Objective To understand the self-management experience of neurogenic bowel dysfunction in stroke patients, and to provide a reference for developing targeted nursing intervention. Methods Using the phenomenological research method, a total of 14 stroke inpatients with neurogenic bowel dysfunction received semi-structured interviews, and the interview data were analyzed by using Colaizzi 7-step analysis method. Results A total of 3 themes and 9 sub-themes were extracted: lack of motivation for self-management (insufficient cognition of neurogenic bowel dysfunction, insufficient internal drive, lack of feedback and motivation), the troubled experience of self-management (habituation, impaired body function, drug use distress), self-management adjustment and regulation (drug dependence, lifestyle adjustment, emergency behavior adjustment). Conclusion The self-management motivation of neurogenic bowel dysfunction in stroke patients is insufficient, while some problems exist. Medical staff should strengthen the popularization of relevant knowledge and professional guidance, and improve patients′ awareness and ability of self-management through multiple channels.