Experiencing fecal incontinence can be a debilitating condition. It affects more women than men and can occur for a variety of reasons. It can be caused by muscle weakness, nerve damage, or the body’s natural processes. If left untreated, it can lead to complete loss of bowel control. However, there are several treatments that can help manage the condition. These treatments can help prevent fecal incontinence from affecting your daily life.
In order to be able to pass a bowel movement, a person must be able to stretch the muscles in the rectum. This can be done by exercising, eating more fiber, and drinking more fluids. People who are not physically active are more likely to have constipation and fecal incontinence. This is because the rectum has less elasticity and can hold a lot of stool. The problem can worsen when the sphincter muscle that controls bowel movement becomes weak.
Other causes of fecal incontinence include injury, chronic constipation, and surgery. Injuries to the pelvic floor and anal muscles can cause bowel impaction. It can also be caused by a condition called “rectum emptying disorder.” These conditions can lead to a leakage of feces. In some cases, a rectocele (a bulge in the rectum through the vagina) can cause a person to have difficulty pushing out a bowel movement.
Some diseases, including multiple sclerosis, can affect nerves in the sphincter muscles. If the sphincter muscle is damaged, it is no longer able to open and close. In addition, certain health conditions, including back trauma, spinal cord injury, and cancer, can also damage nerves.
Other problems that can lead to anal incontinence include having a rectocele, not having enough muscle strength in the rectum, and having a problem understanding your own urge to urinate. The risk of developing fecal incontinence increases if the anal muscle is injured during childbirth. The risk is also increased if forceps are used to deliver the baby.
In many cases, treatment for fecal incontinence can take the form of anti-diarrheal medications, such as laxatives, or stool softeners. Some drugs can be purchased over the counter, while others require a prescription. There are also several options for managing pain and discomfort associated with anal incontinence. Some options include non-medicated cornstarch and moisture-barrier cream.
If you are experiencing anal incontinence, talk to your doctor. He or she may recommend anal plugs, which are worn for about 12 hours. These devices are attached to your skin with a string that is removed when you have a bowel movement. Another option is electrical stimulation. This is a procedure that is performed in an outpatient center and consists of a battery-operated stimulator placed under your skin. The patient can turn the device on and off at any time. The treatment can also involve minimally invasive procedures such as cystoscopy, which uses a camera to examine the rectum and pelvic floor.
In some cases, a person can avoid having a bowel movement by using special pads. They can also take antidiarrheal medicines before eating. They should also make sure that the bathroom they use is comfortable and safe for them.
