Can bowel incontinence be helped by pelvic floor muscles exercises?
I sometimes find that I can't get to the toilet in time - usually after eating fruit, particularly kiwifruit. It usually happens the day after eating the fruit but when I realise I need to go to the toilet I have to go IMMEDIATELY!! Depending on where I am it can be a bit difficult.
I don't consider that I eat an excessive amount of fruit - usually two or three and I am reluctant to take kiwifruit out of my diet.
I wondered if tightening pelvic floor muscles would be some help?
Our expert answered:
Muscle-strengthening exercises (pelvic floor exercises) can be very helpful in treating bowel incontinence. Pelvic floor exercises are done by contracting the muscles of the anus, and then holding on for a slow count of five and then relax. Imagine you are trying not to pass gas. In order to see results you need to do a series of exercises 3 times per day for a period of 3 months.
Having said that, it is important to identify the underlying cause of your bowel incontinence for the treatment to be effective. Sometimes it can be as simple as changing diet or eliminating certain medications.
A thorough assessment with your doctor to determine the exact cause is recommended.
Some of the common causes of bowel incontinence could be related to:
• Damage or injury to the anal sphincter muscles or the nerves surrounding these muscles
• Anal surgery for another condition
• Certain medications
• Improper diet /irritant
• Radiation treatment to the lower pelvic region
• Conditions associated with chronic diarrhoea or constipation
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