Anal leakage, or fecal incontinence, is the involuntary discharge of bowel contents, including gas, mucus, liquid stool, or solid stool from the rectum. It can range from occasional minor leaks to a complete loss of bowel control.
While it can be an uncomfortable and often embarrassing problem, it’s important to recognize that fecal incontinence is a common issue, affecting about one in 10 adults. Anal leakage can occur at any age, but it is more common in women and people over 65.
It may be difficult to discuss fecal incontinence, but speaking with a doctor about anal leakage treatments can improve the condition and your quality of life.
The Difference between Anal Leakage and Anal Seepage
Though anal leakage and anal seepage are terms that are often used interchangeably, they can refer to slightly different conditions.
Anal leakage refers to any unintentional loss of stool, whether solid, liquid, or gas, from the rectum. Anal leakage can occur due to a variety of underlying issues.
Anal seepage typically describes the unintentional release of small amounts of stool or mucus, often resulting in staining underwear. It is usually a less severe form of fecal incontinence.
What Causes Anal Leakage?
Several factors contribute to anal leakage, and for some people, there is more than one cause attributing to the condition. A few causes of anal leakage include:
- Muscle injury: Childbirth, surgery, or trauma may damage the muscles around the pelvic floor, rectum, or anus.
- Nerve Damage: Conditions such as diabetes, multiple sclerosis, or spinal cord injuries can affect the nerves that control bowel movements.
- Diarrhea: Frequent, loose, and watery stools can be difficult to control, leading to leakage.
- Constipation: Chronic constipation can stretch and weaken the rectal muscles, resulting in leakage of liquid stool around hard stool.
- Hemorrhoids: Swollen veins in the rectum or anus can interfere with the closure of the anal sphincter.
- Aging: The muscles and nerves controlling the bowel can weaken with age, leading to incontinence.
What are the Symptoms of Anal Leakage?
The symptoms of anal leakage can vary depending on the severity of the condition and its underlying cause. It is important to note that there are two different types of fecal incontinence:
Urge incontinence is when a strong urge to have a bowel movement appears all of a sudden. The urge comes on so suddenly that the person is unable to make it to the bathroom in time.
Passive incontinence is when someone has a bowel movement and is unaware of the passing stool.
Common symptoms of fecal incontinence include:
- The unintentional release of gas, mucus, or stool
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Sudden urges to go to the bathroom
- Soiling underwear
Treating Anal Leakage
There are a variety of treatments for anal leakage, depending on the underlying causes and the severity of the condition.
- Dietary Changes: Increasing fiber intake can help manage both diarrhea and constipation, improving stool consistency and bowel regularity.
- Medications: Antidiarrheal drugs, stool softeners, or laxatives can be prescribed to manage bowel movements.
- Pelvic Floor Exercises: These exercises can strengthen the pelvic floor muscles and improve bowel control.
- Biofeedback Therapy: This technique helps patients learn to control their pelvic floor muscles through feedback from sensors.
- Surgical Options: In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to repair damaged sphincter muscles or address rectal prolapse.
- Sacral neuromodulation: This is a device implanted just underneath the skin of the pelvis above the buttocks, which emits electrical pulses to adjust neural activity controlling the bowels.
Finding Treatment at the Incontinence Institute
Anal leakage is a common condition that can significantly impact your quality of life. Understanding its causes, recognizing the symptoms, and seeking appropriate treatment are crucial steps in managing this condition.
If you experience symptoms of anal leakage, contact our team for an evaluation and personalized treatment plan. Remember, you are not alone, and effective treatments are available to help you regain control and confidence.