Don’t shy away from discussing accidental bowel leakage with your Park City urogynecologist

It can be difficult to even think of talking about the problem of incontinence. Many women who struggle with stress urinary incontinence have a hard time bringing up the concerns they have about their vaginal health and quality of life. Accidental bowel leakage may be even more distressing. Park City area physician Dr. Sanjay Gandhi is a resource for women from Crystal Lake, Woodstock, and various Chicago suburbs. At Partners in Pelvic health, you can find the comfortable environment you need to openly tackle the problem of urinary or fecal incontinence.

Accidental loss of stool or gas is a more common problem than most people may imagine. In a recent study, approximately 19 percent of female participants reported experiencing at least one episode of accidental leakage. The numbers in this study were higher than previous studies. The good news is that you can know you are not alone in your concern for functionality and, as well, you are not alone to live with this concern.

Though the participants in the six-month study mentioned were women aged 45 and older, the problem of accidental bowel leakage is actually not reserved for older patients. Women of all ages report issues with chronic diarrhea and accidental leakage. This concern increases with age. The probable cause for bowel leakage in the older patient is atrophy of sphincter muscles in the anal and pelvic area. Additionally, women may suffer nerve damage in the pelvic floor as a result of childbirth, further exacerbating weakness.

There are numerous potential causes of urinary and fecal incontinence and just as many potential treatments. Health care providers and their patients understandably want to explore the most conservative protocols as the first line of care. It is important, however, to accurately identify the underlying cause in order to treat sufficiently. The team at Partners in Pelvic Health at North Shore Urogynecology understands that incontinence is a problem for which patients want fast solutions. We have the expertise and treatment options to achieve resolution in the most appropriate manner.

Each body is unique in its structure and response to internal and external factors. Incontinence is not a problem that you must live with. Dr. Sanjay Gandhi, through his three comfortable offices, provides excellent care to patients from Lake Forest, Woodstock, and various Chicago suburbs. Contact us today for your consultation.