If you suffer from fecal incontinence, you know that you will do anything to prevent leaks from happening. Fortunately, there are many products on the market that can do just that. We’ve rounded up some of the most popular products for accidental bowel leakage to share with you here.
The Best Products For Accidental Bowel Leakage
Supplements.
Fiber supplements may be a good first step to try if you are experiencing loose stools, as they bulk up the consistency of your stool and make it less liquid. Good sources of fiber are found in lots of foods such as split peas, many types of beans, and berries. Fiber supplements can also help, and can be found in many health food stores. Look for products that contain psyllium or methylcellulose.
Anti-diarrhea Medication.
Products like Immodium or Pepto-Bismol can really help people who deal with the occasional loose stools. However, it’s important to not use products like these for more than a couple of days
Anti-Constipation Medication.
While most cases of constipation can be fixed by incorporating a healthier diet and maintaining proper fluid intake (8 cups of water a day is the norm), sometimes you may need a little help to get things moving. Most of the medications available, such as Amitiza® and Miralax® work by drawing extra water to the stool to make it softer and easier to pass. As with anti-diarrhea medication, these products usually should not be used for extended periods of time.
ABL Specific Absorbent Products.
Absorbents for urinary incontinence get a lot of attention, but did you know that there are specific products just for fecal incontinence? Butterfly body liners are designed for light leakage and are unique in that they fit discreetly in between the buttocks. Other super absorbent products from common names like Tena, Poise and Reassure also work well for bowel leakage.
Skin protection.
If you suffer from any type of incontinence, it is important to take care of your skin. Barrier creams and ointments to protect and treat the skin from rashes or infection can be found online and in local drugstores.
Collection Symptoms.
For those with heavier leakage, there are multiple options ranging from bags adhered directly to the skin to catheters and tubes attached to a collection bag.
Vaginal Inserts.
Eclipse™, which is fitted first by a physician, is an inflatable balloon device that is inserted into the vagina. When inflated, the balloon puts pressure through the vaginal wall onto the rectal area, thereby reducing the number of FI episodes.
Rectal Inserts.
The Renew® Insert is a new product designed to comfortably fit with your body to form a seal with the rectum, which blocks the anal passage and prevents leaks from occurring.
Have you tried any other products not listed above? Tell us about them in the comments!
4 Responses
I have been under extreme stress and have IBS. Although I don’t have bowel movements, I occasionally notice a “smudge” in my underwear. It’s frustrating and I feel unclean. I also have hemorrhoid’s and am 70. I’m afraid to wear many of my clothes, and stick to dark colours.
I have been suffering for years and still haven’t found help. Seeing Nancy’s comment may be a step in the right direction for me. I had Pelvic Radiation when I was 28, 30 years ago. I have had fecal incontinence for a very long time. It is devasting to live with, although I have managed to know my triggers and prepare for accidents. But just when I think I have it figured out it happens again. The older I got the worse it got. Now just being diagnosed with IBS-D, is presenting even more of a challenge. I will certainly bring this up to my doctor.
I have no bladder or bowel control from an injury in a car accident. I wear adult briefs full time for five years and self manage supplies and changes. It’s been very hard to deal with the bowel part even with a bowel program. I sometimes have a bm while out and while at work and need to wear plastic pants all the time even in the heat to make sure the odor doesn’t get out before I can change at home – either tub or laying with wipes and paper towels. Two brands have been a godsend – wellness superio and confidry 24/7.Also, wear gary active briefs on top.
yes, depending on the cause, if it is specifically nerve damage from pelvic radiation, there is a neurostimulator implant that can reverse this problem. Talk to a rectal-colon specialist about this procedure. If they do not know about it – check with UCSF and ask about this procedure using the Medtronic devise.