What causes Fecal Incontinence?
Fecal incontinence is a symptom, not an identifiable disease. One or more of these causes may contribute to it:
- Diarrhea or loose stool
- Chronic constipation
- Muscle damage from surgery, trauma or prolapse
- Nerve damage
- Structural issues like rectal prolapse, rectosele, or scarring
- Pelvic floor weakness, and more
What are the treatments for Fecal Incontinence?
Most often, treatment begins with a conservative approach:
- Establish bowel habits
- Adjusting diet
- Food limiting
- Anti-diarrhea medications
- Constipation medications and treatments
If it is determined that a physical issue may be the cause, these therapies may be recommended:
- Pelvic floor physical therapy
- Guided Kegel-type exercises
- Injectable bulking agents
- Neuromodulation
Are there surgical treatments for Fecal Incontinence?
It may be determined that surgery is the only true remedy for abnormalities that may be causing fecal incontinence or bowel weakness. In that case, minimally invasive surgical procedures may be recommended to correct these conditions:
- Obstetric injuries
- Enterocele (condition that occurs when the small bowel presses against or herniates into the vagina)
- Rectocele (back of the vaginal wall weakens and the rectum presses against or prolapses into the vagina).
