Pelvic Floor Incontinence is the unwanted passage of stools in which women are unable to control their sphincter muscles when they eliminate waste.
It is caused by a list of problems; Prolonged constipation, muscle damage, nerve damage, loss of storage capacity, pelvic floor dysfunctions, laxative abuse, parasitic infection, toxins, etc.
Pre-existing medical conditions can also lead to fecal incontinence including but not limited to, diabetes, stroke, and spinal cord trauma.
Disruption of the anal sphincter with vaginal delivery
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Anyone can be affected, but it is most common in middle-aged women. This is not a normal part of aging and results from damage caused from the birthing process or other trauma to the pelvic region.
The Elderly, the rate of fecal incontinence approaches 50% in nursing homes and stands as a primary cause of admission in some cases.
Women after child birth. At 3-6 months after vaginal or cesarean births, 13-25% of women reported fecal incontinence. This is caused by nerve damage and sphincter disruption.
Signs and Symptoms
- Involuntary excretion and leaking are common occurrences
- Unexpected flatulence
- Stool seepage soils undergarments
Treatment
Dietary changes: What you eat and drink affects stool consistency. Your doctor may recommend changes to your diet to help improve your bowel movements.
Nerve stimulation: These nerves regulate the sensation and strength of your rectal and anal sphincter muscles. Sacral nerve stimulation is carried out in stages.
Surgery: or some people, treatment of incontinence require surgery to correct an underlying problem.
Hushed Topic
Subjects related to defecation are often socially unacceptable, causing women to be embarrassed and ashamed, which can lead to social withdrawal. Isolation, decreased self-esteem and self-confidence are results from this condition.
In a recent study, a community in Michigan was surveyed to determine the prevalence of this disorder. Out of nearly 7,000 people, 18.4% reported having a problem, yet only one-third contacted their physicians about the issue.
More than $400 million is spent each year for adult diapers that are purchased to control urinary or fecal incontinence
It is the second leading cause for admission to long-term care facilities in the United States
University of Utah Health Care
Dr. Vogler specializes in the surgical treatment of pelvic floor disorders, including fecal incontinence, anal sphincter repairs and rectal prolapse. She is part of the multidisciplinary team dedicated to the treatment of pelvic floor disorders at the Pelvic Continence Center at the University of Utah Hospital.
Dr. Sarah Vogler is one of only a hand full (if not the only person) doctor west of the Mississippi who performs the necessary surgery for repair of the anal sphincter
