Fecal incontinence, also known as bowel leakage, is more common than many people realize. It can range from accidentally leaking stool while passing gas to experiencing a sudden urge that makes it difficult to reach the bathroom in time.
Although it can be an embarrassing topic to discuss, fecal incontinence is not a normal part of aging, and effective treatment is available. Many people delay seeking help because they feel embarrassed or assume they simply must live with the problem. The good news is that conservative treatments – including pelvic floor physical therapy – can significantly improve symptoms and quality of life for many individuals.
At Lokahi Physical Therapy & Wellness , our pelvic health specialists work closely with patients to identify the underlying cause of bowel leakage and develop personalized treatment plans that help restore confidence and improve bowel control.
Symptoms Of Fecal Incontinence
Symptoms can vary from person to person and may include:
- Leakage of stool while passing gas
- Difficulty controlling bowel movements
- A sudden, overwhelming urge to have a bowel movement
- Not reaching the bathroom in time
- Staining or soiling of underwear after a bowel movement
- Leakage during physical activity or exercise
If you experience any of these symptoms, know that you are not alone. Fecal incontinence is a medical condition – not simply an inconvenience or an expected part of getting older. Speaking with your healthcare provider or a pelvic floor physical therapist is the first step toward finding effective treatment.
Common Causes of Fecal Incontinence
Normal bowel control depends on several body symptoms working together, including the pelvic floor muscles, anal sphincters, rectum, nervous system, and stool consistency. When one or more of these systems is affected, bowel leakage can occur.
Common causes and risk factors include:
- Pelvic floor muscle weakness or poor coordination
- Injury to the anal sphincter muscles, including childbirth-related tears
- Chronic Constipation or incomplete bowel emptying
- Chronic diarrhea or loose stools
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
- Pelvic, rectal, or prostate surgery
- Nerve damage from diabetes, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury, or stroke
- Rectal prolapse or rectocele
- Age-related changes that affect muscle strength and sensation
Conservative Treatment for Fecal Incontinence
Lifestyle and Dietary Modifications
For many individuals, improving stool consistency and establishing healthy bowel habits can significantly reduce episodes of fecal incontinence. Rather than following a restrictive diet, focus on identifying foods that may worsen your symptoms and maintaining regular bowel function.
Helpful strategies include:
- Eating adequate soluble fiber (or using a psyllium fiber supplement if recommended) to improve stool consistency.
- Drinking enough water throughout the day to support healthy digestion.
- Keeping a food and symptoms diary to identify personal triggers, which may include caffeine, alcohol, spicy foods, high-fat meals, or artificial sweeteners.
- Managing constipation, as chronic constipation and incomplete emptying can contribute to leakage just as much as loose stools.
At Lokahi Physical Therapy & Wellness, our pelvic health specialists work with patients to identify lifestyle factors that may be contributing to fecal leakage and develop individualized strategies based on their symptoms.
Medications
Depending on the underlying cause of your symptoms, your physician may recommend medications to improve stool consistency, treat diarrhea, or manage constipation.
Before starting any medication, it’s important to receive an accurate diagnosis. The specialists at Lokahi Physical Therapy & Wellness work closely with your healthcare team to identify the underlying cause of your fecal leakage and determine whether pelvic floor physical therapy should be part of your treatment plan.
Bowel Retraining
Developing consistent bowel habits can help improve bowel control and reduce accidents.
Your therapist at Lokahi Physical Therapy & Wellness may recommend:
- Establishing a regular toileting schedule, particularly after meals when the body’s natural gastrocolic reflex is strongest
- Using proper toileting posture by placing your feet on a small stool and leaning slightly forward
- Avoiding excessive straining during bowel movements
- Learning strategies to improve complete bowel emptying when appropriate
These techniques are tailored to your individual symptoms and goals as part of a comprehensive pelvic floor rehabilitation program.
Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy
Pelvic Floor physical therapy is considered a first-line conservative treatment for many individuals experiencing fecal incontinence.
At Lokahi Physical Therapy & Wellness, treatment begins with a comprehensive evaluation to determine the underlying cause of your symptoms. While some people benefit from strengthening exercises, others require treatment to improve muscle coordination, relaxation, sensation, breathing mechanics, or pressure management.
Your personalized treatment plan may include:
- Pelvic floor muscle training
- Biofeedback
- Neuromuscular re-education
- Manual therapy
- Breathing and core coordination
- Bowel habit education
- Lifestyle modifications
You deserve to feel confident again. Bowel leakage can affect every aspect of daily life, but it doesn’t have to define it. Whether your symptoms began after childbirth, surgery, constipation, or for reasons you’re still trying to understand, the pelvic health specialists at Lokahi Physical Therapy & Wellness are here to help. Our evidence-based individualized approach focuses on treating the root cause – not just the symptoms – so you can get back to living your life with confidence. Call us at (714) 963-3322 to schedule your pelvic floor evaluation or complimentary discovery call today and let us help you regain control.