3 Tips For Women Dealing with Bowel incontinence

Bowel incontinence, also known as fecal incontinence, is when one loses the ability to control their bowel movements. This can range from infrequent small bowel movements to full bowel movements that one has little to no ability to control. Depending on what is causing bowel incontinence one may or may not even feel the need to go. Living with bowel incontinence can be embarrassing for some but here we would like to provide a few tips on how to manage it.

Quality Incontinence Underwear & Briefs

Having a high quality product can make all the difference in how comfortably one can carry out their day to day activities while suffering from incontinence. For all levels of bowel incontinence odor control is important, and all products at InControl are designed to contain both bowel and urinary incontinence. For those starting out we consider trying our pull-on absorbent underwear such as the Felicity Super Absorbent Underwear which will provide protection while also feeling discreet like regular underwear.

If you require additional capacity and security a tab style diaper might be a better option for you. Feel confident with the InControl Essential one of our top incontinence products providing a premium feel and trim enough to be discreet for daily wear. No matter your individual needs, InControl has a solution available and our team is always happy to help with any questions on our products.

Keeping Proper Hygiene

Staying fresh and clean is important, especially for women. It is always a good idea to stay clear of and avoid any kind of personal hygiene products that contain scents and perfumes as it can affect the balance of healthy bacteria and cause irritation. InControl Diapers has a great line up of unscented skin care products that can be used on a daily basis.

If you are out and about for the day and need a clean up or just want a freshening up, the Abena Moist Skin Cleansing Wipes are great to have on hand. They are durable, moisturizing, unscented and safe for even the most sensitive skin. InControl Diapers also carries Cetaphil Sensitive Gentle Skin Cleanser and the Unscented Abena Zinc Ointment, two other fantastic products to leave you feeling refreshed and clean everyday.

Pelvic Floor Exercises

Healthy bowels rely on the proper function of one’s pelvic muscles. This includes one’s anal sphincter muscles, rectum, and nervous system. Pelvic floor exercises, also known as kegel exercises, are when you tighten and relax the pelvic floor muscles multiple times a day. When done properly they can go a long way towards improving one’s pelvic muscles and rectum. It is very important to speak with a healthcare professional to ensure that you are doing the correct exercises and that they are being done both properly and safely.

Diet Changes

If the cause of bowel incontinence is unknown then the possibility exists that it is diet related. Keeping a food diary and showing it to one’s healthcare professional could allow them to recommend dietary changes that might have a positive effect on the way one’s bowels move.

Things that can be recorded include:

• What you are eating/drinking
• When you are eating/drinking
• How much of each food and drink you are consuming
• When your symptoms start to show, how long after eating/drinking
• Are you having diarrhea or constipation? Cramps?

Keeping a detailed list can really help a doctor pinpoint what in one’s diet might be worsening symptoms of incontinence.

Other then the three suggestions listed above, a variety of other options exist such as:

• Over-the-counter medicines/Prescription medicines
• Bowel training
• Sacral nerve stimulation
• Nonabsorbable bulking agents
• Vaginal balloons
• Biofeedback therapy

All of these options should be explored and discussed with a healthcare professional.

Remember, bowel incontinence is not something to be ashamed of. You are not alone. There are many support groups available online and in your local communities filled with people who are experiencing this too. Being able to talk to others and reading or hearing the stories of others may help one come to be more comfortable with their bowel incontinence.