FI can be upsetting and miserable to manage. Many won’t discuss this issue with their healthcare professionals but 18% of the population suffer from this condition. Thankfully with the right FI physician, there are therapies to reduce the leakage or even cure this disease.
The usual cause of FI is a problem with the muscles or nerves in the rectum and anus. Normally, they work together to control bowel movements. People with FI, however, are not always able to control their bowel movements.
One of the biggest risks for FI is injury to the anal sphincters during vaginal delivery trauma. Even if a tear is repaired, damage to the bowel muscles and nerves can progress with time. As we age, our pelvic muscles weaken. Thus, bowel control problems can also occur later in life.
Other factors that increase your risk for FI include:
- Diabetes that is not in good control
- Gastrointestinal issues such as irritable bowel syndrome, hemorrhoids, rectal prolapse or anything that leads to diarrhea
- Radiation therapy to the pelvic area
- Nervous system disorders, such as multiple sclerosis, stroke, or spinal cord injury
- Certain medications or nutritional supplements
- Severe constipation