Language
Country/Area
No result found
Demystifying fecal incontinence: What causes you to lose control?
Fecal incontinence (FI), or in some cases anal incontinence, is the inability to control bowel movements, resulting in the involuntary loss of stool, including gas, liquid, and solid stool. This is not a stand-alone diagnosis, but one of many signs of underlying conditions. Fecal incontinence can occur for a variety of reasons and may be accompanied by constipation or diarrhea.
The major causes of fecal incontinence can often be traced to direct or delayed injury during childbirth, complications from previous anorectal surgery, and changes in bowel behavior.
Many people’s daily lives are affected by fecal incontinence, not only physically but also psychologically. Studies show that approximately 2.2% of adults in the community are affected by this condition, and in some institutions this proportion is even closer to 50%.
Consequences of fecal incontinence
The consequences of fecal incontinence are multifaceted. In addition to physical skin reactions and urinary tract infections, the economic burden cannot be underestimated. These burdens include personal medical expenses, unemployment, and even the health care costs of society as a whole. People are often too ashamed to ask for help, which worsens the problem.
Fecal incontinence is often accompanied by emotional problems such as low self-esteem, shame, depression and isolation.
Potential causes of fecal incontinence
Fecal incontinence has many causes and is usually a combination of several factors. The most common factors include postpartum injury, neurological disorders (such as stroke or multiple sclerosis), and intestinal disorders (such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis). Here are some of the main reasons:
Birth trauma and post-operative effects
Postpartum anal sphincter injury is one of the main causes of incontinence, and some anorectal surgeries may also cause sphincter injury. These invisible injuries are often not easy to detect after surgery, but can manifest as incontinence symptoms years later.
Nervous system diseases
A variety of neurological diseases, such as multiple sclerosis or spinal cord injury, can damage the signaling pathways between the brain and the anus, affecting the ability to control bowel movements.
Intestinal diseases and disorders
Intestinal diseases such as Crohn's disease and irritable bowel syndrome can cause prolonged diarrhea. This kind of liquid stool is more difficult to control than solid stool and can easily aggravate incontinence.
Coordination issues between bladder and rectum
Effective bowel movements require good coordination between the bladder and rectum. Difficulty or incomplete defecation can cause feces to remain in the rectum, making subsequent bowel movements more difficult.
Diagnosis process
Diagnosing the cause of fecal incontinence usually begins with a thorough medical history evaluation, including detailed questioning about symptoms, bowel habits, diet, medications, and more. When necessary, a digital rectal examination is performed to assess the tone and voluntary contraction of the sphincter muscles.
Specialized tests, such as anorectal physiology evaluation and abdominal imaging, can further reveal possible structural defects or nerve damage.
Management and Treatment
Management of fecal incontinence usually requires an individualized treatment plan that combines dietary modification, medication, and surgical intervention when necessary. Medical professionals need to have sufficient knowledge to correctly identify the effects of FI while patients are receiving treatment.
Although fecal incontinence is a common problem that bothers many people, due to the sometimes embarrassing social stigma that comes with it, many people choose to suffer in silence rather than seek help. Ultimately, whether this situation can be improved still depends on how we think about fecal incontinence.
