Preventing Fecal Incontinence in the East Valley, Arizona Senior Community
Fecal incontinence affects up to 1 in 5 individuals over the age of 65, but the condition often goes untreated because people are embarrassed. This condition, characterized by the inability to control bowel movements, can significantly impact the quality of life for older adults. At AZ Hemorrhoid & Anorectal Center, our team of board-certified surgeons provides compassionate and quality care to relieve the uncomfortable symptoms of fecal incontinence and restore total health and wellness.
What is Fecal Incontinence?
Fecal incontinence is a condition that causes accidental leakage of solid or liquid stool, ranging from minor leakage to complete loss of bowel control. While this condition can affect individuals of all ages, it is more prevalent among seniors due to various age-related factors, including:
- Weakening of pelvic floor muscles
- Neurological conditions such as dementia or stroke
- Chronic health issues like diabetes or multiple sclerosis
- Side effects of certain medications
Preventive Strategies
The following strategies can be used to prevent fecal incontinence and are used in the early treatment of this condition.
Dietary Modifications
Maintaining a balanced diet is crucial in preventing and treating fecal incontinence. We recommend that patients eat a high-fiber diet and drink plenty of water and fluids to restore healthy bowel movements. Avoid or limit the consumption of foods that can irritate the digestive system, including alcohol, caffeine, dairy, sugary foods and drinks, and fatty foods.
Pelvic Floor Exercises
Strengthening the pelvic floor muscles can significantly improve bowel control. Kegel exercises, when performed regularly, can help build muscle tone and restore proper function. These exercises are especially helpful among patients whose muscles have weakened after childbirth and natural aging and those whose fecal incontinence is caused by a rectal prolapse.
Scheduled Toileting
Establishing a consistent bathroom routine can help seniors regain control over their bowel movements. Scheduled toileting or bowel training involves attempting to have a bowel movement at the same time each day, ideally after meals.
Treatments for Fecal Incontinence
While preventative measures can sometimes be successful in preventing and treating fecal incontinence, medical treatment may be necessary if symptoms persist. At AZ Hemorrhoid & Anorectal Center, we offer minimally invasive surgical options, including a sphincteroplasty which repairs weakened muscles in the sphincter (often caused by childbirth), Interstim evaluation and implantation which stimulates the sacral nerves to help with control of bowel movements, or a colostomy, which redirects the stool through a small incision in the abdomen if all other alternatives fail. Surgery can also be performed to address hemorrhoids or rectal prolapse, which are possible causes of fecal incontinence. These surgical treatments often provide long-term or permanent symptom relief.
Seeking Help at AZ Hemorrhoid & Anorectal Center
If you or a loved one in Gilbert’s senior community is experiencing symptoms of fecal incontinence, we can help. Schedule an appointment online or call our office in Gilbert, AZ, to learn more about fecal incontinence treatment options and find relief from your symptoms. Our team will provide a comprehensive evaluation to determine the root cause of your symptoms and create a personalized treatment plan that meets all your needs.