You're Not Alone: Understanding and Treating Fecal Incontinence

Incontinence, the involuntary leakage of urine or fecal matter, is an uncomfortable topic to discuss. It can greatly impact your life and your relationships, which makes treating the condition vital to your quality of life.

While fecal incontinence, which refers to involuntarily passing gas or leakage of stool or both, can be especially distressful, it’s important to know that this condition is common and many other people experience it. According to the Cleveland Clinic, it affects about 1 in 3 people.

Fortunately, at Female Health Associates of North Texas, located in Fort Worth, board-certified urogynecologist Dr. Jeffrey Hantes has the expertise to recommend the most effective treatment options and a compassionate bedside manner that will put you at ease as you discuss your symptoms.

Causes and risk factors of fecal incontinence

Both men and women experience fecal incontinence, but women are more at risk. While it can occur in middle age, it’s more common in people over 60 due to naturally occurring muscle weakness with aging.

Other risk factors include:

Diarrhea
Large hemorrhoids
Constipation
Nerve damage
Childbirth injuries
Scarring or inflammation of the rectum

Additionally, certain health conditions such as diabetes, dementia, multiple sclerosis, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) can increase your risk of fecal incontinence.

Fecal incontinence treatment options

Symptoms range from mild to severe, and treatment options depend on the cause and severity of your symptoms.

For mild symptoms, diet modifications can help. For more severe symptoms, medications, training, and lifestyle changes may help you control your bowel movements. In some cases, surgery is the best treatment option.

Diet tips

Eating a diet that helps prevent constipation and diarrhea may do the trick. Dietary recommendations include:

Drinking 8-10 glasses of water a day
Eating foods high in fiber, such as whole grains, nuts, and fruits
Avoiding spicy food, alcohol, coffee, dairy products, and beans
Avoiding greasy and fatty foods

Lastly, keep a food diary to help you identify which foods and beverages help manage your incontinence and which ones exacerbate it.

Medication and training

For more problematic symptoms, medicine like Immodium A-D® can help with diarrhea, and Metamucil® can help with constipation. You may already have these products in your medicine cabinet.

In addition to medication, bowel training (training your bowel to empty at the same time every day), kegel exercises to strengthen your pelvic muscles, nerve stimulation, and biofeedback are all noninvasive treatments that can help prevent accidents.

Surgery

Lastly, for more severe cases, various surgical options can eliminate your symptoms and help improve your quality of life. Dr. Hantes can help you determine the best treatment option for your symptoms and lifestyle.

You don’t have to live with the embarrassment or inconvenience of fecal incontinence. To learn about the many treatment options available to help manage this common condition, call our office or request an appointment online today.