subject: Bowel Continence – Causes and Treatment [print this page] Bowel Continence Causes and Treatment
Problems with bowel continence are exceptionally embarrassing. In fact it's so embarrassing that people who suffer with this condition often times are too embarrassed to seek help even from their medical provider. Bowel incontinence carries a special stigma because of its association with toddlers and diapers. Aside from the obvious physical discomfort there is also an emotional pain as well and this emotional pain can cause a person to withdraw from society.
To understand how bowel incontinence occurs you have to understand how normal bowel continence works. Controlling bowel movements is principally the job of two sphincter muscles, the internal anal sphincter (IAS) and the external anal sphincter (EAS).
Both of these muscles are contracted when they are at rest. When defecation is to occur both of these muscles relax allowing fecal material to pass through the bowel. Often the internal anal sphincter is the key to bowel incontinence. When this muscle is damaged and does not stay contracted it can cause the passage of fecal material without a person being aware of it. This leads to a soiling particularly when soft stools or pellets of fecal material are involved. This involuntary passage often occurs shortly after a bowel movement.
The external anal sphincter is actually a voluntary muscle and part of the pelvic floor muscle group. This is the muscle that tells the brain that it's time to go. Because it is a voluntary muscle it can be contracted to hold off the movement until desired.
If this muscle is damaged or loses its tone then the person loses control over the bowel movement. But being a part of the pelvic floor muscle group, the external anal sphincter can be "toned up" through isometric exercises known as Kegel exercises. These exercises do not require any special equipment or space and are effective in strengthening all of the muscles in the pelvic floor group.
If a person is suffering from involuntary bowel movement then their best course of action is to visit their physician. There are a number of therapies available to treat this condition ranging from exercise and diet, medication and lastly to surgical procedures. The physician, as part of the examination, will have a Endorectal Ultrasound (ERUS) done to determine which muscle is the cause of the condition.
Obviously bowel continence is an important and essential part of our total health. If you have a problem or if you know someone who does, then seek medical attention despite any embarrassment you may feel.
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