Fecal Incontinence

What is Fecal Incontinence?

Fecal incontinence, also known as bowel incontinence, occurs when a person has difficulty controlling bowel movements. This can lead to the accidental passing of stool at unexpected times. Leakage may involve a small amount of stool during the passing of gas or larger, more noticeable bowel movements. Although fecal incontinence can be uncomfortable and embarrassing to discuss, effective treatments are available that can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.

SUB: What are the Symptoms of Fecal Incontinence?

Common signs and symptoms of fecal incontinence may include:

• Unexpected passage of stool

• Diarrhea

• Gas

• Bloating

• Constipation

• A sudden or urgent need to have a bowel movement

In some cases, the urge to have a bowel movement may be so strong that you cannot reach the bathroom in time. In other situations, stool leakage may occur without any warning or sensation that a bowel movement is about to happen.

What Causes Fecal Incontinence?

Fecal incontinence can result from a variety of underlying conditions. Common causes include damage to the muscles or nerves that control bowel movements, hemorrhoids, prior surgery, radiation therapy, inflammatory bowel disease, or rectal prolapse.

Certain factors may also increase the likelihood of developing fecal incontinence. These can include advancing age, being female, and having medical conditions that affect mobility or cognitive function, such as physical disabilities or dementia.

How is Fecal Incontinence Diagnosed?

To diagnose fecal incontinence and determine the most appropriate treatment plan, your care team will begin by reviewing your medical history and discussing your symptoms. A physical examination will typically be performed to help identify potential causes.

Your provider may also recommend additional evaluations, such as a digital rectal exam or specialized diagnostic tests. These may include imaging studies or procedures such as a colonoscopy to help identify underlying conditions affecting bowel control.

How is Fecal Incontinence Treated?

To reduce symptoms of fecal incontinence, our team personalizes a treatment plan tailored to your needs. Such recommendation include:

• Sacral Neuromodulation Therapy: Urology Associates offers Axonics and InterStim Sacral Neuromodulation Therapy. This treatment restores normal bowel control using gentle nerve stimulation that promotes better communication between your brain and bowel or bladder.

• Medications: Taking certain medicines such as laxatives or anti-diarrheal medications,  may help reduce fecal incontinence, depending on what’s causing your condition. 
• Lifestyle Changes: Altering your diet and getting regular exercise are often effective solutions for reducing fecal incontinence. Drinking plenty of fluids and increasing your fiber intake may help.
• Physical Therapy: Your provider can show you strength exercises that increase anal and pelvic floor muscle strength to reduce the severity or frequency of fecal incontinence.
• Surgery: In severe cases of fecal incontinence, your doctor might recommend surgical procedures to give you long-lasting symptom relief.

You don’t need to live with embarrassing fecal incontinence when numerous treatments are available at Urology Associates. Schedule an appointment today.