No one plans to check where the closest bathroom is whenever they are out. However, this happens with people battling Fecal Incontinence. Also referred to as anal or bowel incontinence, it can imprison you as it is challenging and embarrassing when fecal leaks start when you least expect it.
Have you been experiencing incontinence because of weak bowel movements or bladder leakage because of an overactive bladder? If yes, you are not alone but can also get remedies. Read further for more insights on bowel incontinence and what you can do.
What Causes Fecal Incontinence
One of the most common causes of bowel incontinence is obstetric trauma. When a woman delivers naturally, and an episiotomy is required, it may affect her sphincter muscles. These are rectum muscles, and when they become weak, they cannot enhance the bowel continence mechanism, which would make it hard for the muscles to hold stool.
Other causes include:
· Muscle damage from injuries or surgery.
· Nerve damage affecting the nerves that sense stool or control the sphincter.
· Chronic constipation as continuously passing large or dry stool may weaken rectum muscles.
· Enlarged hemorrhoids may prevent the sphincter from its function of holding back stool.
Can Home Remedies Work Against Fecal Incontinence?
If the problem is too embarrassing, patients may explore natural or at-home remedies. Some of the home remedies one may opt for may include:
· Eating Plenty of Fiber: Plenty of fiber intake is crucial for preventing or completely eliminating constipation. Fiber is essential as it helps to bulk up stool, which makes it less likely to have loose stool leaking.
· Avoiding Food Problems: Certain foods can irritate the bladder and bowel. You can talk to an expert about such foods and avoid them.
· Limiting Your Caffeine Intake: Caffeinated drinks are also bowel irritants. Therefore, too much caffeine can exacerbate incontinence. To be on the safe side, avoiding caffeine and related drinks can help.
· Bowel Training: As you would train the bladder, you can train the bowel, too. You can do this by visiting the bathroom at intervals and emptying the bowel completely several times a day. You should try to do this at the same time.
· Kegel Exercises: Kegel exercises are crucial for your Pelvic Floor Muscles and organs too. Either using a Kegel device, exercising regularly, or using an e-stim device can help to strengthen and tone the muscles that support the pelvic organs.