Fecal incontinence (also called bowel incontinence) is the inability to control bowel movements, which can cause stool to leak unexpectedly. Normal bowel control depends on healthy communication between the rectum, anus, and nervous system. When that process is disrupted, leakage can occur.
Symptoms can range from occasional leakage when passing gas to a complete loss of bowel control. For some people, fecal incontinence is temporary. For others, it may be ongoing or worsen over time. The condition is more common in women and older adults.
Treatment depends on the cause and severity of symptoms. Many patients improve with conservative approaches such as dietary changes, bowel training, or medication. When these options do not provide enough relief, advanced treatments like Sacral Nerve Stimulation (SNS) may be considered. SNS is an FDA-approved therapy designed to help regulate the nerves involved in bowel control and provide longer-term symptom relief.
FAQs
For many people, there may be more than one cause of fecal incontinence. It is often accompanied by bowel symptoms such as frequent diarrhea, constipation, gas, and bloating. These put a strain on the rectal muscles and can cause them to weaken over time. Other causes may include hemorrhoids, muscle or nerve damage, rectal prolapse, and any other condition that can prevent the rectum and anus from properly holding stool.
There are a number of tests available to help improve or restore bowel control. If you are experiencing constipation, your doctor may suggest that you follow a strict diet. If muscle damage is the cause of your fecal incontinence, your doctor may recommend bowel training exercise programs or other therapies to strengthen the muscles around the anus and in the pelvic floor. For those experiencing nerve damage, other surgical therapies like sacral nerve stimulation may be suggested.
Depending on the underlying cause, it may be possible to prevent fecal incontinence. For instance, by increasing your exercise, eating more high-fiber foods, and drinking plenty of fluids you can reduce constipation – a common cause of fecal incontinence. This will be helpful to avoid straining during bowel movements which can weaken muscles or damage nerves and ultimately lead to fecal incontinence.
Fecal leakage should not be a regular occurrence in adults. People with chronic incontinence may experience frequent accidents and their symptoms can range from the inability to hold gas, leakage of stool during daily activities, and the inability to reach the toilet in time. If you are experiencing frequent symptoms of fecal incontinence, or if it causes you any emotional distress, see your doctor. Often times, people are reluctant to tell their doctors about their symptoms; however, the sooner you’re evaluated, the sooner you may find relief to your symptoms.