Bowel Control Problems

Bowel control problems can be an embarrassing and upsetting problem to live with. Patients struggling with fecal incontinence may find that it is negatively affecting their quality of life. Patients with fecal incontinence are often seeking public restrooms at all times, have a change of clothes and clean-up supplies with them, and have to wear disposable underwear or incontinence products. Patients coping with bowel control problems are often uncomfortable and anxious in social situations.

Woman wake up for go to restroom

Patients with bowel control problems are encouraged to see Dr. Gandhi, an urogynecologist who can assist patients who are struggling with fecal urgency and incontinence. A series of tests can be done to determine the cause of the condition and help in deciding upon the best, most effective solution. Tests may include defecography, an MRI, anal ultrasound, anal manometry, colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, or anal electromyography (EMG).

Treatments for bowel control problems may vary depending on the severity of the condition. Some patients may see positive improvement in their fecal incontinence with a simple change in diet and nutrition. Eating more fiber can help, as can drinking more water to prevent constipation. Medications can help for patients dealing with constant diarrhea. These antidiarrheal medications can slow bowel movements and allow patients better control over the problem. Strengthening muscles of the pelvic floor is beneficial and can be done with pelvic floor exercises and biofeedback. In more extreme cases, surgery may be the only helpful option, and may include sphincteroplasty, an artificial anal sphincter, non-absorbable bulking agents, and bowel diversion.

Dr. Gandhi offers treatments for patients dealing with a number of bowel control issues, including irritable bowel syndrome, diarrhea, constipation, fecal incontinence, fecal urgency, and bloating. He offers a variety of treatment options to assist patients in restoring their quality of life, allowing them to reduce anxieties and fears of problems in public.

If you are struggling with bowel control problems and you are ready to find a solution, contact Dr. Gandhi today to schedule a consultation appointment and a thorough examination to learn more about the reason behind your condition and find an effective way to treat and reduce the condition.

Sanjay Gandhi, M.D.

Sanjay Gandhi, M.D.
Partners in Pelvic Health North Shore Urogynecology

Conditions affecting the female pelvis are the focus at Partners in Pelvic Health North Shore Urogynecology. We provide effective solutions for these problems from our offices at Park City, Woodstock, and Lake Forest in Illinois.

Our team is headed by Sanjay Gandhi, MD, Urogynecologist. Dr. Gandhi’s specialized education included a residency in gynecology and obstetrics at Northwestern University and a three-year urogynecology fellowship. He is among a few in the country to pass the first examination in Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery (URPS) of The American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology. He also teaches healthcare students.