Fecal incontinence refers to occasional or total loss of control of bowel movements causing stool leakage from the rectum without warning. This affects women and the elderly more than men and young people. Instances of fecal incontinence could be like:
Common causes of fecal incontinence are:
Depending on the type and cause of incontinence, fecal incontinence treatment can include dietary changes, medication, bowel training, skincare, and surgery.
Avoid foods and beverages that can cause loose stools and instead consume a diet that includes those that thicken the stools.
Medicinal options include anti-diarrheal drugs, bulk laxatives, and fiber supplements. The anti-diarrheal drugs decrease the movement of stool in the small intestine. Bulk laxatives are helpful if bowel incontinence is caused by constipation, while fiber helps to solidify stool.
Make sure to get your doctor’s approval before taking any medication.
If incontinence is due to muscle damage, your doctor may recommend exercises to regain muscle strength. These exercises improve anal sphincter control and increase awareness regarding the urge to use the bathroom.
There are two types of bowel training. The first type focuses on developing a bathroom usage pattern. Try to set up a routine to regulate and manage your bowel movements. For example, a daily enema at a fixed time will establish a routine and decrease unplanned incontinence episodes.
The second type includes bowel incontinence exercises, such as Kegels, to strengthen anal muscles. A trained therapist will also teach you to locate the correct muscles in order to perform the correct exercise. This is called biofeedback.
Fecal incontinence also causes anal skin irritation due to constant moisture. Moisture barrier creams create a barrier film to protect the skin and keep it dry.
You can also invest in adult diapers for fecal incontinence. Wearing loose cotton clothing and underwear will also help keep the perineal area dry and comfortable. Perineal washes, wipes, and washcloths are great for maintaining comfort and perineal hygiene.
When there is severe damage to the sphincter muscle caused by childbirth or rectal prolapse, your doctor might resort to surgery. The surgical options include colostomy, sphincteroplasty, ACE procedure, artificial bowel sphincter, and sacral nerve stimulation.
HPFY carries a wide range of quality products to aid with incontinence. Some of our best-sellers are:
FSA Approved
Maintain personal hygiene with these body patches, which stick painlessly on the skin and protect from leakage and unplanned episodes of minor fecal incontinence. They are easy to apply, do not irritate, and do not interfere with daily activities.
FSA Approved
Designed to manage heavy urinary and fecal incontinence for a peaceful night's sleep. The high absorbency keeps the skin dry and wicks moisture away.
FSA Approved
An interactive training system for women to help strengthen the core and bladder muscles. Great for post-partum recovery. kGoal Kegel Exerciser is splash proof which makes it easy to clean. It has an eco-friendly battery and is compatible with iOS and Android.
FSA Approved
A high-quality and affordable electrotherapy solution. This portable TENS unit is button-oriented, making it easy for older users. It provides relief by administering electrical signals safely and blocking pain from reaching the brain.
FSA Approved
Get relief from constipation with this laxative enema. It draws water into the colon to produce a bowel movement and provides a soft stool mass. This enema is also ideal for bowel cleansing before a rectal exam.
Coping with fecal incontinence requires some effort. Use the toilet before leaving home to avoid an unwanted episode in public, and carry a bag with extra clothes and supplies. You can also make dietary changes and try to regulate and build a routine. Consult with your doctor to learn more about how to manage fecal incontinence.
Disclaimer: All content found on our website, including images, videos, infographics, and text were created solely for informational purposes. Our reviewed content should never be used for the purpose of diagnosis or treatment of any medical conditions. Content shared on our websites is not meant to be used as a substitute for advice from a certified medical professional. Reliance on the information provided on our website as a basis for patient treatment is solely at your own risk. We urge all our customers to always consult a physician or a certified medical professional before trying or using a new medical product.
Akanksha Nigam has been a Health Products For You contributor since 2021. With a Masters Degree in Finance, she began her Marketing career in the banking industry. However, her interest in human ...
What Everyone Should Know About Resistance Band Colors
Resistance exercise bands come in a number of colors and it’s not just for decoration. Many people use these bands however, they do not have the knowledge of the colors and the purpose with which they are designed.
5 Facts about Syringes You Wish You Knew Before
A syringe is a pump consisting of a snugly fit piston(or plunger) within a calibrated glass or plastic cylinder called a barrel.The syringe is equipped with a hypodermic needle, nozzle, or tubing that helps direct the flow of medication.
TOP 5 BEST REVIEWED NEBULIZERS OF 2022
Breathing disorders, such as COPD or asthma, can be a major detriment when it comes to quality-of-life issues.Treating these breathing ailments with medications is the main course of treatment.Being able to deliver aerosol medication directly into the lungs in an expedited fashion is the best way to manage these lung disorders. The use of a nebulizer for aerosol medications allows for the efficient and easy delivery of these medications.
MINERAL OIL VS SALINE ENEMA: WHICH ONE TO CHOOSE?
An enema is used for many reasons.Just as there are many reasons, there are different types of enemas, each of which contains different ingredients and works differently in the body. While some may choose an enema to soften stool or for routine colon cleansing, the reason for using an enema may have more of a medical necessity.
FIVE BEST CERVICAL TRACTION DEVICES OF 2022
Cervical traction is a technique applied to the cervical region of the body to help alleviate neck pain, discomfort, and other physical conditions related to the cervical region.Cervical traction works by stressing the neck, pulling, and pushing, thus reducing the pressure on the spine, the neck, and the upper torso.Excessive stress on the neck, spine, and upper region, due to a wide range of conditions or injuries can cause severe pain and can lead to other complications.Cervical traction devices help alleviates these conditions thus offering overall body rehabilitation and treatment options.