Fecal Incontinence

What is Fecal Incontinence?

Fecal incontinence, also called bowel incontinence, occurs when a person has difficulty controlling the passage of stool. It can involve occasional leakage or more frequent bowel accidents that happen without warning.

Some people experience an urgent need to have a bowel movement but cannot make it to the restroom in time. Others may notice small amounts of stool leaking unexpectedly, even without feeling the need to go.

Loss of bowel control can affect adults of different ages and may develop gradually or following certain medical conditions or procedures.

How Do I Know If I Have Bowel Incontinence?

Fecal incontinence symptoms can range from mild to severe. Common signs include:

• Accidental bowel leakage: Passing stool unexpectedly during daily activities.
• Leaking stool: Noticing small amounts of stool in your underwear or when passing gas.
• Loss of bowel control: Being unable to prevent a bowel movement or hold stool until reaching the bathroom.
• Bowel urgency: Feeling an immediate need to have a bowel movement with little warning.
• Unrecognized leakage: Passing stool without being aware that it is happening.

Even occasional symptoms can be disruptive. If bowel accidents are becoming more frequent or affecting your routine, it’s important to speak with a healthcare provider.

Why Am I Losing Control of My Bowels?

Normal bowel control depends on the coordination of muscles, nerves, and the digestive system. When one or more of these systems isn’t functioning properly, accidental bowel leakage may occur.

Potential contributing factors include:

• Weak or damaged anal sphincter muscles
• Nerve damage affecting bowel control
• Long-term constipation or frequent diarrhea
• Pelvic floor muscle weakness
• Previous surgery or injury
• Neurological conditions that interfere with nerve signals

Because several conditions can cause similar symptoms, identifying the underlying problem is an important part of developing an effective treatment plan.

How is Fecal Incontinence Diagnosed?

An evaluation typically begins with a discussion of your symptoms, bowel habits, medical history, and previous treatments.

Your provider may recommend keeping a bowel diary to track accidents, urgency, and stool consistency. A physical examination or specialized testing may also be necessary to determine whether muscle weakness, nerve dysfunction, or another condition is contributing to your symptoms.

Depending on the findings, care may involve coordination with another specialist to ensure the underlying cause is appropriately addressed.

What Treatments Are Available for Fecal Incontinence?

Fecal incontinence treatment depends on the severity of your symptoms and what’s causing them. Many patients begin with conservative approaches before considering advanced therapies.

Dietary Changes and Bowel Management

Adjusting fiber intake, identifying foods that trigger diarrhea, and establishing regular bathroom habits may help improve bowel consistency and reduce unexpected leakage.

Medications

Certain medications may help manage diarrhea or constipation contributing to bowel incontinence. Treatment recommendations depend on your symptoms and overall health.

Pelvic Floor Therapy

Pelvic floor exercises and biofeedback therapy may help strengthen the muscles involved in bowel control and improve coordination during bowel movements.

Sacral Neuromodulation Therapy

For patients with chronic fecal incontinence who have not experienced adequate relief from conservative treatments, sacral neuromodulation may provide another option.

Urology Associates offers advanced therapies such as InterStim™, which uses gentle electrical stimulation to help regulate the sacral nerves involved in bowel control.

A small implanted device delivers stimulation to these nerves, helping improve communication between the brain and bowel. Patients typically complete a temporary evaluation period to determine whether the therapy provides meaningful symptom improvement before proceeding with a long-term implant.

Your physician can discuss whether this type of treatment may be appropriate for your condition.

When Should I Seek Help for Loss of Bowel Control?

You don’t need to wait until bowel accidents become severe to seek medical attention. If you’re regularly experiencing leaking stool, sudden bowel urgency, or difficulty controlling bowel movements, a medical evaluation can help identify the cause and available treatment options.

Explore Your Options for Better Bowel Control

Accidental bowel leakage doesn’t have to dictate your daily activities. Understanding your symptoms and exploring appropriate treatments can help you take the next step toward improved bowel control.

Contact Urology Associates to schedule an appointment with Dr. Jeremy Norwood in Foley, Alabama, to discuss your symptoms and determine the appropriate next steps for care.