What is Fecal Incontinence?

Fecal incontinence is a condition that occurs when one is unable to control bowel movements, which results in unexpected stool leakage from the rectum. Fecal incontinence, otherwise known as bowel incontinence, can range in severity, such as an occasional stool leakage while passing gas or a complete loss of bowel control.

No matter how minor or severe this condition is, it can be embarrassing, uncomfortable, and can certainly impact one’s quality of life. Therefore, if you experience fecal incontinence, it is important that you schedule a consultation with an experienced gastroenterologist in Thousand Oaks. Our team will be able to provide you with the help you need and it is important that you seek help sooner rather than later. Unfortunately, many patients shy away from speaking about fecal incontinence with their doctor, but it is important for you to know that you are not alone and we can provide you with the effective treatment you need so you can get back to where you need to be, physically, emotionally, and mentally. 

Symptoms of Fecal Incontinence

Fecal incontinence may occur occasionally or it can be recurring or chronic in severe cases. For example, one may experience occasional fecal incontinence during a bout of diarrhea. However, in severe cases, one may experience fecal incontinence when they suddenly feel the urge to defecate but are unable to stop the urge and cannot make it to the toilet in time. In these types of cases, it is called urge incontinence.

In other cases, people are completely unaware of the need to defecate, and this is called passive incontinence. 

Other symptoms of fecal incontinence generally include:

• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Gas
• Bloating 

When to See a Doctor 

If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms of fecal incontinence, it is important to seek medical help from a Thousand Oaks gastroenterologist. People who experience these symptoms often suffer from emotional distress, ultimately affecting their quality of life, which is no way to live. Our team is here to help provide you with the proper treatment you need to get back to where you need to be. The sooner you reach out to our team, the sooner we can help. Contact our team to schedule a consultation at the Gastroenterology Center of Thousand Oaks!