Fecal incontinence happens when you can't fully control your bowel movements. It can range from occasional small leaks to larger accidents. This condition affects many people-often after childbirth, as you get older, or when nerves or muscles around the anus are damaged. You're not alone, and there are effective treatments to help you regain confidence.
Fecal incontinence may present in different ways. You might notice:
Several factors can lead to fecal incontinence:
At GastroDoxs in Cypress, we specialize in compassionate, patient-centered care for fecal incontinence. Our expert team offers comprehensive diagnostics, personalized treatment plans-from pelvic floor therapy and biofeedback to minimally invasive procedures-and ongoing support to help you regain control and confidence. Don't wait to improve your quality of life. Book your appointment today and take the first step toward lasting relief.
We've successfully treated more than 1.4K patients, helping individuals improve their digestive health and overall well-being through expert, personalized care.
With over 20 years of experience, GastroDoxs has been a trusted provider of gastroenterology care, focusing on delivering the best outcomes for patients
Dr. Bharat Pothuri is a Board-Certified Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist. With extensive experience in digestive health, he specializes in advanced endoscopic procedures, chronic GI disorder management, and preventive care. Dr. Pothuri is dedicated to providing expert, patient-focused insights to help improve gut health and overall well-being.
No. Many people improve or fully recover with the right combination of lifestyle changes, exercises, medications, and medical treatments.
It can result from muscle damage (after childbirth or surgery), nerve injuries (from diabetes or spinal problems), chronic constipation or diarrhea, hemorrhoids, inflammatory bowel disease, rectal prolapse, or certain medications.
Yes. Non-surgical approaches-such as pelvic floor (Kegel) exercises, biofeedback, dietary adjustments, and medications-often bring significant improvement.
Yes. Large or prolapsed hemorrhoids can weaken the anal sphincter and contribute to leakage, so treating hemorrhoids may improve control.
The main types are urge incontinence (strong sudden urge), passive incontinence (leakage without awareness), overflow incontinence (leakage from a full rectum), and functional incontinence (difficulty reaching the toilet in time).
Early evaluation and intervention usually lead to better control and outcomes, reducing the frequency and severity of accidents.
Absolutely. A diet rich in soluble fiber (e.g., bananas, oats), adequate fluids, and avoidance of irritants (caffeine, spicy foods) can firm stools and reduce episodes.
The unspecified code for fecal incontinence is R15.9, which healthcare providers use for medical records and insurance purposes.
Anal plugs can be effective for some individuals. They provide a physical barrier to leaks, but proper fitting and guidance from a specialist are essential.
Nighttime leaks may occur due to impaired nerve signals, overly full bowels, or weakened anal muscles. A tailored treatment plan can help manage nighttime accidents.
