Bathroom accidents can happen when:
You pass gasYou have an urgent bowel movementConstipation results in loose stool that leaks around the hard stool
Experiencing incontinence of this sort can be very upsetting, but there are steps you can take to address this problem head-on.
Tell Your Healthcare Provider
It is estimated that between 70% and 90% of people who experience fecal incontinence don’t tell their healthcare providers about it, most likely due to feelings of shame and the stigma attached to this perceived loss of control. Don’t make this mistake.
It’s essential that you tell your healthcare provider about your soiling problem to ensure that the underlying cause of the incontinence is accurately pinpointed and treated.
Health conditions that can lead to incontinence include:
Diarrhea Constipation Stroke or another neurological disease Diabetes Inflammatory bowel disease Infections Spinal lesions Pelvic floor dysfunction (difficulty with coordination of pelvic muscles that control bowel movements) Trauma secondary to childbirth
Be Prepared
A good rule of thumb for coping with recurrent fecal incontinence is to hope for the best but be prepared for the worst. For example, you can pack a small survival kit that contains personal cleaning products, adult sanitary products, and a change of clothes.
Also, scout out the location of available public restrooms before leaving home or when you first arrive at a new place. If you’re meeting people somewhere, you may want to arrive early so you can do this discreetly.
Watch What You Eat
The foods you eat and drink can affect both the frequency and consistency of your stools. So, to prevent fecal soiling, you will want to avoid anything that would increase the speed of your bowel movements and cause diarrhea.
This includes:
Large meals Caffeine from coffee, tea, chocolate, some soft drinks Fried or fatty foods Alcohol Dairy products, if you have lactose intolerance Sorbitol and fructose
Increasing your intake of soluble fiber may be helpful, but be sure to add it slowly to reduce the chance of unpleasant side effects, including gas, bloating, and diarrhea.
Take Care of Your Skin
If you’re experiencing fecal incontinence, you may also have significant irritation of the skin surrounding the anus.
To help reduce the discomfort:
Wash the area with soap or an alcohol-free flushable wipe Treat the area with talcum powder or ask your healthcare provider about an appropriate ointment Make sure to wear cotton undergarments to help the area stay dry Take a sitz bath
What Not to Do
You may be doing things that inadvertently add to the problem.
Make sure to avoid:
Squeezing: Fear of an accident can make you tense the muscles around your rectum, which can cause muscle fatigue, weakness, pain, and cramping. That can contribute to sphincter dysfunction and incontinence. Starving yourself: You’ll continue passing stool even if you don’t eat, as your body has to pass saliva, stomach acid, bile, and by-products of gut bacteria. Instead, encourage healthy gut function by eating small, frequent meals. Restricting your activities: It’s understandable to stay home for fear of a soiling accident, but this can lead to social isolation and depression. Being prepared can help you continue doing the things you enjoy.
