthening the pelvic floor muscles with physical therapy can improve control over bowel movements. In some cases, targeted exercises may help restore function to weakened muscles.

Prevention Strategies for Sharts

Although occasional sharts can’t always be prevented, there are several lifestyle changes and habits that can reduce the chances of frequent occurrences:

  • Eat Smaller, More Frequent Meals: Smaller meals can help reduce the load on the digestive system and prevent bowel issues.

  • Regular Exercise: Physical activity helps stimulate digestion and promotes regular bowel movements.

  • Avoid Straining: Avoid excessive straining during bowel movements, which can lead to muscle damage over time.

  • Manage Stress: Stress can disrupt digestion and lead to issues like diarrhea or constipation, which may result in sharting.

A Quick Recap

While occasional sharting is a normal experience, frequent or chronic sharts can signal an underlying health issue. Causes may include digestive disorders, medications, aging, and certain lifestyle habits. When sharting becomes a regular occurrence, it's essential to consult with a healthcare provider to address the root cause and determine an appropriate treatment plan.