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What is faecal incontinence?
Faecal incontinence in men is the inability to control bowel movements therefore causing stools (faeces) to leak involuntarily from the rectum (rear passage). Involuntary bowel movements are caused by weakness of the muscles around the anus (rear passage). The anus has internal and external muscles called the sphincter muscles which help control the movement of faeces out of the rectum. Due to the weakness in these muscles, the inability to control wind may also be a problem for those suffering from faecal incontinence. There are two main types of faecal incontinence in men:
- Faecal urge incontinence: Leakage of stools before you can get to the toilet
- Faecal urgency: Needing to go to the toilet quickly but minimal leaking of stools
Above: Improving abdominal and pelvic muscle control with assistance from a specialist physiotherapistWhat causes faecal incontinence?
There are a number of causes for faecal incontinence in men, the main ones include;
- Muscle imbalance and weakness around the anus
- Anxiety
- Neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s, spinal cord injury, stroke and multiple sclerosis
- Pelvic Floor and Abdominal muscle weakness
- Medication
- Trauma
- Surgery on the prostate surgery or other surgery to areas around the bladder
- Cancer or enlargement of the prostate
What symptoms will I have?
Symptoms that are usually present in men with faecal incontinence include;
- Lack of control over bowel movements
- Involuntary wind
- Urgancy to go to the toilet even when stool (faeces) leakage is minimal
- Leakage of stools (faeces) in large or small amounts before being able to get to the toilet
Physiotherapy for faecal incontinence
Physiotherapy utilises a number of treatment methods to treat faecal incontinence. The physiotherapists at Physio.co.uk will provide you will a thorough assessment and comprehensive physiotherapy programme that aims to reduce your symptoms by focusing on reaching goals that are personal to you. Physiotherapy treatment may include:
- Strengthening of sphincter and pelvic floor muscles
- Advice about lifestyle and diet changes
- Bladder charts
- Electrotherapy
- Biofeedback (to retrain your muscles)
- Positioning advice
- Advice on moving and handling techniques
- Cardiovascular activity
- Controlled breathing and relaxation exercises
Summary
Faecal incontinence is the inability to control bowel movements which causes the leakage of faeces out of the rectum (back passage). Faecal incontinence in men is caused primarily by weakness in the sphincter muscle. Physiotherapyis an effective method that helps reduce symptoms that is associated with faecal incontinence. The physiotherapists at Physio.co.uk offer a comprehensive assessment and a variety of treatment options that aim to reach your personal goals and optimise your recovery.
Please call Physio.co.uk today on 0330 088 7800 for further information or to book an appointment with us. You can alternatively book an appointment with us online using our online booking system.
