Fecal incontinence is the inability to control the evacuation of solid waste from the body, according to the National Association for Continence, or NAFC. Experts say that more than 6.5 million Americans are afflicted with the condition. Fecal incontinence can be caused by a variety of conditions, from cancer to constipation. Because of this wide variety of causes, it is critical that you consult with your doctor before getting started on these exercises to ensure that your incontinence isn't a sign of a much more serious condition.
Kegel Exercises
Kegel exercises, also known as pelvic floor muscle exercises, help strengthen the sphincter muscle around the anus to help hold your stool, according to the Cleveland Clinic. They are performed by contracting the muscle as firmly as possible and holding this contraction for about 5 seconds before relaxing. It may be helpful to imagine that you are trying to hold in your stool or trying to not pass gas. Doctors at the Cleveland Clinic recommend that you perform 30 repetitions of this exercise three times a week.
Bowel Training Exercise
This exercise is recommended by Dr. Christian Stone on the website AllRefer.com. It is designed to help stimulate a bowel movement on your schedule. Using lubrication, insert a finger into your anus and move your finger in a circular motion until you feel the sphincter muscle around your anus relax. Sit on the toilet until you feel a bowel movement. If you don't have a bowel movement within 20 minutes, Stone recommends you repeat this exercise. Continue to perform this exercise every day until a regular pattern of bowel movements is established.
Treatments
Other treatments for fecal incontinence include modifying your lifestyle to include plenty of fluids, implementing a regular exercise program, cutting back on caffeine and eating a good breakfast daily. Doctors may also use a biofeedback procedure where a probe is inserted into the anus to determine whether the proper muscles are being used during defecation. Medications like Immodium or other antidiarrheal prescriptions may also be prescribed. More serious conditions are treated surgically, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
