Fecal Incontinence Specialists
Understanding Digestive Control and Bowel Health
Get an Annual Wellness Preventive Visit
What is Fecal Incontinence?
Fecal incontinence is the inability to fully control bowel movements, leading to accidental stool leakage. It ranges from mild, occasional leakage to frequent episodes. People often see fecal incontinence specialists when symptoms interfere with daily life or cause embarrassment. Causes include weakened pelvic muscles, nerve damage, digestive disorders, or age. Screenings help identify contributing factors.
Common Statistics Regarding Fecal Incontinence
These statistics demonstrate how common bowel control concerns can be. Visiting our fecal incontinence specialists for screening helps identify causes and potential solutions.
Fecal incontinence affects millions of adults in the United States.
Source: American Gastroenterological Association
The condition becomes more common with age, particularly after 65.
Women may experience higher rates due to pelvic floor changes.
Source: Medstar Health
Digestive disorders can increase the risk of bowel control problems.
Many individuals delay seeking help due to embarrassment or stigma.
Early medical evaluation can improve management outcomes.
Already a patient? Access the Patient Portal here.
Why Choose Townsen Physician Group
Digestive health is vital to overall well-being. Townsen Physician Group’s wellness screenings allow us to identify conditions affecting bowel control and encourage open discussion about symptoms. Patients seeking our fecal incontinence specialists need professional, reassuring guidance for these sensitive concerns. Providers can evaluate symptoms in a supportive environment, identifying potential digestive or muscular factors.
What to Expect During Your Screening Test
Townsen Physician Group’s screening evaluation focuses on identifying digestive, muscular, or nerve-related factors contributing to bowel control issues. Patients may experience the following steps:
Review of digestive health history and symptoms
Discussion of bowel movement patterns and lifestyle habits
Evaluation of pelvic muscle strength
Screening for nerve function related to bowel control
Assessment of dietary and digestive factors
Guidance on potential next steps for evaluation
Review of digestive health history and symptoms
Discussion of bowel movement patterns and lifestyle habits
Evaluation of pelvic muscle strength
Screening for nerve function related to bowel control
Assessment of dietary and digestive factors
Guidance on potential next steps for evaluation
Already a patient? Access the Patient Portal here.
Your Top Questions for Fecal Incontinence
What causes fecal incontinence?
Fecal incontinence can result from weakened anal sphincter muscles, nerve damage, chronic diarrhea, constipation, pelvic floor disorders, or rectal damage from surgery or childbirth. Conditions like diabetes, stroke, or aging may also affect bowel control.
Is fecal incontinence common?
Yes. Fecal incontinence affects millions of adults, though many people do not discuss it due to embarrassment. It is more common in older adults, people with chronic digestive conditions, and individuals who have had pelvic surgery or childbirth.
When should someone seek medical evaluation?
Medical evaluation is recommended if bowel leakage occurs frequently, worsens over time, or interferes with daily life. It is especially important if symptoms appear suddenly or are accompanied by pain, bleeding, or significant bowel changes.
Can pelvic muscle strength affect bowel control?
Yes. The pelvic floor muscles and anal sphincter help control bowel movements. Weak or damaged muscles can reduce control and lead to leakage. Pelvic floor exercises and targeted therapies may help strengthen these muscles.
Is the condition treatable?
Yes. Many treatment options are available, including dietary changes, medications, pelvic floor therapy, biofeedback, and minimally invasive procedures. A medical evaluation helps determine the underlying cause and the most effective treatment plan.
Already a patient? Access the Patient Portal here.
Protect Your Digestive Health With Confidence
Townsen Physician Group connects patients with experienced fecal incontinence specialists who diagnose and treat bowel control concerns with compassionate, personalized care. Our team focuses on identifying the underlying cause and providing effective treatment options to help improve comfort, confidence, and daily quality of life.
Already a patient? Access the Patient Portal here.
