Bowel or fecal incontinence is the involuntary loss of stool or gas. It is not a disease, but a symptom of a physical or neurological problem.
Symptoms can include:
- Leaking stool when you sneeze, run, exercise, laugh, cough… (Stress incontinence)
- Problems getting to the bathroom in time (urgency)
- Constipation
- “skid marks” on underwear
- inability to control passage of gas
Correctly performed pelvic floor muscle (Kegel) exercises can help stop this leakage and/or control the urgency. Research shows that based on verbal and written instruction, 75% of women are doing these exercises incorrectly. We do not have the research for men, but our clinical experience shows it to be about the same.
Treatment varies depending on the problem. At Dayan Physiotherapy, we use both Real Time Ultrasound and Biofeedback to help you learn how to contract and strengthen your pelvic floor (Kegels). We also help you learn behavioural changes involving diet and toileting patterns to help you regain control of your bowels.