Symptoms of incontinence can be mild or highly disruptive to your daily life. If you’re having trouble controlling your bowels and often soiling your underwear or experiencing embarrassing accidents, the team of experts at Midwest Women Obstetrician/Gynecologist Ltd in Downers Grove, Illinois, can help. Call the office to schedule a visit or request an appointment online today.

When is incontinence diagnosed?

You have incontinence when urine leaks from your bladder, stool leaks from your rectum, or you completely lose control of your bowels. Fecal incontinence may be accompanied by other intestinal issues, such as abdominal discomfort and constipation. 

You may experience it as a temporary side effect of diarrhea or constipation. However, your incontinence needs evaluation and treatment if it’s a chronic or recurrent condition and if it often interferes with your work, relationships, social activities, or self-esteem. 

Don’t allow incontinence to prevent you from doing many of the activities you love any longer. The problem may be embarrassing to talk about, but it’s common. Plus, the Midwest Women OB/GYN Ltd team can offer real solutions to help you overcome incontinence and restore a higher quality of life.

What causes fecal incontinence?

Fecal incontinence can occur because of illness, aging, or injury. Specific causes include:

• Rectal prolapse
• Damage to nerves in the rectum that sense stool
• Muscle damage to the muscles around the end of your rectum (anal sphincter)
• Stiffness in the walls of the rectum that limit storage capacity
• Surgery for hemorrhoids or veins in the rectum that causes nerve or muscle damage

A stomach virus resulting in diarrhea or constipation can cause temporary fecal incontinence. However, if these conditions become chronic, book a visit with the Midwest Women OB/GYN Ltd team.

How is fecal incontinence treated?

If you have recurrent fecal incontinence, the team may recommend medication as an option. Medications include the following:

• Antidiarrheal drugs
• Bulk laxatives
• Injectable bulking agents

Dietary changes can sometimes help if you have fecal incontinence due to constipation. Adding more fibrous foods and ample hydration keeps things moving, so you have more regular movements and fewer accidents.

In some cases, the Midwest Women OB/GYN Ltd team may suggest surgery to correct a problem such as severe hemorrhoids, rectal prolapse, or damage to the anal sphincter. Women sometimes experience these complications as a result of childbirth.

If incontinence is a chronic problem affecting your quality of life, call Midwest Women OB/GYN Ltd or request an online appointment.