How Do You Fix Faecal Incontinence – Prime Gastro Liver Clinic

Faecal incontinence can be a challenging and embarrassing condition to live with. It’s when you can’t control your bowel movements, that then leads to the unexpected leaks of stool.

While it might feel isolating, it’s important to know that you’re not alone. Many people can experience faecal incontinence, and there are steps you can take to manage and even improve the condition.

Here we will explore the causes of faecal incontinence and discuss various treatment options available to help you regain control and live more comfortably.

What Causes Faecal Incontinence?

Faecal incontinence can stem from a variety of factors, including:

• Muscle Weakness: The muscles in your rectum and anus play a crucial role in controlling bowel movements. Weakness in these muscles can lead to leakage.

• Nerve Damage: Damage to the nerves that control the rectum and anus, often due to childbirth, surgery, or medical conditions like diabetes, can result in faecal incontinence.

• Diarrhoea or Constipation: Chronic diarrhoea or severe constipation can weaken the muscles and lead to incontinence.

• Rectal Prolapse: When the rectum protrudes from the anus, it can disrupt bowel control.

• Surgical Complications: Some surgeries, particularly those involving the rectum or anus, can increase the risk of faecal incontinence.

Faecal Incontinence Treatment

Living with faecal incontinence can be challenging, several treatment options are there when it comes to help managing the condition:

• Dietary Changes: Adjusting your diet can help regulate bowel movements and reduce episodes of incontinence. Increasing fibre intake and staying hydrated can improve stool consistency.

• Medications: Your doctor may prescribe medications to treat underlying conditions contributing to faecal incontinence, such as diarrhoea or constipation.

• Pelvic Floor Exercises: Strengthening the muscles of the pelvic floor through exercises like Kegels can improve bowel control.

• Biofeedback Therapy: This technique uses sensors to provide feedback on muscle activity, helping you learn to better control your bowel movements.

• Surgery: In severe cases where other treatments have been ineffective, surgery may be recommended to repair damaged muscles or nerves.

Conclusion

Remember to be patient with yourself and give yourself some time with care as you go through this condition. With the right support and resources, you can easily regain control and enjoy a fulfilling life free from the issues of faecal incontinence.

Dr. Kailash Mishra
Director & Gastroenterologist Consultant
Prime Gastro Liver Clinic