Bowel Dysfunction

Bowel dysfunction involves chronic difficulties with passing stool (constipation) or managing involuntary leakage ( fecal incontinence), often due to nerve or muscle issues. Symptoms include severe constipation, urgency, pain, bloating, and incontinence.

Constipation

Constipation is a common digestive condition characterized by infrequent, difficult, or painful bowel movements. While “normal” varies from person to person, constipation is typically defined as having fewer than three bowel movements per week or experiencing hard, dry stools that are difficult to pass.

Symptoms of constipation may include straining during bowel movements, hard or lumpy stools, a feeling of incomplete emptying, abdominal bloating, or discomfort.

Common causes

Low fiber intake
Inadequate fluid consumption
Lack of physical activity
Ignoring the urge to have a bowel movement
Certain medications
Hormonal changes (including pregnancy)
Stress or changes in routine

When to seek medical care

You should speak with one of our urologists if constipation is persistent, severe, accompanied by rectal bleeding, unexplained weight loss, severe abdominal pain, or a sudden change in bowel habits.

Fecal incontinence

Fecal incontinence is the loss of bowel control that leads to accidental leakage of stool. It can range from occasional leakage when passing gas to a complete inability to control bowel movements. Although it can feel embarrassing, it is a common and treatable condition.

Symptoms may include stool leakage, difficulty controlling gas, sudden urgency to have a bowel movement, or a feeling of incomplete control.

Common causes

Muscle damage (often related to childbirth or surgery)
Nerve damage affecting bowel sensation or control
Chronic constipation that stretches and weakens rectal muscles
Diarrhea, which is harder to control
Pelvic floor dysfunction
Rectal prolapse
Certain neurological conditions

When to seek medical care

You should consult with one of our urologists if symptoms are frequent, worsening, affecting daily life, or accompanied by rectal bleeding, unexplained weight loss, or severe abdominal pain.

Treatment depends on the cause and may include dietary changes, fiber management, medications, pelvic floor physical therapy, biofeedback, or, in some cases, minimally invasive procedures or surgery.