Bowel Incontinence Treatment in Portland, OR
Bowel incontinence, also known as fecal incontinence, is a condition that can significantly impact your quality of life. It involves the inability to control bowel movements, leading to unexpected leakage or accidents. At the Northwest Center for Colorectal Health, located in Portland, OR, our expert team of doctors — Dr. Scott M. Browning, Dr. Jeffrey V. Manchio, and Dr. Richard U. Kalu — specializes in diagnosing and treating bowel incontinence with compassionate care and advanced treatment options. If you’re struggling with this condition, we’re here to help you regain control and confidence.
How Does Bowel Incontinence Affect You?
Bowel incontinence occurs when the muscles or nerves that control bowel movements are weakened or damaged. This can result in difficulty holding stool until you reach a restroom. The condition can range from occasional leakage to a complete loss of bowel control. While it’s more common in older adults, bowel incontinence can affect people of all ages and can even be linked to other underlying medical conditions.
What Causes Bowel Incontinence?
There are several potential causes of bowel incontinence. Damage to the anal sphincter muscles is a common cause, often resulting from childbirth or surgery. Nerve damage can also play a role, particularly in individuals with conditions like diabetes, stroke, or spinal cord injuries. Chronic diarrhea or constipation may weaken the rectal muscles over time, contributing to the problem. Structural issues in the pelvic area, such as rectal prolapse, can also lead to bowel incontinence. Understanding the underlying cause is essential for effective treatment, which is why a thorough evaluation by a specialist is very important.
How Is Bowel Incontinence Treated?
At Northwest Center for Colorectal Health, we take a personalized approach to treating bowel incontinence. Our doctors begin with a comprehensive assessment, which may include a physical exam, imaging tests, and a review of your medical history. Based on the findings, we’ll develop a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. Treatment options are often as simple as dietary modifications, pelvic floor exercises, medications, or referral to a pelvic floor physical therapist. Advanced therapies like biofeedback may also be beneficial. In some cases, a colonoscopy may be recommended to identify medical causes of diarrhea or structural conditions such as colorectal cancer or diverticular disease.
For more severe cases, surgical intervention may be necessary. This could include the implantation of a sacral nerve stimulator (SNS) or surgical repair of damaged muscles and structural abnormalities. Our team is highly experienced in both non-surgical and surgical treatments, ensuring you receive the best possible care.
Why Early Treatment Matters
Bowel incontinence can be an embarrassing and isolating condition, but it’s important to know that help is available. Seeking treatment early can improve your symptoms and prevent further complications. At Northwest Center for Colorectal Health, we’re committed to providing compassionate care in a supportive environment, helping you feel comfortable and confident throughout your treatment journey.