Fecal incontinence is one of the most difficult and often embarrassing medical conditions to discuss. Because of this, many people suffer in silence, unaware that effective treatments are available. Some may not even recognize they have fecal incontinence, which can delay necessary medical care. Here’s what you need to know about recognizing the signs of fecal incontinence and when to seek help.
What Is Fecal Incontinence?
Fecal incontinence is the involuntary leakage of stool or gas. It can range from occasional leakage to a complete loss of bowel control.
People with this condition may experience:
- Sudden and uncontrollable urges to have a bowel movement.
- Difficulty reaching the restroom in time.
- Decreased awareness of the need to have a bowel movement.
Fecal incontinence affects both men and women but is more common in women due to factors like childbirth and hormonal changes.
Signs of Fecal Incontinence
Recognizing the early signs of fecal incontinence can help you seek medical care sooner. Common signs include:
- Unexpected stool leakage – Finding stool in your underwear without realizing you had an accident.
- Frequent bowel urgency – Feeling a sudden, intense urge to have a bowel movement that is difficult to control.
- Gas incontinence – Inability to hold in gas, often leading to embarrassing situations.
- Irregular bowel habits – Alternating between constipation and diarrhea, making it difficult to predict bowel movements.
- Difficulty cleaning after a bowel movement – Stool may be loose or leakage may continue even after wiping.
- Skin irritation or discomfort – Constant moisture and leakage can lead to skin irritation around the anal area.
If you notice these signs regularly, it may be time to consult a doctor for evaluation and treatment.
Common Causes and Risk Factors
Fecal incontinence can be caused by a variety of conditions, including:
- Diarrhea – Loose stools fill the rectum quickly, making it harder to hold them in. Conditions like IBS, IBD, and proctitis can contribute to chronic diarrhea.
- Constipation – Large, hard stools can weaken rectal muscles over time, eventually leading to leakage of loose stool around the blockage.
- Nerve damage – If the nerves controlling the rectum and anus are damaged, you may not sense the urge to have a bowel movement. This can occur due to childbirth, prolonged straining, spinal cord injuries, or neurological diseases.
- Muscle injury – Damage to the anal sphincter muscles from surgery, hemorrhoids, or fistulas can lead to difficulty keeping the anus closed, allowing stool to leak.
- Underlying medical conditions – Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, stroke, type 2 diabetes, dementia, and rectal prolapse can contribute to fecal incontinence.
When to Seek Treatment
If fecal incontinence is affecting your daily life, don’t hesitate to seek medical help. You should schedule an appointment if you experience:
- Frequent or unexpected stool leakage.
- Persistent diarrhea or constipation.
- Difficulty controlling gas or bowel movements.
- Skin irritation or infections from leakage.
- Signs of dehydration due to chronic diarrhea.
If you have dark stools, rectal bleeding, or severe abdominal pain, seek immediate medical attention or visit the nearest ER.
Treatment Options
Fecal incontinence is treatable, and Dr. Apostolis offers several solutions, including:
- Dietary changes – Adjusting fiber intake and identifying trigger foods.
- Medications – Anti-diarrheal drugs, stool softeners, or bulking agents.
- Pelvic floor therapy and biofeedback – Exercises to strengthen the anal sphincter and improve control.
- Anal plugs or absorbent products – Temporary solutions for managing symptoms.
- Nerve stimulation therapy – Helping improve nerve function and bowel control.
- Surgical options – Repairing anal sphincter muscles or other structural issues if necessary.
Fecal Incontinence Treatment in Akron, OH
Ignoring fecal incontinence won’t make it go away. If you’re experiencing symptoms, take the first step toward relief by scheduling an evaluation with Dr. Apostolis is a double board-certified UroGyn. Treatment is available, and you don’t have to suffer in silence.
Call (330) 953-3414 to schedule an appointment with Summit Urogynecology i today.
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