Edit Content
Search
[give_form id="19690"]

Ask The Doc: What’s The Best Treatment For Fecal Incontinence?

QUestion

What should be the first line of defense in the treatment for Fecal Incontinence?

Answer

My advice would always be to first talk with your doctor.  This may be an uncomfortable conversation to have, but it’s one worth having since your doctor is best equipped to diagnose and treat the condition.  However, if you’re just not ready to take that step yet, there are a few things you can do.

How To Treat Fecal Incontinence

Keep a bowel diary.

It may seem strange to track your bowel movements, but by tracking the time of your movements, what you were doing at the time, and what you eat during the day, you may be able to uncover some clues as to what is causing you to have frequent movements or accidents. Download a free bowel diary here.

Change up your diet.

Certain foods can be irritating to your bowel and by keeping a healthy diet you may be able to lessen some of your symptoms.  Try eating foods rich in fiber, which can help create bulkier stools and make them easier to control. Drink plenty of water to avoid constipation (which, contrary to what you might think, can also cause ABL since loose stools can push their way past hardened ones causing leakage.)

Develop a routine.

Take a look at your bowel diary and see if you notice a pattern in your bowel movements or accidents.  Try developing a voiding schedule to circumvent these episodes.

Exercise.

Getting in a good workout is always a good idea, but it can be especially helpful in keeping constipation under control. Exercising helps to move food through the large intestine more quickly, which can prevent it from becoming hard and dry (and harder to pass.)  And keeping the pelvic floor in shape with regular exercise and Kegel contractions can help control and reduce fecal incontinence.

WHAT’S THE BEST TREATMENT FOR FECAL INCONTINENCE?

If you don’t experience any improvement in your condition after making the above adjustments, it may be time to bite the bullet and speak with a doctor. Rest assured you won’t be the first one to share this type of problem with them and they will be able to point you in the direction of something that will work best for you.

Are you an expert in incontinence care? Would you like to join the NAFC expert panel? Contact us!

Comments

2 Responses

  1. I found your site while searching for women’s hypoallergenic ABL diapers. I never found anything specific to ABL protection for women.
    Does such a product exist and if so can you recommend one?
    I am under a doctor’s care but sometimes need protection.
    Thank you and I hope you can point me in the right direction.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Related Articles

Saving Money Blog

The Financial Impact of Incontinence: Costs You May Not See

Incontinence is often discussed in terms of symptoms and quality of life but for many people, it also brings a steady (and sometimes surprising) financial burden. Beyond the obvious cost of pads, protective underwear, and skin-care products, there can be added expenses from laundry, missed work, caregiving needs, and medical visits. The good news: understanding where the costs come from is the first step toward reducing them—and getting the right treatment can be a cost-saver, not just a health improvement.

Talking To doctor Blog article

Speaking Up About Incontinence

For many people living with bladder leaks, the hardest part isn’t the symptoms themselves.
It’s deciding to talk about them.
Bladder leaks can feel too small to mention, too embarrassing to explain, or not “serious enough” to justify a doctor’s visit. Many people quietly manage symptoms for years—adjusting their routines, limiting activities, and hoping things don’t get worse.
If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. And you’re not wrong for feeling this way.

NAFCIncontinenceByNumbers2026

Incontinence by the Numbers

How common it is, why it’s increasing, and what an aging population means for patients and families
Incontinence is often treated as something people should keep private — but the reality is that it’s extremely common, and it affects millions of Americans every day.
As our population ages, especially with Baby Boomers entering older adulthood, more people are living with bladder and bowel control problems. That means more patients seeking answers, more caregivers providing support, and greater impact on families and the healthcare system.
Understanding the numbers helps reduce stigma — and reminds people that they are not alone and help is available.

Saving Money Blog

The Financial Impact of Incontinence: Costs You May Not See

Incontinence is often discussed in terms of symptoms and quality of life but for many people, it also brings a steady (and sometimes surprising) financial burden. Beyond the obvious cost of pads, protective underwear, and skin-care products, there can be added expenses from laundry, missed work, caregiving needs, and medical visits. The good news: understanding where the costs come from is the first step toward reducing them—and getting the right treatment can be a cost-saver, not just a health improvement.

Get A Free EBook: 21 Ways To Manage Bladder Leaks!

Join Our Mailing List and Get a FREE EBook: 21 Ways To Manage Bladder Leaks!