title: Pathophysiology of anal incontinence, constipation, and defecatory dysfunction.
abstract: Anorectal disorders cause significant discomfort and embarrassment in women. The onset typically follows childbirth and symptoms increase with age. This article discusses anal incontinence, defecatory dysfunction, rectal prolapse, and constipation.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Thomas Jefferson University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19063, USA. m.toglia@att.net
authors.forename: Marc R
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Toglia
mesh_terms: D001003:Anal Canal / Q000503:physiopathology*; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003248:Constipation / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D003672:Defecation / Q000502:physiology; D005242:Fecal Incontinence / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D012005:Rectal Prolapse / Q000503:physiopathology*