Fecal Incontinence

Conservative treatments can help some people but may not work very well (or at all) for others. All of these are relatively simple behavioral changes that you may already be doing.

• Dietary modification: changes may include adjusting fiber intake or eliminating troublesome foods.
• Bowel retraining: also called biofeedback, this aims to improve bowel sensation, coordination, and strength.
• Medication: anti-diarrheal medication may provide some relief.

When lifestyle changes fail to deliver the relief results you want, oral medications are the next step. These medications can help control symptoms but may cause other issues.

These medications need to be taken daily. Some side effects can be unpleasant, such as dizziness, drowsiness, tiredness or constipation. Other side effects are more serious. Even more important, these medications don't always work. In one survey, 72% of people said they stopped taking their medication after just six months.²

Sacral neuromodulation is a treatment option for people who experience fecal incontinence. This treatment involves the use of a small device called a neurostimulator, which is placed under the skin near the sacral nerves in the lower back. This procedure aims to restore normal function to the sacral nerves and improve bowel control in individuals with fecal incontinence. It can be an effective treatment option for those who have not found relief from other conservative treatments and are seeking a long-term solution.