Fecal Incontinence, stool, rectum, bowel, muscle, cause and treatment by Ray Sahelian, M.D.

Fecal incontinence is prevalent among U.S. women, especially those in older age groups, those who have had numerous babies, women whose deliveries were assisted by forceps or vacuum devices, and those who have had a hysterectomy.  Many women who have fecal incontinence also have another medical condition, such as major depression or diabetes, and often experienced urinary incontinence in addition to fecal incontinence. See also urinary Incontinence.

Fecal Incontinence Treatment
Treatment for mild fecal incontinence can range from increasing water intake, changes in diet and exercise, to medications that improve the formation of stools, fiber products such as psyllium, to surgery that repairs the sphincter muscles. In some cases, an artificial bowel sphincter can be implanted under the skin to mimic the natural function of the anal sphincter. Biofeedback – which involves daily exercises to improve the strength of muscles used to hold back a bowel movement – also is an option for some patients. Fecal incontinence product.

Fecal Incontinence Cause
Fecal Incontinence can occur after damage to the anal sphincter muscles or scarring to the rectum, causing it to be unable to hold stool. Ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease and some other conditions can cause this scarring to occur. Another contributing factor can be the stretching of the nerves that supply the sphincters, called the pudendal nerves, which can occur with childbirth, old age, trauma, or with medical diseases that affect the nerves, such as diabetes. Without intact nerves to stimulate the sphincters, the sphincters may undergo atrophy. Because of the nature of the condition, people who have fecal incontinence often do not discuss it with their doctors.

Fecal matter definition
Fecal matter is defined as a solid excretion product evacuated from the bowels.

Fecal impaction
Fecal impaction is a mass of dry, hard stool that can't be eliminated by a normal bowel movement. It often follows an extended period of constipation.

Fecal Coliform
These bacteria are found in the feces of humans and other warm-blooded animals. These bacteria can enter rivers through direct discharge from mammals and birds, from agricultural and storm runoff carrying wastes from birds and mammals, and from human sewage discharge into the water.

Fecal occult blood test
A fecal occult blood test detects blood in the stool by placing a small sample of stool on a chemically treated card, pad, or wipe; then a chemical developer solution is put on top of the sample. If the card, pad, or cloth turns blue, there is blood in the stool.