Fecal Incontinence

Fecal incontinence is not being able to control bowel movements. Stool (feces) leaks from the rectum without warning. Fecal incontinence ranges from an occasional leakage of stool while passing gas to a complete loss of bowel control. 

Several factors affect the ability to regulate bowel movement:

• Muscle damage
• Nerve damage:
  • Childbirth
  • Spinal cord injury
  • Stroke
  • Multiple sclerosis
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Hemorrhoids
• Older Age
• Surgery
• Rectal Prolapse
• Rectocele

Some of the common symptoms of fecal incontinence:

• Stool leaks out when passing gas.
• Stool leaks out due to physical activity/daily life exertions.
• Feeling like you have to go and not being able to make it to the bathroom in time.
• Stool is seen in the underwear after a normal bowel movement.
• There’s complete loss of bowel regulation

Fecal incontinence can be treated by several different treatments including anti-diarrheal drugs and diet changes. Providers may also suggest physical therapy and bowel retraining. Another treatment option is bowel control therapy (Medtronic InterStim™ system), a simple in-patient procedure where a small device is implanted to gently stimulate the sacral nerves in your pelvic area that control your bowel.