Fecal Incontinence

Fecal incontinence is the inability to control your bowel movements. As a result, people suffering from the condition may experience unintended stool leakage. The condition varies in severity. It may only present as occasional leakage. However, it can also cause a complete loss of bowel control. Either way, we hope you’ll trust GI Specialists of Georgia for treatment. Fecal incontinence can affect people of all ages, but it is most common in older adults.

A lack of bowel control can manifest in several different ways. It is important to recognize fecal incontinence symptoms so that you can explain your problems to our specialists. The condition may be associated with diarrhea, constipation, or gas and bloating. But it can also present separately. Among the common symptoms of fecal incontinence are:

• Sudden urges to have a bowel movement
• Frequent accidents or leakage
• Inability to feel when you need to have a bowel movement
• Changes in bowel habits
• Abdominal pain

Fecal incontinence may occur due to several factors. Bowel symptoms such as frequent diarrhea or constipation can cause rectal muscles to weaken over time. In addition to muscle damage, nerve damage can also be a contributing factor. Nerve damage may be the result of surgery or childbirth for women. With rectal nerves damaged, you may not notice the sensation that signals the need for a bowel movement. Estimates suggest one in three people suffers from some level of fecal incontinence, with the types including:

• Urge Incontinence – This describes the feeling that you need to defecate but can’t reach a toilet before soiling yourself. It is the most common type and is typically related to muscle damage.
• Passive Incontinence – Passive incontinence occurs when your rectum has stretched to its limits, but your body doesn’t register it is time to have a bowel movement. When this happens, you may pass the feces without realizing it. It is most often associated with nerve damage.

The gastroenterologists at GI Specialists of Georgia are adept at diagnosing fecal incontinence. Given its symptoms, you may suspect the problem before visiting us. But we can perform tests to confirm your condition and its cause. Our team will perform a physical and rectal exam in a safe environment before determining a diagnosis. We will also perform tests that isolate the reason for your fecal incontinence to help us find a solution. Among the tests we may utilize are an anorectal manometry, balloon expulsion test, and endorectal ultrasound or MRI.

There is an array of treatment options for fecal incontinence. Most of the time, we suggest utilizing several at the same time. Depending on the type and severity of your problem, we will create a treatment plan that includes some or all of the following:

• Exercises – Bowel training, Kegel exercises, and biofeedback can strengthen your rectal muscles and give you better control over your bowels.
• Dietary changes – What you eat can affect your bowel movements. It is best to avoid foods that will loosen your stool, such as caffeine, dairy products, alcohol, and some greens. We will also suggest foods that prevent constipation.
• Medications – We can prescribe medications that help you deal with diarrhea or constipation.
• InterStim Therapy – By regulating the signals between the brain, spinal cord, and nerves responsible for bowel and bladder function, InterStim therapy helps restore normal functionality and can significantly improve patients' quality of life.
• Surgery – In rare instances, surgical options may be necessary to treat long-term fecal incontinence.

GI Specialists of Georgia have extensive experience with all types of GI issues. We can confidently treat fetal incontinence now and help lower your risk of recurrence. Our team understands fecal incontinence may be an embarrassing subject for you. However, we treat every patient with care and compassion. Our goal is to restore your health and confidence. Choose from any of our nine offices throughout Northwest Atlanta for fecal incontinence treatment.

Don’t ignore fecal incontinence symptoms. Early treatment will give you the best chance of an easy recovery. GI Specialists of Georgia will ensure your comfort and devise an optimal treatment plan to restore your confidence and health. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.