Fecal incontinence
Fecal incontinence is described as the involuntary loss of liquid or solid stools, and gas. It can also be associated with fecal urgency, a sudden and urgent need to have a bowel movement.
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What is faecal incontinence?
Fecal incontinence is described as the involuntary loss of liquid or solid stools, and gas. It can also be associated with fecal urgency, a sudden and urgent need to have a bowel movement.
What causes faecal incontinence?
Fecal incontinence can be caused by weakness of the pelvic floor muscles, reduced sensation of urge or altered ability to contain bowel movements.
Certain factors can increase the risk of faecal incontinence:
- Pregnancy and vaginal delivery (grade 3 and 4 tears);
- Lifestyle habits (e.g. diet, hydration, etc.);
- Pelvic organ prolapse;
- Constipation and chronic diarrhea;
- Peri-menopause and menopause;
- Anorectal and/or colorectal surgery or trauma;
- Certain medical conditions (e.g. diabetes, chronic lung disease, Parkinson's, multiple sclerosis, etc.);
- Medication and other medical treatments (e.g. hormone therapy, radiotherapy, etc.);
- Ageing and loss of autonomy linked to ageing.
We understand this issue and treat it frequently.
What are the symptoms of faecal incontinence?
- Leakage of solid or liquid stool;
- Difficulty or inability to hold back gas;
- Difficulty evacuating bowel movements completely;
- Constipation (overflow incontinence);
- Oozing, soiling after a bowel movement;
- Long wiping after a bowel movement.
How is fecal incontinence diagnosed?
Diagnosis is made through a subjective and physical examination in the clinic. There are also medical tests that can be prescribed by a doctor.
How can physiotherapy help fecal incontinence?
Your perineal and pelvic rehabilitation physiotherapist will first perform a complete evaluation (e.g. lifestyle habits, posture, breathing, pelvic floor muscle contraction/relaxation, etc.) to determine the cause(s) of fecal incontinence.
Based on the assessment results, your physiotherapist will:
- Offer personalized advice based on your lifestyle habits;
- Provide advice on defecation techniques and positions;
- Provide you with specific exercises to do at home to address the cause of the problem;
- Mobilize the muscles and soft tissues in the abdomen and pelvic floor.
Finally, if physiotherapy treatments are not sufficient, your physiotherapist will refer you to your doctor to evaluate other options.
When should you seek physiotherapy for fecal incontinence?
You should consult a physiotherapist if you have one or more of the symptoms described above or if your doctor has ruled out any other causes that may be responsible for your symptoms.
You do not need to see a doctor before consulting a physiotherapist. If your condition requires you to see a doctor, your physiotherapist will be able to tell you.
What to do at home...
- Make sure you eat a balanced diet and stay well hydrated;
- Exercise regularly;
- Revisit the way you sit on the toilet.
- When sitting on the toilet, place your feet on a stool so that your knees are slightly higher than your hips and lean slightly forward.
To learn more...
- Canada's Food Guide: https: //guide-alimentaire.canada.ca/fr/
- Physical Activity Guide: https://www.canada.ca/fr/sante-publique/services/publications/vie-saine/conseils-activite-physique-adultes-18-64-ans.html
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