Fecal incontinence is a leading cause of embarrassment in adults, but there are many ways to manage it successfully.  If you have been diagnosed with faecal incontinence, talk to your doctor about how to manage this condition. There are many treatments available, and your doctor will likely recommend the best treatment for you.  Diagnosis typically involves a pelvic exam and rectal examination. Some causes of fecal incontinence include spinal cord injury, diabetes mellitus (sugar diabetes), anorectal nerve damage, or diseases affecting the bowel that can cause constipation or diarrhea such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease. 

What is faecal incontinence and how common is it

Faecal incontinence is a condition where you lose control of your bowels and accidentally pass faeces. It can be a very embarrassing condition, and it can often lead to a decrease in quality of life. Faecal incontinence is relatively common, affecting around 1 in every 25 people.

What are the causes of faecal incontinence

There are many causes of faecal incontinence, which can range from mild to severe. Some of the most common causes include constipation, nerve damage, muscle damage, and diseases or conditions such as Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and multiple sclerosis.

Other causes of faecal incontinence can include mental health conditions such as anxiety or depression, pelvic floor dysfunction, rectal surgery, and accidental bowel leakage. If you have been diagnosed with faecal incontinence, it is important to talk to your doctor about how to best manage this condition. There are many treatment options available, and your doctor will likely recommend the best treatment for you.

How is faecal incontinence diagnosed

Faecal incontinence can be diagnosed through a physical examination, which may include an anal exam. Your doctor may also order tests, such as:

• a pelvic ultrasound
• an MRI
• a barium enema
• a colonoscopy
• anal manometry
• stool testing
• urinalysis

The tests you may need depend on your symptoms and how severe your faecal incontinence is.

Discover essential information about anal fissures and fecal incontinence.

What are the treatment options for faecal incontinence

There are many treatments available for faecal incontinence, and your doctor will likely recommend the best treatment for you. Treatment options depend on how severe the condition is. If you have been diagnosed with faecal incontinence, talk to your doctor about how to manage this condition. There are many treatments available, and your doctor will likely recommend the best treatment for you.

Some of the most common treatments for faecal incontinence include:

• Prescription medicines: There are a number of prescription medicines that can help treat faecal incontinence. Your doctor may prescribe medications such as laxatives, rectal stimulants, or anal sphincter muscles relaxers.
• PRP and Co2 Laser treatment: This treatment uses platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and carbon dioxide (Co2) laser to help improve the function of the anal sphincter muscles. The PRP and Co2 Laser treatment is a minimally invasive procedure that does not require surgery. It is often recommended for people who have mild to moderate faecal incontinence.
• Dietary changes: Making changes to your diet can often help improve faecal incontinence. Eating a high-fiber diet can help keep your bowel movements regular, and avoiding foods that trigger constipation can also be helpful.
• Bowel retraining: If you have difficulty controlling your bowel movements, bowel retraining may be recommended. This involves following a specific routine of eating, drinking, and exercising to help train your bowel to move more regularly.
• Muscle stimulation: Electrical stimulation of the pelvic floor muscles can sometimes help improve faecal incontinence. This therapy uses a device called a stimulator to send electrical impulses to the pelvic floor muscles, which helps them contract and strengthens them.
• Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be recommended to treat faecal incontinence. This could involve procedures such as a sphincteroplasty (to repair the anal sphincter muscle), an artificial sphincter (to create a new anal sphincter), or a sacral nerve stimulator (to help control bowel movements).

If you are experiencing faecal incontinence, it is important to talk to your doctor about how to manage this condition.

Faecal incontinence can be a difficult condition to manage, but there are many treatment options available. Treatment depends on how severe the condition is, and your doctor will likely recommend the best treatment for you. There are many treatments available, including prescription medications, PRP and Co2 Laser treatment, dietary changes, bowel retraining, muscle stimulation, and surgery.