Understanding And Treating Fecal Incontinence

Bowel or fecal incontinence is the inability to control gas or stool movements. It can range from being a moderate problem with gas control problems, to severe problems that include releasing both liquid and hardened stools. This problem is usually not talked about because of its embarrassing nature. Both bladder and bowel incontinence can affect male, female, young or old. These problems increase with age.

There are many causes of bowel or fecal incontinence including an injury during childbirth. During the delivery process a separation may occur in the anal muscles and reduce the strength of the muscles. Many times, this injury is not recognized after the birth but many years later.

You may experience bowel incontinence if you have had anal surgery or infections that could cause weakened anal muscles. This problem may start out when the patient is young but gradually become a bigger problem as the person ages. Infections around the anal area may also destroy or weaken muscles, and as people age they may find their muscles can no longer control the anal muscles.

People with fecal or bowel incontinence may develop the problem because of a recurring problem with diarrhea. If the bowel is used to voiding stools that are liquid or near liquid, they lose their strength and effectiveness. You should know that if you have constant diarrhea and there is bleeding from the rectum, these might be symptoms of a more serious condition such as tumor, rectal prolapse, or inflammation of the colon. If you are experiencing any of these complaints you should see your doctor immediately.

Talking to your doctor frankly and openly will help discover the root of your problem and the seriousness of your problem. The doctor should take a complete medical history because many cases of fecal incontinence may have occurred years in the past. Women who have had extra large babies, forceps deliveries, more than one pregnancy, or episiotomies associated with delivery may be susceptible to bowel incontinence. Many times, a serious illness or medications may cause bowel incontinence. Some antibiotics may cause loose bowels and the inability to control them.

Once your doctor has determined the cause of the incontinence problem, they have several methods of treatment available. In some cases, home exercises that strengthen the anal muscles may help in controlling the incontinence. A simple change in your diet may also help control or remove the problem. Biofeedback can be helpful in helping the patient sense when bowel movements are about to occur and help strengthen the anal muscles.

In rare occasions, patients who do not respond to conventional treatments may need a colostomy. This is rarely done now but was used often in the 50's and 60's. A temporary colostomy was performed and could be reversed after the patient's cause of rectal incontinence was treated successfully. Studies are being conducted in the development of an artificial anal muscle that may soon be another method of treating fecal incontinence.

Recommended Reading

1. Common Causes Of Fecal Incontinence - Constipation can be a common cause of bowel or fecal incontinence. That statement looks like a contradiction but is easily...
2. Understanding Urinary And Fecal Incontinence - The most current estimate suggests that over 20 million Americans suffer from urinary incontinence and at least 10 percent of...
3. When Should You Get Medical Treatment For Fecal Incontinence - You should be aware if you are a candidate for bowel incontinence. Risk factors include your gender, because childbirth can...
4. Signs Of Bowel Incontinence - Fecal or bowel incontinence is the inability to control your bowel movements and sometimes patient does not realize they have...
5. Surgical Treatments For Fecal Incontinence - Sometimes, surgery may be needed to treat the underlying problem of bowel incontinence. As with any surgery, there is some...