Fecal Incontinence

Whether you’re reading this blog on incognito mode, or hiding to read this, know that you are not alone.

Fecal incontinence is a common symptom resulting from a myriad of conditions, but it is not normal, and it is an indicator of your quality of life.

Fecal incontinence is an involuntary loss of rectal contents (gas/stool) through the anus, and the inability to postpone evacuation until socially convenient. This loss can be a smear, chip sized or even more; and incidences lasting at least one month. It can happen for any of the following reasons:

• Sphincter issues
• Altered stool consistency due to:
  • GI problems
    • IBS
    • Diverticulitis
  • Lifestyle and habits
  • Chronic conditions
    • Celiac disease
    • Constipation
    • Dementia
• Storage issues in rectum
• Nerve damage due to:
  • Childbirth
  • Trauma
  • Surgery
  • Cancer

All of these impact your pelvic floor muscles, causing tightness, weakness, and dysfunction which contributes to symptoms of fecal incontinence. 

Here are some simple things you can try at home:

• Making a symptom diary, understanding what causes this for you is the first step!
• Altering your lifestyle and habits
  • Prioritize your bowels- go per urge without waiting for the end of your 8 hour shift.
  • Avoid habitual straining 

Physical therapy can aid in managing symptoms of fecal incontinence by

• Improving evacuation of bowels
• Teaching you toileting techniques/ideal posture
• Addressing pelvic floor muscle dysfunction – tightness/weakness
• Managing nerve symptoms (if present)

We Can Help!

Body Harmony Physical Therapy offers one pelvic health physical therapist to one patient evaluation and treatment sessions. Our treatments are for up to one hour in a private treatment room (not a booth). We provide individualized home programs to every patient. We offer a quick call back option for potential patients who have questions or concerns related to physical therapy.

References:

1. Saldana Ruiz, N., & Kaiser, A. M. (2017). Fecal incontinence – challenges and solutions. World Journal of Gastroenterology, 23(1), https://doi.org/10.3748/wjg.v23.i1.11