Internal Anal Sphincter: A ring of smooth muscle that remains contracted to keep the anus closed unless consciously relaxed

External Anal Sphincter: A ring of skeletal muscle that provides voluntary control over bowel movements

Pelvic Floor Muscles: A group of muscles that support the pelvic organs and help maintain continence

Rectum: The lower end of the colon that stores stool until a bowel movement occurs

Anal Canal: The short passage from the rectum to the outside of the body

Pudendal Nerve: Main nerve controlling the external sphincter

Pelvic Nerves: Provide sensation from the rectum and control internal sphincter

Spinal Cord: Carries signals between the bowel and brain

Brain: Processes signals and makes decisions about when to have a bowel movement

Urge Incontinence: When you feel the urge to have a bowel movement but cannot make it to the toilet in time

Passive Incontinence: When stool leaks without your awareness—usually due to nerve or muscle damage

Mixed Incontinence: Combination of both urge and passive incontinence

Grade 1: Occasional leakage of gas Grade 2: Occasional liquid stool leakage Grade 3: Frequent leakage of liquid stool Grade 4: Complete incontinence

Muscle Damage: From childbirth, surgery, or injury Nerve Damage: From childbirth, diabetes, neurological conditions Structural Issues: Rectal prolapse, hemorrhoids Functional Issues: Chronic diarrhea, IBD

Childbirth Injury: The most common cause in women. Vaginal deliveries, especially with forceps or large babies, can damage the anal sphincter muscles or the pudendal nerve.

Age-Related Changes: As we age, muscle strength decreases and nerve function declines, increasing incontinence risk.

Nerve Damage: Diabetes, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, spinal cord injuries, and stroke can affect the nerves controlling bowel function.

Chronic Diarrhea: Whether from IBS, IBD, infections, or other causes, frequent loose stools are harder to control.

Rectal Prolapse: When the rectum protrudes through the anus, it can damage sphincter function

Hemorrhoids: Large internal hemorrhoids can reduce the rectum's ability to sense stool

Previous Surgery: Bowel resections, hemorrhoidectomy, or other rectal surgeries can affect function

Radiation Therapy: Pelvic radiation can damage tissues and nerves

Medications: Some medications, especially laxatives or stool softeners, can contribute

• Gender: Women are at higher risk due to childbirth
• Age: Risk increases with age
• Family History: Some structural issues may be inherited
• Neurological Conditions: MS, Parkinson's, stroke

• Chronic Constipation: Can lead to nerve damage over time
• Chronic Diarrhea: Address underlying causes
• Obesity: Increases pressure on pelvic floor
• Smoking: May contribute to muscle weakness
• Lack of Exercise: Weakens pelvic floor muscles

Type of Leakage: Gas, mucus, liquid stool, or formed stool

Frequency: How often does it occur?

Triggers: What brings it on—coughing, exercise, urgency?

Awareness: Do you feel it coming, or is it unexpected?

Volume: Small spots or larger amounts

• Need to wear pads or protective underwear
• Avoiding activities
• Social isolation
• Impact on relationships and intimacy
• Skin irritation

• Urinary Incontinence: Often occurs alongside pelvic floor dysfunction
• Pelvic Organ Prolapse: Bladder, uterus, or rectal prolapse
• Chronic Constipation: Often coexists
• Diarrhea: May be the underlying cause
• Pelvic Pain: With some causes

• Sudden onset in previously continent person
• Progressive worsening
• Associated with other neurological symptoms
• Unexplained weight loss with new incontinence

At Healers Clinic Dubai, our comprehensive evaluation includes:

Detailed History:

• Onset and progression
• Frequency and severity
• Type of leakage
• Associated symptoms
• Medical history (childbirth, surgeries, conditions)
• Medications
• Impact on quality of life

Physical Examination:

• Digital rectal examination
• Assessment of sphincter tone
• Pelvic examination (women)
• Neurological assessment

First Visit (60-90 minutes): Detailed history, examination, diagnostic planning

Testing: Based on your presentation

Stool Studies: To check for infection or inflammation

Blood Tests: To check for anemia, thyroid function, diabetes

Anorectal Manometry: Tests sphincter muscle strength and reflexes

Endoanal Ultrasound: Images the sphincter muscles

MRI Pelvis: Assesses pelvic floor structures

Colonoscopy: To rule out structural causes

Muscle Damage: From childbirth or surgery

Nerve Damage: From diabetes, childbirth, or neurological conditions

Chronic Diarrhea: From IBS, IBD, or other causes

Rectal Prolapse: Structural issue requiring correction

• Colorectal cancer
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Neurological conditions
• Rectal polyps or hemorrhoids
• Infections

Bowel Training: Establishing regular bathroom routines

Dietary Modifications: Identifying and avoiding trigger foods

Pelvic Floor Exercises: Strengthening exercises (Kegels)

Anti-Diarrheals: Loperamide, diphenoxylate

Bulk Formers: To firm up stools

Muscle Stimulators: To improve sphincter function

Sphincter Repair: For muscle damage

Sacral Nerve Stimulation: For nerve-related incontinence

Colostomy: For severe, untreatable cases (last resort)

Selected based on complete symptom picture:

Aloe: For incontinence with hurrying to toilet

Arsenicum album: For incontinence with restlessness and anxiety

Phosphorus: For incontinence with weakness

Remedy selection is highly individualized.

Assessment: Evaluation of dosha balance

Diet: According to constitution and condition

Herbs: Supporting nerve and muscle function

Panchakarma: For chronic cases

Acupuncture: May help with nerve function

Biofeedback: To improve muscle awareness and control

Stress Management: To reduce urgency and anxiety

Identify Triggers: Keep a food diary

Fiber Balance: Enough to bulk stool, not so much that it causes constipation

Stay Hydrated: But limit fluids close to going out

Avoid Problem Foods: Caffeine, fatty foods, artificial sweeteners

Kegel Exercises: Contract pelvic floor muscles, hold 5-10 seconds, release, repeat 10-20 times, three times daily

Proper Technique: Don't bear down; squeeze and lift

Keep Clean: Gently clean after accidents

Use Barrier Creams: Protect skin

Wear Breathable Underwear: Cotton

Healthy Bowel Habits: Don't ignore the urge

Proper Lifting Technique: Avoid straining

Manage Chronic Conditions: Proper treatment of diabetes, constipation, diarrhea

Pelvic Floor Exercises: Especially during and after pregnancy

• Most patients improve significantly
• Pelvic floor therapy has excellent success rates
• Even severe cases often improve with comprehensive care

• Many achieve near-normal function
• Some may need ongoing management
• Our integrative approach supports lasting improvement

Q: Is fecal incontinence common? A: Yes, it's more common than people think, affecting 1-10% of adults.

Q: Can it be cured? A: Many cases improve significantly or resolve with treatment. Even if not cured, symptoms can usually be managed.

Q: Does it only affect elderly people? A: No, it affects people of all ages, including younger adults and even children.

Q: Is it just a normal part of aging? A: While age increases risk, it's not something you have to accept.

Q: What treatments work best? A: Treatment depends on cause but often includes pelvic floor therapy, dietary changes, and sometimes medication or surgery.

For personalized evaluation and treatment of fecal incontinence, schedule your consultation at Healers Clinic.

Healers Clinic

• Address: St. 15, Al Wasl Road, Jumeira 2, Dubai, UAE
• Phone: +971 56 274 1787
• Website: https://healers.clinic