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Fecal incontinence is an inability to control bowel movements, resulting in involuntary soiling. It is also called bowel incontinence. There may be excessive wind or staining of underwear. In some cases, individuals may lose only a small amount of liquid waste. In other instances, the solid bowel movement cannot be controlled. Poor bowel control can be caused or made worse by a number of things including certain health conditions or medicines taken for other problems. Incontinence is a sign that something is wrong – some part of the bowel control system is not working as it should.
Incontinence can affect people of any age, although it's more common in elderly people. It's also more common in women than men. It's important to remember that fecal incontinence isn't something to be ashamed of, neither is it a normal part of ageing. It won't usually go away on its own – most people need treatment for the condition.
Fecal incontinence can cause embarrassment, low self esteem, and loneliness. Taking steps to cope with it is important. There are a lot of treatment options that ensure a better quality of life if not complete cure, and can mean the difference between social isolation and a productive life.Treatment for bowel incontinence depends on underlying cause and the pattern of your symptoms. Trying the less invasive treatments first, such as dietary changes and exercise programs, is often recommended.
The various treatment options for fecal incontinence include:
The influence of diet on incontinence is unique to each individual and there is no generalized dietary advice that will work for everyone. We offer a customized diet plan after taking a detailed history of your disease and symptoms. Based on that, we recommend a list of foods that are advisable and those that are not. For example, certain foods are known to stimulate bowel movement, and in those with bowel incontinence, eating too much of these might provoke unwanted reactions. Some foods are gas producing ( e.g., beans, cabbage, legumes, cauliflower, broccoli, lentils, raisins, onions ) and eating too much may cause increased gaseousness. Other foods can be odor forming with gas. These foods may include alcohol, asparagus, beans, cabbage, chicken, coffee, cucumbers, dairy products, eggs, fish, garlic, nuts, onions, radishes, and highly seasoned foods.
Bowel incontinence associated with diarrhoea or constipation can often be controlled by making changes to your diet.
Medications can help improve diarrhea and constipation or assist in the development of a more predictable bowel pattern. Examples include antidiarrheal medications, laxatives, fiber supplements, and stool softeners.
Bowel training involves developing a regular bowel movement pattern. For example, trying to have bowel movements at specific times of the day, such as after every meal. This is best suited for people with reduced sensation in their rectum as a result of nerve damage, or for those who have recurring episodes of constipation. Establishing a regular time to empty your bowels means finding the most convenient time when you can go to the toilet without having to rush. Persistence is key to successful bowel training. Achieving a regular bowel control pattern can take weeks to months.
The pelvic floor muscles are layers of muscle in the pelvis that support the anal opening. If they are weakened or not in good condition they cannot support the opening effectively. When a muscle is not exercised it will weaken through lack of use and the pelvic floor muscles are no exception. Exercises that strengthen the pelvic floor muscles may improve bowel control. Pelvic floor exercises involve squeezing and relaxing pelvic floor muscles 50 to 100 times a day. At Healing Hands Clinic, a pelvic floor physiotherapist will guide you regarding the correct technique and schedule for performing these exercises.
Biofeedback is a type of bowel retraining exercise that involves placing a small electric probe into your bottom. It is a painless process that uses a computer and a video monitor to display bodily functions. The sensor relays detailed information about the movement and pressure of the muscles in your rectum to an attached computer. You're then asked to perform a series of exercises designed to improve your bowel function. The sensor checks that you are performing the exercises in the right way.
Surgery is not the answer for all patients with incontinence but for appropriately selected patients it can restore their continence. It may be an option for fecal incontinence that fails to improve with other treatments or for fecal incontinence caused by pelvic floor or anal sphincter muscle injuries. The kind of surgery you need depends on the underlying cause and will be best explained by your proctologist.
Normal control of bowel movements depends on a number of factors that include the amount and consistency of stools, as well as proper functioning of the colon, rectum, muscles surrounding the anus ( anal sphincter muscles ), and nervous system ( brain and spinal cord ). Any condition that interferes with these complex mechanisms may result in incontinence.
Factors that can lead to loss of bowel control include:Lifestyle modifications are an important part of controlling faecal incontinence. Some of the most important changes are adhering to a personalized diet regime based on your individual symptoms, recognizing and avoiding foods that trigger your symptoms (such as caffeine, dairy, spicy foods, or gas-forming vegetables), having a regular bathroom routine, and performing pelvic floor exercises on a regular basis. Healing Hands Clinic assists you with individualized diet and exercise suggestions to aid in improved bowel control and overall quality of life.
Treatment is individualized and varies with the cause and pattern of symptoms. The first line is usually conservative interventions such as changes in diet, medication, pelvic floor exercises, and bowel training. If these are not successful, more specialist treatments such as biofeedback or surgery may be advised. Our physiotherapists and proctologists will closely assist you in making a step-by-step plan focused on enhancing continence and self-confidence.
Biofeedback therapy is not painful. It involves putting a small, painless sensor in your rectum that tracks your muscle activity. You will get to see your muscle movements real-time on a screen, and a professional will walk you through exercises to build up your bowel control. Most patients find it a pleasant and even empowering experience, as they get more insight into the functioning of their body.
Surgery is not always an option. It is typically reserved only when nonsurgical interventions (such as diet, medications, and physiotherapy) are not working or when there is clear damage to muscle or nerves. If surgery is deemed necessary, it will depend on the specific reason for your incontinence. Your proctologist will discuss the most effective surgical options for your situation, if necessary.
Faecal incontinence can understandably cause embarrassment, isolation, or decreased self-esteem. But the good news is that you're not alone, and effective treatments exist. Open discussion with healthcare professionals, family support, and professional counselling can assist. At Healing Hands Clinic, we also address the emotional well-being of our patients, because confidence is as much to be restored as control.
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Welcome to Healing Hands Clinic, where our expert team provides compassionate and specialized care in proctology. Our state-of-the-art facility ensures the highest standards of treatment and comfort for our patients. We prioritize your well-being and strive to make your experience as seamless and stress-free as possible. Trust Healing Hands Clinic for professional and personalized proctological care.
Disclaimer : The information on this site should not be considered as medical advice. Please consult a doctor for determining the best procedure as well as the most appropriate for your proctological needs.
