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Fecal incontinence
Fecal incontinence is the leakage of stool (feces) from the anus. Fecal incontinence can be caused by constipation, diarrhea, anxiety or other emotional stresses, nerve injury, muscle damage, lack of exercise, or poor diet.
How can you care for yourself when you have fecal incontinence?
- Keep a food diary of what you eat. This will help you learn which foods make your incontinence worse.
- Eat small, frequent meals. Large meals may cause diarrhea.
- Avoid constipation:
- Include fruits, vegetables, beans, and whole grains in your diet each day. These foods are high in fiber.
- Drink plenty of fluids. If you have kidney, heart, or liver disease and have to limit fluids, talk with your doctor before you increase the amount of fluids you drink.
- Get some exercise every day. Build up slowly to 30 to 60 minutes a day on 5 or more days of the week.
- Take a fiber supplement, such as Citrucel or Metamucil, every day if needed. Read and follow all instructions on the label.
- Schedule time each day for a bowel movement. Having a daily routine may help. Take your time and do not strain when having a bowel movement.
- Take your medicines exactly as prescribed. Call your doctor if you think you are having a problem with your medicine. You will get more details on the specific medicines your doctor prescribes.
- Try pelvic floor (Kegel) exercises, which tighten and strengthen the pelvic muscles. (If doing these exercises causes pain, stop doing them and talk with your doctor.) To do Kegel exercises:
- Squeeze your muscles as if you were trying not to pass gas. Or squeeze your muscles as if you were stopping the flow of urine. Your belly, legs, and buttocks shouldn't move.
- Hold the squeeze for 3 seconds, then relax for 5 to 10 seconds.
- Start with 3 seconds, then add 1 second each week until you are able to squeeze for 10 seconds.
- Repeat the exercise 10 times a session. Do 3 to 8 sessions a day.
Fecal incontinence: When to call
Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:
- You have new or worse pain.
- You have new or worse bleeding from the rectum.
- You have worse leaking of stool (incontinence).
Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:
- You cannot pass stools or gas.
- You do not get better as expected.
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The content above contains general health information provided by Healthwise, Incorporated, and reviewed by its medical experts. This content should not replace the advice of your healthcare provider. Not all treatments or services described are offered as services by us. For recommended treatments, please consult your healthcare provider.