Did you know 21 million adults in the United States experience fecal incontinence
(FI)? People living with fecal incontinence often feel embarrassment,
depression and tend to isolate themselves. About 54% of people with FI
haven’t discussed it with their doctor. The reality is that fecal
incontinence is extremely common and 1 in 12 adults has it. In fact, fecal
incontinence is more common than Alzheimer’s disease and nearly
as common as asthma. OU Health helps patients take the first step towards relief.
Symptoms of Fecal Incontinence
Fecal incontinence can be treated, but before treatment can begin, it is
important to recognize the symptoms and identify the cause with the help
of your physician. Symptoms of fecal incontinence include passing stool
before reaching the toilet or leaking stool without any sensation of needing
to have a bowel movement. This can occur during activities like coughing,
passing gas, or physical exertion.
A single accident when you’re ill with diarrhea is not considered
fecal incontinence, but if it happens regularly, it is important to speak
with your doctor.
What Causes Fecal Incontinence?
There are various reasons why you might struggle to control your bowel
movements. It could be due to damaged muscles or nerves in the rectum,
a chronic illness, surgery, or an injury. While fecal incontinence is
common, it is not a normal part of aging. Fecal incontinence predominantly
affects women and individuals over 65. Causes of fecal incontinence include:
At OU Health, we understand the challenges of living with fecal incontinence.
Our team of colorectal specialists offers personalized treatment plans
tailored to your specific needs. We provide a range of services from lifestyle
changes to advanced surgical options, ensuring you receive the best possible
care. Conservative lifestyle treatment options include:
Conservative Lifestyle Treatment Options
Dietary Adjustments: Changing what you eat and drink, avoiding caffeine, chocolate, and artificial
sweeteners
Exercise: Increasing physical activity
Pelvic Floor Strengthening: Exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles
Minimally Invasive Treatment
When conservative treatments do not improve fecal incontinence, you and
your OU Health provider may consider sacral neuromodulation (SNM) therapy.
A minimally invasive surgical procedure that uses electrical impulses
to the bladder and bowel.
Sacral neuromodulation therapy can also help control bladder problems and
stop urinary leaks. It has been shown to reduce accidents and improve
quality of life, including feeling less embarrassed, improving lifestyle
and reducing possible depression. Benefits of sacral neuromodulation therapy include:
Clinically proven results backed by research that shows to significantly
reduce bladder and fecal accidents
Regaining control of your bladder and bowel function
Ability to undergo full-body MRI scans if needed, without compromising
the effectiveness of SNM therapy
Minimal discomfort and downtime to improve overall quality of life
Sacral Neuromodulation Therapy Trial
Before starting long-term treatment, patients can try SNM therapy for a
week. During the trial, leads (wires) are placed near the nerve that communicates
with the bladder and bowel. These wires are engineered with advanced coil
technology to stay in place even when moving around for daily activities.
Patients wear a belt with an external device and record their symptoms.
After the trial, patients and doctors decide if they should get the device
for long-term use.
Medication & Surgical Treatments
Medications: Various medications can help manage symptoms
Surgical Options: OU Health offers several surgical options for treating fecal incontinence,
including:
Sphincteroplasty: Repairing the anal sphincter
Colostomy: Creating an opening for the colon through the abdomen
You and your doctor will discuss the best course of treatment based on
your specific condition.
Choosing OU Health means receiving care from a dedicated team of experts
who prioritize your well-being. Our comprehensive approach, advanced treatments,
and compassionate care set us apart, ensuring you receive the best possible outcomes.
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