Site Navigation

Health

Don’t Suffer in Silence — There’s Help for Bowel Incontinence

Though it’s a problem that can be hard to talk about, bowel incontinence — or difficulty controlling bowel movements — is a fairly common condition that disrupts the lives of many older adults.

“For both women and men, the incidence of bowel incontinence increases with age,” says UAB geriatrician Alayne Markland, MD. In a recent nationwide study, 14-22% of women over the age of 60 reported the problem. For men, the incidence is lower. In the same study, 9-12% of men over age 60 experienced the condition.

Difficulty controlling bowel movements can interfere with an active lifestyle, leading to fear, embarrassment – and even shame. But Dr. Markland stresses that older adults experiencing this problem shouldn’t suffer in silence.

“It’s important to understand that bowel incontinence is not a normal part of aging,” she explains. “Many older adults don’t tell their doctor about the problem because they assume nothing can be done. But the good news is that many effective treatments are now available that can help older adults regain control of their bowel movements and their quality of life. If you have this problem, be sure to tell your primary care physician so you can get the help you need.”

Common Causes

Loose stool consistency or diarrhea. “This condition is modifiable or preventable with medications such as Imodium and an increased use of fiber in the diet, often through supplements,” Dr. Markland explains.

Obesity. Increased weight may weaken the muscles responsible for controlling bowel function.

Dementia. “Often, people with dementia lose the functional ability to recognize the signal of a bowel movement — they may forget how to interpret it,” says Dr. Markland.

Prior rectal or hemorrhoid surgery. These procedures may involve cutting the sphincter muscle, the smooth, round muscle around the rectum that helps with bowel control. “When this muscle is cut during surgery, it can cause long-term sphincter muscle weakness,” explains Dr. Markland.

Certain diseases, conditions, and health events, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, neurological problems, and stroke.

Prior radiation treatment for diseases such as cervical, prostate, or colon cancer.

Childbirth injury. These types of injuries may weaken the pelvic floor and contribute to both urinary and fecal incontinence.

Hope and Help through Treatment

“At the UAB Continence Clinic, we bring together a range of skilled specialists to diagnose and treat both urinary and bowel incontinence problems,” says Dr. Markland. “Urogynecologists, colorectal surgeons, gastroenterologists, urologists, and geriatricians work together to provide patients with specialized testing and treatment for these problems.”

Dr. Markland says treatment for bowel incontinence is generally aimed improving stool consistency and strengthening the pelvic floor — the group of muscles responsible for bowel control. “Stool consistency can often be improved with the use of medications and increasing fiber in the diet,” explains Dr. Markland. “Also, we instruct many patients in pelvic floor exercises that can be effective in regaining bowel control.”

Dr. Markland underscores the need for older adults to seek help and treatment for bowel incontinence. “The bottom-line message is that bowel incontinence isn’t normal, and something can be done about it. Don’t be shy or embarrassed about telling your doctor.”

Article last updated: May 5, 2009 1:01 PM