Bowel incontinence treatment near me

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Consult with our health coaches who will learn about your symptoms, habits, and goals.

Take personalized home health tests to discover potential root causes of any symptoms or conditions you may have.

Review your results in just days with our functional medicine doctors, nurses, and dietitians who will help you achieve optimal health.

Learn about Bowel incontinence

Bowel incontinence, also known as fecal incontinence, is a condition that affects the control of bowel movements, leading to involuntary excretion or leakage. It can significantly impact an individual's quality of life, leading to emotional distress and social isolation. The prevalence of bowel incontinence varies, with studies suggesting it affects anywhere from 2% to 20% of the adult population. It's more common in older adults and can affect both men and women, although women are often more prone due to the effects of childbirth on the anal sphincters and nerves.

Causes

Bowel incontinence can result from several factors. One primary cause is damage to the muscles or nerves around the anus, which can occur due to childbirth, surgery, or trauma. Chronic constipation, leading to the overstretching of the muscles and hence reduced sensitivity, is another significant factor. Neurological conditions, such as Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s Disease, or spinal cord injuries, can interfere with the nerves responsible for controlling bowel movements, leading to incontinence. Additionally, inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis can affect the bowel's ability to properly hold and process waste.

Signs and symptoms

- Involuntary leakage of stool - The urge to defecate but being unable to reach the toilet in time - Frequent passing of small amounts of stool - Difficulty in controlling gas - A feeling of not fully emptying the bowels after a bowel movement - Skin irritation or infections around the anus due to stool leakage

Diagnosing Bowel incontinence

For an accurate diagnosis, a healthcare professional will typically start with a comprehensive medical history and a physical examination, focusing on the anal area. Diagnostic tests may include anorectal manometry, which measures the tightness of the anal sphincter muscles; rectal ultrasound, to visualize any damage to the anal sphincters or identify any abnormalities; and a colonoscopy, to look for any internal issues within the colon that could be causing symptoms. A stool diary may also be recommended to understand the pattern and severity of incontinence.

Prevention and natural treatment

Prevention of bowel incontinence revolves around maintaining a healthy lifestyle to prevent the conditions that lead to it. Regular exercise, a diet rich in fiber, and adequate hydration can help avoid constipation. Additionally, pelvic floor exercises, particularly after childbirth, can strengthen muscles and improve control. Treatment often begins with dietary management to achieve consistent stool consistency and scheduling toilet visits to gradually train the body for regular bowel movements. Biofeedback therapy is another natural treatment where patients learn to control bowel muscles better. It uses sensors to give feedback about muscle activity, helping patients increase anal sphincter control. For those with nerve damage, acupuncture and targeted electrical stimulation have been shown to potentially improve nerve function. Supplementing with soluble fiber can improve stool consistency, making it easier to control, while probiotics might help maintain a healthy gut environment, potentially reducing the instances of diarrhea or constipation associated with bowel incontinence. It’s essential to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any natural treatments, as they can provide guidance tailored to an individual’s specific health needs and conditions.

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