Sources: Healthline.com; ClevelandClinic.org; NFAC.org
Fecal incontinence is a loss of bowel control that results in involuntary bowel movements (fecal elimination).
Some people with fecal incontinence feel the urge to have bowel movements but are unable to wait to reach a bathroom. Other people don’t feel the sensation of a pending bowel movement, passing stool unknowingly.
Common causes of fecal incontinence include:
Fecal impaction. This happens when a hard stool gets stuck in the rectum. The stool can stretch and weaken the sphincter, or cause liquid fecal matter to leak through the anus.
Diarrhea, the result of loose or liquid stools.
External hemorrhoids that can block the sphincter from closing completely. This allows loose stool and mucus to pass involuntarily.
Muscle damage to the sphincter caused by surgery in or near the anorectal region.
Nerve damage that can cause sphincter movement to dysfunction, such as from giving birth, chronic constipation, ir multiple sclerosis (MS)
Pelvic floor dysfunction caused by damage to the muscles and nerves in the pelvis while giving birth, (which can occur years afterwards)
Medical conditions that can involve fecal incontinence:
– Alzheimer’s disease/Dementia
– Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
– Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
– Multiple sclerosis
– Parkinson’s disease
– Proctitis
– Stroke
– Type 2 diabetes
Depending on the cause of fecal incontinence, treatment can involve bowel training (biofeedback), medication, surgery, or dietary changes.
Foods or drinks that can cause loose stools include caffeine, alcohol, prunes, beans, cabbage, spicy foods, cured or smoked meats, dairy products, and artificial sweeteners. Foods that can assist with better fecal management include bananas, apple sauce, peanut butter, pasta, potatoes, and cheese.
Fecal incontinence affects millions of people — you are not alone and you shouldn’t feel ashamed. Most likely you would feel a more than bit embarrassed about talking to friends even your own healthcare providers about symptoms. Instead, people are suffering in silence and don’t realize there are many treatment solutions.
The the first step to take is talking to a doctor. The National Association for Continence (NAFC.org) can help with providing medical and personal support and resources.