ANAL INCONTINENCE

ANAL INCONTINENCE

Anal incontinence is the accidental loss of feces (solid/liquid) or flatus (gas) incontinence. It can affect up to 24% of the population, this figure is likely higher because of under reporting which may be due to embarrassment or not knowing where to seek help from. Anal incontinence has a huge impact on relationships, social outings, sexual contact and is associated with poor mental health (depression, low self-confidence and stress)

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Vaginal delivery, and even more so 3rd or 4th degree tears have been shown to be major risk factors in developing anal incontinence postnatal. Neurological conditions are also associated with anal incontinence, this includes diabetes, multiple sclerosis, parkinson’s disease, stroke and spinal cord injury. 

TREATMENT 

Anal incontinence often coincides with other pelvic floor, pelvic or abdominal health problems, like constipation, prolapse or urinary incontinence. Treatment strategies will depend on type of anal incontinence (fecal, flatus, overflow, urgency, stress, passive or coital). The International consultation of Continence (ICI) recommend conservative options prior surgical intervention. This will often include education, counselling, lifestyle modifications, dietary interventions and pelvic floor manual therapy. Therefore our approach at Karen Crudden Pelvic Health Physio is an holistic approach, listening to your story, taking a detailed assessment which often involves a vaginal and rectal examination, to enable optimal patient management treatment options.