Fecal Or Urinary Incontinence Specialist

What is fecal or urinary incontinence?

Fecal and urinary incontinence are symptoms of underlying health conditions. 

Fecal incontinence

Fecal incontinence is the accidental loss of stool. That includes the leaking of solid or liquid stool or mucus. You have fecal incontinence whether you lose a small amount of stool or a large amount of stool.

However, the severity of the fecal incontinence depends on the cause. You may temporarily lose control over your bowels if you have an acute gastrointestinal infection.

Urinary incontinence

Urinary incontinence is the accidental loss of urine. You may lose a tiny amount of urine when you sneeze or the full contents of your bladder. Like fecal incontinence, the severity may depend on the cause.

What causes fecal or urinary incontinence?

There are many conditions that may lead to fecal or urinary incontinence. Common causes include:

• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• Constipation
• Pelvic floor disorders 
• Rectal prolapse 
• Hemorrhoids
• Enlarged prostate
• Infection ― urinary tract infection (UTI) or gastrointestinal infection
• Menopause
• Nerve damage
• Diverticulitis

Fecal and urinary incontinence may develop at any age. However, your risk increases as you get older. 

If you have concerns about fecal or urinary incontinence, schedule a consultation at the Colon and Rectal Clinic of Tampa Bay. 

What happens during a fecal or urinary incontinence evaluation?

Dr. Santiago conducts a thorough examination when you come in looking for help with fecal or urinary incontinence. She reviews your symptoms and medical history and performs a physical exam. 

She may also perform diagnostic tests to better understand the cause of your incontinence. Testing might include:

Anal manometery

An anal manometry assesses the function of the anal and rectal sphincter muscles. 

Endorectal ultrasound 

An endorectal ultrasound is an imaging test Dr. Santiago performs to evaluate the anus and rectum. 

Urodynamics

Urodynamics include a number of tests that assess the function of the urinary system, including the bladder. 

How is fecal or urinary incontinence treated?

Dr. Santiago customizes your fecal or urinary incontinence treatment plan based on the underlying cause and the severity of your symptoms. Though a skilled colorectal surgeon, Dr. Santiago offers non-surgical treatments for incontinence, such as biofeedback and pelvic floor therapy. 

She may also recommend implantation of a sacral nerve stimulator, which delivers mild electrical impulses to your sacral nerve to improve control over your bladder and bowel.

When necessary, Dr. Santiago performs colorectal surgery to treat fecal or urinary incontinence. She uses robotic colorectal surgery when feasible to reduce surgical incisions, pain, and recovery time.

For help with your fecal or urinary incontinence, call the Colon and Rectal Clinic of Tampa Bay or schedule an appointment online today.