Fecal Incontinence occurs when there is recurrent loss of bowel control. When this occurs, stool leaks through the anus. This incontinence could be from different etiologies like prolonged constipation, diarrhea, and damage to muscles and nerves that control bowel function. It can also occur after the trauma of natural childbirth. About 1/3 of those affected are 65 years and older. Dr. Ambe and his staff will evaluate the etiology of bowel incontinence and discuss which procedure is ideal for the patient. Treatment options including diet, lifestyle modification, stool bulking agents, injectable gels to more invasive surgical procedures are available. A newer innovative procedure involving implanting electrodes that stimulate some sacral nerves has been shown to improve rectal sensation and awareness, as well as incontinence scores in selected patients.
Fecal Incontinence
Bowel control problems are extremely common, but they are not normal. If you suffer from bowel control issues, you know how much they can interrupt your life. It’s time to speak up and get back to living your life.
Do the following sound familiar?
- Frequent bowel accidents
- Monitoring what and how much you eat
- Using pads or protective garments
- Planning activities around the bathroom
Fecal Incontinence (FI) Facts
- 1 in 12 adults in the US has fecal incontinence (FI).1,2
- 21 million adults in the US are affected by fecal incontinence (FI).1,2,3
Do you qualify?
Take a two-minute quiz to see if you qualify for treatment.
You are not alone – find relief for bowel control problems
Fecal Incontinence (FI) is a treatable condition. It’s not a normal part of aging. And you shouldn’t have to deal with it on your own.
Information on this site should not be used as a substitute for talking with your doctor. Always talk with your doctor about diagnosis and treatment information.
Sources:
- Whitehead WE, Borrud L, Goode PS, et al. Fecal Incontinence in US adults: epidemiology and risk factors. Gastroenterology. 2009;137(2):512-517
- Ditah I, Devaki P, Luma HN et al. Prevalence, trends, and risk factors for fecal incontinence in United States adults, 2005-2010. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2014;12:636-643
- US Census Bureau 2020. US adult and under-age-18 populations: 2020 census. https://www.census.gov/library/visualizations/interactive/adult-and-under-the-age-of-18-populations-2020-census.html. Accessed June 20, 2022.
Treatment Options
There are many ways to manage bowel control problems. Remember, if conservative treatments don’t deliver the results you need, you have more options.
Lifestyle Changes
Conservative treatments can help some people but may not work very well (or at all) for others. All of these are relatively simple behavioral changes that you may already be doing.
- Dietary modification: changes may include adjusting fiber intake or eliminating troublesome foods.
- Bowel retraining: also called biofeedback, this aims to improve bowel sensation, coordination, and strength.
- Medication: anti-diarrheal medication may provide some relief.
Oral Medications
When lifestyle changes fail to deliver the relief results you want, oral medications are the next step. These medications can help control symptoms but may cause other issues.
These medications need to be taken daily. Some side effects can be unpleasant, such as dizziness, drowsiness, tiredness or constipation. Other side effects are more serious. Even more important, these medications don’t always work. In one survey, 72% of people said they stopped taking their medication after just six months.1
Advanced Therapies
If conservative treatments don’t deliver the results you want, you have more options.
Medtronic Bowel Control Therapy delivered by the InterStim™ systems
- Try it during an evaluation
- Proven long-term success2*
Implanting an InterStim™ system has risks similar to any surgical procedure, including swelling, bruising, bleeding, and infection. Talk with your doctor about ways to minimize these risks. Complications can occur with the evaluation, including movement of the wire, technical problems with the device, and some temporary pain. Your doctor or nurse will provide you with the information regarding how to operate the test device, and inform you of other precautions related to the evaluation and activity restrictions.
Learn More About Medtronic Bowel Control Therapy Delivered by the InterStim System
Information on this site should not be used as a substitute for talking with your doctor. Always talk with your doctor about diagnosis and treatment information.
Sources:
- Yeaw J, Benner J, Walt JG et al. Comparing adherence and persistence across 6 chronic medication classes. J Manag Care Pharm. 2009:15(9): 724-736.
- Hull T, Giese C, Wexner SD, et al. Long-term Durability of Sacral Nerve Stimulation Therapy for Chronic Fecal Incontinence. Dis Colon Rectum. 2013; 56(2):234-45.