OBJECTIVE: To describe problematic aspects of faecal incontinence according to the experience of adults with spina bifida. DESIGN: Qualitative interview study. SUBJECTS: Eleven adults with spina bifida and bowel problems. METHOD: Semi-structured open-ended interviews and qualitative analysis. RESULTS: Problematic aspects were related to participation in terms of time consumption, communication, social isolation, love and sexuality, and accessibility. Also, to a sense of helplessness in terms of panic and worry, to a sense of shame in terms of impurity, social acceptance and self-image, and to bowel function in terms of decisions about colostomy, voluntary constipation, and changing patterns. CONCLUSION: The results reveal aspects relevant to supporting clinical practice and suggesting issues for questionnaire studies.