Faecal Incontinence: Why Early Diagnosis Matters

faecal incontinence

Faecal incontinence, also known as bowel incontinence, can be an embarrassing condition that affects many individuals. It is the inability to control bowel movement resulting in involuntary faecal leakage or seepage. This condition can have a significant impact on the quality of life and self-esteem of those affected. The good news is that early diagnosis can lead to effective treatment, avoiding the development of further complications.

Here, we will discuss the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for faecal incontinence. Additionally, we will highlight how Emsella can help those suffering from this condition.

What Is Faecal Incontinence?

Faecal incontinence refers to the inability to control bowel movements, leading to accidental leakage or seepage of faeces. It can range from occasional leakage to a complete loss of bowel control. This condition affects over 6 million individuals in the US, and it is more common in older adults, women, and those with certain health conditions such as diabetes, multiple sclerosis, or spinal cord injuries.

Symptoms of Faecal Incontinence

The symptoms of faecal incontinence may vary from mild to severe, depending on the individual’s condition. These symptoms include:

  • Leakage of stool when passing gas or during physical activities such as coughing or sneezing
  • Urgency to have a bowel movement
  • The sensation of incomplete emptying after passing stool
  • Foul smelling faeces
  • Skin irritation, rashes, or infections around the anus
  • Anxiety and embarrassment

Causes of Faecal Incontinence

The causes of faecal incontinence can be due to multiple factors such as:

  • Muscle or nerve damage: the nerves and muscles controlling bowel movement can be damaged due to surgery, spinal cord injuries, or disease.
  • Chronic Constipation: Long-term constipation can weaken the muscles controlling bowel movement leading to incontinence.
  • Diarrhoea: Frequent diarrhoea can cause a sudden urgency to pass stool leading to faecal incontinence.
  • Age: The ageing process can weaken the muscles controlling bowel movement.

Treatment Options for Faecal Incontinence

Fortunately, there are treatment options available for faecal incontinence, ranging from conservative to surgical approaches. These treatment options include:

  • Lifestyle changes such as diet modification, regular exercise, and pelvic floor muscle exercises
  • Medications such as anti-diarrhoeal or laxatives
  • Bowel training
  • Biofeedback: This is a behavioural technique that helps patients learn voluntary control of muscles that control bowel movements.
  • Surgery

How Emsella Can Help

Emsella is a non-invasive, FDA-approved treatment for faecal incontinence that stimulates and strengthens the muscles in the pelvic floor. It utilises electromagnetic technology to stimulate the entire pelvic floor muscles to contract, achieving improved control of the bowel. This treatment is painless and non-invasive, requires no downtime, and patients can return to their daily activities immediately. Usually, six treatments are recommended over a three-week period to see significant improvement.

Empowering Change through Early Diagnosis

Faecal incontinence is a challenging condition that can have a significant impact on an individual’s quality of life. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent further complications and improve the patient’s self-esteem. Treatment options range from conservative to surgical approaches, and Emsella represents a non-invasive and efficient option for those seeking an alternative to medication or surgery. Talk to your doctor about your symptoms and available options.

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