What is Fecal Incontinence?

Fecal incontinence is an inability to hold stool. It’s normal to experience fecal incontinence with occasional bouts of diarrhea, but if you experience it regularly, it can be a more serious concern. It might manifest as leaking stool when you cough or pass gas, or it may manifest as being unable to hold it until you reach a bathroom. In any case, if you can no longer hold or control your bowel movements, you’re likely experiencing fecal incontinence.

What Causes Fecal Incontinence?

Normally, passing stool is a process that involves multiple muscles, including two anal sphincters. As these sphincters open and close, stool is passed along the intestinal tract, ultimately exiting through the rectum and anus. This means that injuries to the anal sphincters or spinal cord can weaken the muscles and nerves that control passing stool, resulting in a decreased ability to moderate this process and allowing stool to pass through before you’re ready. These injuries can be the result of surgery, childbirth, traumatic injury, chronic constipation and diarrhea, and much more. Conditions that affect the nerves – such as diabetes – can also result in fecal incontinence.

What Treatments Are Available for Fecal Incontinence?

Treatment for fecal incontinence can be multifaceted, depending on the causes. Our intimate health providers will spend time learning about your symptoms and concerns, determining the causes and best treatment approach. A few different types of treatment can be combined for best results:

Lifestyle changes such as incorporating more fiber into your diet
Physical therapy to help strengthen and retrain the pelvic floor muscles
Radiofrequency energy to tone the anal sphincter muscles
Platelet-rich plasma to regenerate tissue in the area

Surgery is very rarely used to treat fecal incontinence because of the risk of further damage. Our providers will help you explore treatment options based on your preferences, comfort level, and goals so that you can feel more confident in your daily lifestyle.

Fecal Incontinence Treatment at Tideline Center for Health & Aesthetics

Fecal incontinence can be extremely disruptive and difficult to talk about. At Tideline Center for Health & Aesthetics, we specialize in helping our patients feel heard about their intimate health concerns, providing a private environment where they can feel comfortable focusing on themselves. We invite you to schedule a private consultation with our providers today to learn more about your treatment options for fecal incontinence. Contact us through our online form or call us to set up an appointment. We conveniently serve the greater Long Island and Queens, NY areas.

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Tideline Center for Health & Aesthetics

Board-Certified Physicians

Tideline Center for Health & Aesthetics, located in Lake Success, NY, provides solutions for men and women’s intimate health issues. Tideline consists of dedicated physicians and staff that specialize in personalized care and support. Doctors Girardi, Handler, Powers, and Gerardi address low libido, painful sex, hormonal imbalances, rejuvenation, and aesthetic treatments. Our team is available to you for intimate healthcare needs.

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