Fecal Incontinence and Constipation
In the United States, one in 12 adults suffers from bowel incontinence, while about 4 million adults experience chronic constipation.
If you’re dealing with fecal incontinence or chronic constipation, we know it can be difficult to talk about. Women with these conditions can experience pain, discomfort and the emotional toll of worry and anxiety. It can prevent you from getting out and living life because, often, you worry that you can’t make it to the toilet on time to prevent leakage of stools - or once there, you find that you can’t go (constipation). Gas and bloating can be other related symptoms that can be uncomfortable and embarrassing.
Don’t suffer in silence or be embarrassed anymore. Our urogynecologists are experienced in diagnosing and treating issues with the muscles and nerves that cause bowel control problems.
Fecal Incontinence and Constipation
In the United States, one in 12 adults suffers from bowel incontinence, while about 4 million adults experience chronic constipation.
If you’re dealing with fecal incontinence or chronic constipation, we know it can be difficult to talk about. Women with these conditions can experience pain, discomfort and the emotional toll of worry and anxiety. It can prevent you from getting out and living life because, often, you worry that you can’t make it to the toilet on time to prevent leakage of stools - or once there, you find that you can’t go (constipation). Gas and bloating can be other related symptoms that can be uncomfortable and embarrassing.
Don’t suffer in silence or be embarrassed anymore. Our urogynecologists are experienced in diagnosing and treating issues with the muscles and nerves that cause bowel control problems.
Treatments
Our urogynecology practice offers a wide range of treatments for bowel incontinence or chronic constipation, including:
- Dietary changes. Adding fiber to your diet can make stools firmer and promote more complete passage of bowel movements. Our physicians can also recommend more specific diet changes for both incontinence and constipation.
- Medications. Laxatives help soften stools if you’re constipated, while anti-diarrheal medications can help make stools firmer.
- Physical therapy. Pelvic muscle exercises can improve strength, tone, endurance and coordination. Used in conjunction with exercise, biofeedback can help you pinpoint and better control these muscles.
- Bulking therapy. During this procedure, your urogynecologist injects a safe gel-like material around the rectum and anus, which carry stool out of your body. The gel bulks up the area to help block leakages.
- InterStim. This neuromodulation device is implanted in the body and sends gentle electronic pulses to help strengthen and contract pelvic and anal sphincter muscles (those muscles that help control bowel movements).
- Sphincter repair surgery (sphinteroplasty). If the anal sphincter (the muscle that helps control passage of bowel movements) is injured or weakened, you may require a surgical procedure to strengthen and tighten this area.
Our Providers
Augusta University Medical Center specialists provide care and support throughout your entire healthcare journey.
Obstetrics-Gyn
Resources & Tools.
Resources & Tools
Here are a few helpful resources to guide your next steps
