Fecal Incontinence

What is Fecal Incontinence?

Fecal incontinence, also known as bowel incontinence, is the loss of control over bowel movements, leading to unintentional passing of stool. This condition can range from occasional leakage when passing gas to a complete loss of bowel control. Fecal incontinence can be caused by various factors, including damage to the muscles or nerves in the rectum and anus, chronic constipation, or complications from surgery. The condition can significantly impact a person’s quality of life, leading to social withdrawal and emotional distress.

What Causes Fecal Incontinence?

Fecal incontinence can result from several underlying causes. One of the most common causes is damage to the anal sphincter muscles, which can occur during childbirth, particularly if forceps or an episiotomy were used. Nerve damage, which can also happen during childbirth or due to conditions like diabetes or multiple sclerosis, can impair the signals that control bowel movements. Chronic constipation can stretch and weaken the muscles of the rectum, leading to incontinence. Additionally, surgeries or radiation treatments involving the pelvic area can sometimes result in fecal incontinence. Aging is also a factor, as the muscles and tissues supporting the rectum can weaken over time.

Available Treatments for Fecal Incontinence

At New Jersey Urogynecology, we offer a range of treatments to address fecal incontinence, tailored to the specific needs of each patient. Our goal is to provide effective care that helps you regain control and confidence.

• Pelvic Floor Therapy: Pelvic floor therapy is often the first line of treatment for fecal incontinence. This therapy includes exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, which play a crucial role in controlling bowel movements. Techniques such as biofeedback, which helps you learn how to better control these muscles, and electrical stimulation, which can improve muscle strength, are commonly used in this therapy. Strengthening the pelvic floor muscles can significantly reduce symptoms of fecal incontinence.
• Dietary Management: Adjusting your diet can help manage fecal incontinence. Increasing fiber intake can help regulate bowel movements, while avoiding foods that may trigger diarrhea or gas can reduce the likelihood of accidents. Our team will work with you to develop a personalized dietary plan that supports your digestive health and helps manage incontinence.
• Medication: Medications may be prescribed to help control bowel movements and reduce the frequency of incontinence episodes. For example, anti-diarrheal medications can help firm up stools and reduce urgency, while laxatives can relieve constipation if it is contributing to incontinence. Our specialists will evaluate your condition and determine if medication is an appropriate option for you.
• Sphincteroplasty: In cases where fecal incontinence is caused by a damaged anal sphincter muscle, sphincteroplasty may be recommended. This surgical procedure involves repairing the damaged muscle to restore its function and improve bowel control. Our experienced surgeons at New Jersey Urogynecology use advanced techniques to perform this procedure, aiming for the best possible outcomes.
• Sacral Nerve Stimulation (SNS): Sacral nerve stimulation is a minimally invasive procedure that involves placing a small device under the skin to stimulate the sacral nerves, which control bowel function. SNS can improve communication between the brain and the muscles that control bowel movements, helping to reduce incontinence episodes. This treatment is often recommended for patients who have not responded well to other therapies.

FAQs About Fecal Incontinence

What causes fecal incontinence?

Fecal incontinence, also called bowel incontinence, can be caused by various factors, including damage to the anal sphincter muscles or nerves that control bowel movements. Common causes of fecal incontinence include childbirth-related injuries, chronic constipation, diarrhea, aging, and conditions like inflammatory bowel disease, diabetes, or multiple sclerosis. Other factors, such as pelvic floor disorders, rectal prolapse, surgery, radiation treatment, or nerve damage, can also contribute to the weakening of the muscles responsible for bowel control, leading to bowel problems.

How do you stop fecal incontinence?

Stopping fecal incontinence often involves a combination of lifestyle changes, dietary adjustments, and medical treatments. Increasing fiber intake, managing bowel movements, and performing pelvic floor muscle exercises, such as Kegel exercises, can help strengthen the anal sphincter muscles and improve fecal incontinence. Medications may be prescribed to control diarrhea or treat constipation. In more severe cases, treatments like biofeedback therapy, sacral nerve stimulation, or surgical options, such as artificial anal sphincter implantation, might be recommended by a healthcare provider to manage fecal incontinence effectively.

Can fecal incontinence be cured?

Fecal incontinence can be managed and, in some cases, significantly improved, but whether it can be fully cured depends on the underlying cause. For some, lifestyle changes and treatments can lead to a complete resolution of symptoms, especially if the fecal incontinence is diagnosed early. Others may require long-term management of the condition through dietary adjustments, pelvic floor muscle exercises, and medical treatments like biofeedback therapy. Consulting with a healthcare professional is crucial for determining the most effective treatment plan to improve bowel function and prevent fecal incontinence from worsening.

Is fecal incontinence permanent?

Fecal incontinence is not always permanent. The severity and duration of the condition depend on its cause. Some people may experience temporary bowel incontinence due to factors like acute diarrhea or after certain surgeries. For others, particularly when related to chronic conditions, muscle damage, or aging, it may be a long-term issue that requires ongoing management. Early intervention, including pelvic floor exercises and other treatments, can significantly improve quality of life by preventing complications and improving bowel control.