Fecal incontinence, or bowel incontinence, a condition affecting both men and women, is characterized by the inability to control bowel movements.
This issue affects an estimated 1 in 3 people, but the numbers may be higher due to people failing to report it to their physicians.
Fecal incontinence affects people differently some have leaks of solid or liquid fecal matter, some cannot reach a restroom in time, and some don’t realize they need to go until it’s too late. The good news is that fecal incontinence is highly treatable.
Types of Fecal Incontinence
There are three main types of fecal incontinence:
- Passive incontinence: Involuntary discharge of feces or gas, usually without awareness
- Urge Bowel Incontinence: Uncontrollable discharge of gas, feces, and/or mucus despite attempts to control bowel movements
- Rectal Leakage: Leakage of stool following a routine bowel movement
Some other types of fecal incontinence include:
- Flatulence Incontinence: Individual feels the sensation of a full rectum but cannot determine whether the sensation is caused by the presence of flatulence or stool
- Encopresis and Fecal Impaction: Stool in the rectum becomes impacted and runny stool behind the impaction begins to leak out
Bowel Incontinence Causes
- Muscle damage – For women, this most often occurs during childbirth.
- Aging Pelvic – Floor and rectal muscles can weaken with age.
- Nerve damage – This can occur due to childbirth, diabetes, surgery, multiple sclerosis, or stroke.
- Medical conditions – Rectal prolapse, chronic constipation, or inflammatory bowel disease are just a few possible causes.
- Other causes – There are many possible causes for bowel leakage including overuse of laxatives, radiation treatments, etc.
Fecal Incontinence Treatment
Fecal incontinence is inconvenient and can be embarrassing. It is treatable, and there are many treatment options available to you if you are suffering. Contact the Incontinence Institute today to learn how we can help treat fecal incontinence.
To learn more, contact our team or call our discreet, dedicated Medical Concierge at 615-398-6348.