Top 7 Things to Know About Living with Fecal Incontinence
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Living with fecal incontinence (FI) can be challenging, but you’re not alone. Here are the top 7 things you should know about this condition to help you understand it better and find the support you need.
It’s More Common Than You Think
- Did you know that 21 million adults in the U.S. experience fecal incontinence? That’s 1 in 12 adults! It’s more common than Alzheimer’s disease and nearly as common as asthma. Despite its prevalence, many people feel embarrassed and isolated, with over half not discussing it with their doctor.
Understanding Fecal Incontinence
- FI means you can’t hold your bowels long enough to reach a toilet. This happens because of a miscommunication between your brain and the muscles that control your bowel movements. When this system doesn’t work properly, it can lead to accidents.
Recognizing the Symptoms
- Symptoms include passing stool before you can reach the toilet or leaking stool without any sensation. It might happen when you’re coughing, passing gas, or during physical activity. If this happens regularly, it’s time to see a doctor.
Common Causes
- There are many reasons why you might experience FI, including damaged muscles or nerves, chronic illnesses, surgeries, or injuries. Specific causes include large hemorrhoids, spinal cord injuries, constipation, tumors, pregnancy, birth defects, severe dementia, diabetes, rectal prolapse, anorectal surgeries, severe digestive tract inflammation, cancer treatment, and colon disorders.
Diagnosis is Key
- Getting a proper diagnosis is crucial. Your doctor might perform several tests, such as a Digital Rectal Exam, Anal Manometry, Proctology, Balloon Expulsion Test, MRI, Colonoscopy, or Anorectal Ultrasonography. These tests help determine the cause and guide treatment options.
Effective Treatments Are Available
- The good news is that FI is treatable. Lifestyle changes, bowel retraining, pelvic floor exercises (like Kegels), and dietary adjustments can help. Advanced therapies include minimally invasive treatments and surgical options like sphincteroplasty, artificial anal sphincter, colostomy, and antegrade colonic enema (ACE).
Minimally Invasive Treatments
- One effective and proven solution is sacral neuromodulation. This therapy involves a small device implanted just above the buttocks that sends mild electrical pulses to the sacral nerves, helping regulate bowel function. OU Health colorectal surgeon, Dr. Steven Carter, M.D., FACS, assistant professor in the Department of Surgery at the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine explains, “A small battery and wire are used in an outpatient setting, with a lead that attaches to a small external device worn discreetly under your clothes. Go about your activities for up to 14 days, recording your daily symptoms, and then share the results with your doctor.” If the trial is successful, the device can be surgically implanted for long-term relief.
Seeking HelpLiving with fecal incontinence can be tough, but you don’t have to face it alone. At OU Health, our experts are here to help you find the right treatment plan tailored to your needs. For more information, to request an appointment, or to find out if sacral neuromodulation is right for you, call us at (405) 271-1400. Take the first step towards relief and reclaim your quality of life. |