Treatments

Fecal Incontinence Treatments

The Northwestern Medicine staff is on the leading-edge of treatment innovation for functional bowel disorders like fecal incontinence. Our team has been integral in establishing and substantiating the effectiveness of multiple therapies. 

Treatment for fecal incontinence will depend on its cause and severity. Possible treatments include:

• Dietary changes: Additional fiber intake can help you manage diarrhea and constipation. 
• Increased fluid intake: Additional water and juices can ease constipation. 
• Exercise: Increased activity can help ease constipation. Kegel exercises can strengthen the sphincter muscles and pelvic floor for improved sphincter control.
• Medication: Medicines to control diarrhea and strengthen bowel control may help manage fecal incontinence.
• Staying on schedule: Trying to move your bowels at the same time each day can help you develop better control.
• Electrical stimulation: Implants that stimulate damaged nerves may give you better muscle control of your bowel. 
• Hyaluronic acid/dextronomer bead (Solesta®) gel injections for fecal incontinence: These injections may help to tighten the anal sphincter muscle. 
• Surgery: In rare cases, surgery is needed to repair damage to muscles or nerves.