Bowel Incontinence
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Sep 1, 2024.
AMBULATORY CARE:
Bowel incontinence
is when you lose control over your bowel movement. Liquid or solid bowel movement may leak from your anus. Bowel incontinence may be a short-term or long-term problem.
Common signs and symptoms:
- You cannot control your bowel movement.
- Your bowels do not feel empty after a bowel movement.
- Your notice bowel movement in your underwear.
- You often leak bowel movement during your daily activities.
- You leak bowel movement when you pass gas.
- You leak bowel movement when you cough, sneeze, exercise, or laugh.
Seek care immediately if:
- You have severe abdominal pain.
- You have blood in your bowel movement.
- You have trouble eating, drinking, or keeping food down.
- Your skin, mouth, and tongue are dry, and you feel very thirsty.
- You feel lightheaded, weak, or faint.
- You are confused or cannot think clearly.
Call your doctor if:
- You have a fever.
- You have new symptoms.
- Your symptoms do not improve, or they get worse.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
Treatment
depends on the cause of your bowel incontinence. You may need any of the following:
- Medicines may help treat diarrhea or constipation. Your healthcare provider may also recommend fiber supplements, such as psyllium. Fiber supplements help bulk your bowel movement and decrease bowel incontinence. Ask your provider which type of fiber is right for you.
- Devices may be used to help decrease bowel movement leakage.
- A vaginal balloon is placed and inflated inside your vagina. The balloon puts pressure on your rectum and helps keep the muscles closed.
- Sacral nerve stimulation sends electrical impulses directly to the sacral nerves to improve or restore bowel function. Sacral nerves are in your lower back. They control the anus, rectum, and bladder functions.
- Biofeedback and pelvic floor physical therapy help teach you how to do pelvic muscle exercises. A device may be used to help strengthen your pelvic muscles. Strong pelvic muscles will help you hold the bowel movement in until you reach the bathroom. It may also help you feel when your rectum is filling with bowel movement.
- Bulking agents may be injected into the wall of your anus to make it thicker. This helps to keep your anus closed and decreases bowel movement leakage.
- Surgery may treat causes of bowel incontinence such as hemorrhoids or rectal prolapse. You may also need surgery if other treatments do not work. Several types of surgery can help improve your bowel control. Ask your provider for more information about these surgeries.
Treatment options
The following list of medications are related to or used in the treatment of this condition.
Manage bowel incontinence:
- Relieve anal discomfort. You may have irritation, itching, or pain around your anus. Relieve discomfort by washing the area after each bowel movement. Keep the area dry and wear loose-fitting clothing. A moisture-barrier cream may reduce discomfort. Ask your healthcare provider which cream is best for you.
- Do pelvic muscle exercises as directed. Your pelvic muscles help control your bowel movement. Pelvic exercises involve tightening and relaxing pelvic muscles. Squeeze these muscles tight for 5 seconds, then relax for 5 seconds. Gradually work up to squeezing for 10 seconds. Do 3 sets of 15 repetitions a day, or as directed. These exercises can make the pelvic muscles stronger and improve bowel control.
- Keep a bowel incontinence record. Write down how often you leak bowel movement and how much you leak. Make a note of what you were doing when you leaked.
- Keep a food diary. Keep a list of food and liquids you have each day. Write down any symptoms that develop. This will help to see if certain food causes your symptoms. Bring this to your follow-up visits.
- Prevent constipation. Eat a variety of high-fiber foods. Good examples are high-fiber cereals, beans, vegetables, and whole-grain breads. Prune juice may help make your bowel movement softer. Walking is the best way to trigger your intestines to have a bowel movement.
- Prevent diarrhea. Certain foods may loosen your bowel movement. Avoid caffeine, alcohol, fruit juice, and prunes. Do not eat beans, cabbage, or smoked or cured meat. Avoid dairy products and spicy foods.
- Drink liquids as directed. Ask your provider how much liquid to drink each day and which liquids are best for you.
- Train your bowel. A bowel program may help you learn how to plan for a bowel movement. For example, you will go to the bathroom at set times, such as every 2 hours or right after a meal. You will do this even if you do not feel the urge to go.
- Be physically active and maintain a healthy weight. Ask your provider what a healthy weight is for you. Extra weight puts pressure on your pelvic muscles and may make your symptoms worse. Your provider can help you create a weight loss plan, if needed. The plan will include ways to be physically active that will not put extra pressure on your pelvic muscles.
Follow up with your doctor as directed:
You may need to see a specialist depending on the cause of your symptoms. If you keep a bowel incontinence record or food diary, take it with you to your follow-up visits. Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.
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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
Learn more about Bowel Incontinence
Treatment options
Symptoms and treatments
Further information
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