Fecal Incontinence

Fecal incontinence is so challenging and embarrassing that most people won’t talk about it—even with their best friends. But it’s a condition many people experience, often in isolation. You need to know that there are experts who care and treatments that can help you reclaim the freedom to live life on your terms.

What is fecal incontinence or bowel incontinence?

Fecal incontinence is the accidental passing of solid or liquid stool, and there are two types:

• Urge incontinence: a sudden urge to have a bowel movement without being able to control it or get to the toilet in time, resulting in leakage.
• Passive incontinence: having a bowel movement without sensing that you need to go, resulting in leakage.

While women and men can experience this condition, it’s more prevalent in women and people 65 and older.

What are the symptoms of fecal incontinence? 

Most people describe it as having chronic diarrhea because the urgency to go is immediate and uncontrollable. It results in frequent accidents and the need to wear pads or incontinence underwear.

Fecal incontinence can affect your daily activities and your ability to work and socialize. It often causes embarrassment, anxiety, and emotional stress, leading to isolation and depression.

What causes fecal incontinence? 

Some common causes of fecal incontinence include:

• Age-related pelvic floor weakening
• Chronic constipation or diarrhea that weakens and stretches the muscles around the rectum and anus, leading to leakage
• Medical conditions affecting bowel function, such as inflammatory bowel disease or irritable bowel syndrome
• Nerve damage from certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, multiple sclerosis, or spinal cord injuries
• Obesity
• Pelvic floor muscle and nerve damage due to vaginal childbirth
• Rectal prolapse (rectum drops down from its normal position)

Often, fecal incontinence is caused by a combination of these issues.

It’s important to note that fecal incontinence is treatable at any age. Virtua has experts who care deeply, are sensitive to the challenges you’re facing, and want to help you get your life back.

Fecal Incontinence Diagnosis at Virtua

The first step in getting to a fecal incontinence diagnosis is talking to your doctor about what you’re experiencing—and we realize that may be the hardest part. Please don’t feel ashamed or embarrassed. This is a common condition, and we’re here to listen and help you feel better.

Virtua’s fecal incontinence specialist is highly experienced in diagnosing and treating this condition. The doctor will talk with you about your medical history and bowel habits and perform a physical exam. Your doctor may do a digital rectal exam to examine sphincter muscle tone, which can affect bowel control.

Depending on your symptoms, your doctor may order other tests, including:

• Anal manometry: This test measures the strength and function of the anal sphincter muscles.
• Defecography: This imaging test examines the rectum and anal canal during a bowel movement to evaluate bowel function and structural abnormalities.

The goal is to determine the cause of your condition and help you find the best treatment to manage your symptoms.

Fecal Incontinence Treatment at Virtua

Your doctor will work with you to individualize a treatment plan that addresses the underlying cause of your condition and symptoms. Some common treatment options include:

Dietary changes
Increasing your fiber intake with foods like whole grains, fresh fruits, and vegetables can help produce firmer stools and regulate bowel movements.

Pelvic floor therapy
A specialized pelvic floor physical therapist can guide you through exercises that strengthen your pelvic floor muscles and improve bowel control. The therapist also uses biofeedback with internal sensors to measure the effectiveness of your exercises and help monitor treatment progress.

Medications
Depending on the cause, your doctor may prescribe medications to treat diarrhea, constipation, or other underlying conditions.