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What is fecal incontinence? 

Fecal incontinence is the inability to control bowel movements. This can result in unexpected stool or gas leakage. 

This condition is more common than many patients realize. According to Johns Hopkins, about 10% of people struggle with fecal incontinence. This translates to millions of Americans.

~10%

Of people struggle with fecal incontinence

– Johns Hopkins

Causes and risk factors

There isn’t just one cause of fecal incontinence. Many colorectal conditions and physical issues can make it more difficult to control the bowels:

  • Some people can’t make it to the toilet due to chronic or severe diarrhea. This can be true for those with colorectal conditions like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
  • In some cases, a person may have a damaged sphincter muscle that can no longer control bowel movements. This can occur after vaginal childbirth, certain surgeries, or rectal prolapse.

  • For some patients, medical conditions interfere with their ability to recognize when they need to go to the bathroom. These issues include spinal cord injuries, nerve damage, diabetes, and dementia.

Expert evaluation

Before recommending treatment for fecal incontinence in Houston, TX, our fellowship-trained physicians will diagnose the cause. To make an accurate diagnosis, they may:

  • Ask about health history and symptoms.

  • Perform a physical examination.

  • Order an anal manometry to measure the pressure and function of the sphincter muscles.

  • Recommend endosonography (EUS) to detect any defects in the sphincter.

  • Suggest pudendal nerve tests to evaluate nerve function and structure in some cases.

The goal of testing is to identify the anatomical and functional cause before recommending bowel incontinence treatment at Houston Colon.

Advanced and personalized treatment options

Our fecal incontinence specialists in Houston, TX, are dual board-certified and have undergone advanced fellowship training. Houston Colon offers the full spectrum of fecal incontinence treatment in Houston, TX.

For many patients, dietary and lifestyle changes are the first step. Our fecal incontinence specialists typically recommend:

  • Adding more high-fiber foods to the diet gradually.
  • Avoiding foods that can cause diarrhea, such as fatty or spicy foods and dairy. 
In many cases, pelvic floor physical therapy and biofeedback can strengthen the muscles involved in fecal incontinence. Below are common examples:

  • Kegel exercises that involve holding and releasing contractions of the anus and pelvic floor muscles during sets.
  • Biofeedback training devices that provide feedback to help patients understand sensations and muscle activity related to defecation. 
In some cases, our colorectal specialists may recommend medications to manage fecal incontinence. These may include:

  • Anti-diarrheal medications
  • Fiber supplements
  • Laxatives 
Houston Colon also offers sacral nerve stimulation in Houston, TX. This treatment targets the sacral nerves, which run along the spinal cord to the pelvic muscles. These muscles play an important role in muscle strength and sensation.

This treatment involves implanting a small device. The device sends electrical signals to the sacral nerves to improve pelvic muscle function.
In some cases, the best option to treat fecal incontinence is sphincter repair in Houston, TX. Houston Colon’s surgeons use evidence-based and minimally invasive techniques to repair the sphincter.

During this procedure, our team repairs the damaged or weakened anal sphincter by:

  • Locating the weakened or damaged muscle and removing it from the surrounding tissue.
  • Sewing the muscle edges back together in an overlapping fashion.

This surgical technique can strengthen the muscle to tighten the sphincter, which can improve fecal incontinence. Minimally invasive techniques result in lower complication rates and faster recovery compared to conventional open approaches. 

Frequently asked questions

Yes, there are various treatment options for fecal incontinence. They range from lifestyle changes and pelvic floor therapy to surgical interventions.
Many cases of fecal incontinence can be treated without surgery. However, surgery is a good option when conservative options like diet changes, medications, and pelvic floor therapy fail.
Yes, many women experience fecal incontinence after childbirth. According to the National Library of Medicine (NLM), up to 20% of women experience fecal incontinence up to one year after childbirth.

Schedule a consultation

Houston Colon treats bowel control problems by offering evidence-based fecal incontinence treatment in Houston, TX. Call (713) 832-8888 or request an appointment online by contacting us. 

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