Fecal incontinence (FI) is a condition that many people find difficult to discuss, yet it affects a significant portion of the population—both men and women. FI refers to the inability to control bowel movements, leading to unintentional stool leakage. While it’s more common than many might think, there are a variety of treatment options available to help manage the condition and improve quality of life.
How Common is Fecal Incontinence?
FI can affect anyone, but it becomes more prevalent with age. Studies suggest that up to 18 million Americans experience fecal incontinence at some point in their lives. While it’s slightly more common in women, men are also frequently affected, particularly after surgeries or medical conditions that impact bowel control.
For women, FI is often linked to childbirth-related injuries, hormonal changes during menopause, or pelvic floor disorders. For men, it can be associated with prostate surgery, colorectal conditions, or nerve damage due to diabetes or spinal cord injuries.
Non-Surgical Treatment Options for Fecal Incontinence
If you or someone you know is struggling with fecal incontinence, it’s important to know that several non-surgical treatments can make a big difference. Here are a few approaches to consider:
- Dietary Changes
Modifying your diet is often the first step in managing FI. Certain foods and drinks can irritate the digestive system, leading to looser stools or urgency. Reducing the intake of caffeine, spicy foods, dairy, or fatty meals may help. Increasing fiber intake can also bulk up stools, making them easier to control.
- Pelvic Floor Exercises
Strengthening the muscles that support the bowel and bladder, also known as the pelvic floor muscles, can improve bowel control. Exercises like Kegels are commonly recommended to help both men and women regain muscle strength and reduce leakage.
- Medications
Depending on the cause of FI, medications may be prescribed to manage bowel movements. For example, anti-diarrheal medications can help by reducing stool frequency, while fiber supplements can bulk up stools. In some cases, laxatives might be used to regulate bowel function for those who experience constipation-related FI.
- Biofeedback Therapy
Biofeedback is a technique that helps patients become more aware of their body’s signals and improve muscle coordination. It’s particularly useful for those whose FI is related to weakened or poorly functioning pelvic floor muscles. Biofeedback can help train these muscles to contract more effectively during bowel movements.
Introducing Solesta: A Minimally Invasive Option
For patients who have tried non-surgical treatments without success, Solesta offers a minimally invasive, non-surgical option. Solesta is an injectable gel that’s placed into the walls of the anal canal to help close it and improve bowel control. It’s administered in the office, usually taking just 15-20 minutes, and requires no downtime.
While it may take a few weeks to notice full benefits, Solesta has been shown to significantly improve quality of life for many patients struggling with fecal incontinence. It’s a great option for those who want an effective treatment without undergoing surgery.
Take Control of Your Health
If you’re dealing with fecal incontinence, know that you’re not alone. Many people face this issue, but the good news is that there are effective treatments available—both surgical and non-surgical. From dietary changes to innovative solutions like Solesta, there’s no need to suffer in silence.
If you’d like to explore your treatment options or see if Solesta is right for you, contact us at Austin Urology Institute. Voted one of Austin’s best urologists, Dr. Shaw (with the help of his trusty team at the Institute) is here to guide you through every step and help you regain control of your life.
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