What is Fecal Incontinence?

Fecal incontinence is the inability to control bowel movements, causing unexpected leakage of either liquid or solid stool from the rectum. If you’re struggling with fecal incontinence, you don’t need to suffer in silence. The physicians and advanced practitioners at Urogynecology of Kansas City, offers innovative treatment solutions. Find out more by booking an evaluation today.

What is Fecal Incontinence?

Fecal Incontinence, also known as Accidental bowel leakage (ABL), is the loss of normal control of the bowels, leading to leakage of solid or liquid stool or gas. About 8 out of every 100 women struggle with ABL. The number of women affected increases with age. And, researchers think that in reality, the total number of women is likely much higher, but many are too embarrassed to seek treatment.

Causes of Fecal Incontinence

There are many causes of accidental bowel leakage, including injury caused during childbirth, damage to the anal sphincter or nerves, pelvic organ prolapse, fistula, medical problems and abnormal stool consistency.

Childbirth Injury

Pregnancy can increase the risk of accidental bowel leakage. It is more common in women who deliver vaginally than women who have a C-section. However, research also suggests that just carrying a pregnancy can increase your risk of these changes as well.

Delivering a large baby vaginally, especially if forceps are used, poses more risk than having a smaller baby. An episiotomy or significant tear of the tissues around the vagina and rectum can result in damage to the nerves, muscles, and tissues around the rectal canal. This can result in a tear of the anal sphincter muscles that help to hold in stool, but also some of the surrounding tissues that are important as well.

Anal Sphincter Injury

There are two main circular muscles, or sphincters, that help to hold in stool near the anal opening. During vaginal childbirth, the anal sphincter muscles can be damaged or torn. These muscles allow us to control bowel movements. It is estimated that as many as 40% of women experience muscle injuries in this area during childbirth. Some of these tears are recognized and repaired, but some are hidden. Injury is more common after episiotomy or forceps delivery.

The anal sphincter muscles can also become weakened for other reasons, such as diabetes or neurologic conditions. They can also be damaged during other surgeries, such as surgery to fix an anal fissure or hemorrhoids. This can cause decreased strength resulting in problems controlling passage of bowel movements.

Ultrasound can help to detect these injuries. Depending on the extent of the injury and the length of time from when it occurred (for example, how long ago you delivered your baby), surgery can repair the damage. If the damage occurred in the past, surgery may not be able to help.

Nerve Injury

Injury to the anal sphincter nerves can cause decreased sensation and muscle strength, both of which can contribute to ABL. Vaginal delivery, chronic constipation, or illnesses that affect the nerves such as diabetes and spinal cord injury can result in nerve damage. For some women, nerve damage that occurs during vaginal delivery improves on its own one or two years after childbirth.

Prolapse

Several types of prolapse can affect bowel control.

Rectocele: A rectocele is a hernia of the bowel upward into the vaginal canal. It causes a vaginal bulge that can sometimes result in difficulty emptying the bowels.
Rectal prolapse: Rectal prolapse is a condition where the rectum slides out through the anal opening. This causes a bulge coming from the anus, not from the vagina. Distortion of the anal opening can result in damage to the sphincter muscles and bowel leakage.
Hemorrhoids: Hemorrhoids are caused by enlarged blood vessels near the anal opening. Sometimes they can cause small bulges near the anal opening. These can make it difficult to clean near the anus, resulting in seepage of bowel contents. There are many treatments for hemorrhoids, ranging from medicines to surgery to remove them. However, if hemorrhoids are removed, one out of every 10 women will end up with fecal incontinence.

Fistula

Abnormal openings or connections (tracts or tunnels) known as “fistulas” can develop between the bowel and vagina, or the bowel and the skin. Fistulas can occur:

After vaginal delivery or vaginal surgery. This is more likely if a large tear occurred during delivery but is still unusual.
Spontaneously as a result of diverticulitis or other bowel conditions, including Crohn’s disease.
In patients who have had radiation in the pelvis.

Abnormal Stool Consistency

Bowel movements with normal consistency are easiest to control. Ideally, stools should be like toothpaste. Abnormal stool consistency (either loose or hard stools) may contribute to ABL:

Diarrhea or loose bowel movements are more difficult to control. This can also increase the sensation of needing to pass stool, called fecal urgency.
Severe constipation. People who have significant problems passing stool can experience a hard lump of stool with diarrhea that develops around it.

Management Options

Schedule Consultation

Interested in learning more about Fecal Incontinence in Kansas City? Contact (913) 262-3000 today to schedule an appointment with Urogynecology of Kansas City. We look forward to offering compassionate treatment and excellent cosmetic plastic surgery solutions.

    Excellent4.7237 reviews
 4.7
 Excellent237 reviews
  Write a review 
 
 
 
   
 
 
       
   charnice burk 
 September 4, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Dr. Nosti is great! I felt very confident in his work. He has done 2 procedures for me and both have gone so smooth. He tells you what to expect and has a plan for those things. I would refer him to anyone having gynecological issues that they need surgery for. Thanks Dr. Nosti!!
  
 
      
   Deb Hundley 
 August 26, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. As a Provider in the region I self referred to Dr. Nosti for female pelvic organ prolapse and stress incontinence. From the time I walked in the door for my initial consult to my post-op surgical follow up the process has been seamless. Any hiccups were anticipated and a plan was in place prior. I’ve been nothing but happy with this process and my results.
  
 
      
   Kathryn Gonzalez 
 August 26, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Everyone is so professional and Dr. Nosti is incredible.  Surgery went well.  I feel more confident.
  
 
      
   Rose Hamilton 
 August 25, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. This place was amazing, I was treated kindly and softly, everything explained to me as we went, my options and things to help till my next appointment. The office itself is soft, clean, and quiet to help you feel more relaxed in an uncomfortable situation. Everyone was very friendly and respectful. I highly recommend this office. Dr Stork was very friendly, took her time, explained everything and presented my options, pros and cons for each and let me make the choice. She was light-hearted and helped me feel at ease.
  
 
      
   Elaine Smith 
 August 16, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Dr Nosti is wonderful, I would recommend him to any of my friends.  His office staff are kind, courteous and professional.  Highly recommend if you need urogynecology services!!
  
 
      
   Ashlee White 
 August 13, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I have dealt with IC and bladder pain for the last 3 years. Went to a urologist for years and tried anything he threw at me but after years of suffering and plenty of my own research (spiraling), I found Latasha online. She is the first provider that made me feel seen and heard and actually helped me feel better. Thank you, Latasha! ❤️
  
 
      
   Colleen Dublin 
 August 11, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Dr. Nosti and LaTasha are excellent practitioners. They are a busy practice but always have time to make you feel like you're the only patient. (I wouldn't recommend a practice that isn't busy... if it's not, the practitioners aren't any good). The staff is excellent, too. I'm a bit of an expert when judging urologists... I'm in my 50's and was born with a bladder condition. Needless to say, I've seen many urologists since childhood (I move around a lot).
  
 
      
   Jennifer Sada 
 August 2, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. This office is extremely clean and well organized. I never had to wait more than two minutes and the staff is very friendly and professional. I felt fully supported by Kellie James and Dr. Nosti at every step of the diagnosis and treatment.
  
 
      
   Lisa Kurz 
 July 20, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had the best experience with Dr. Nosti, he’s so caring and made me feel very comfortable. I’ve never felt better and my life is back to normal again! He is so wonderful and explained everything. I’m so happy I didn’t wait and his staff at his office and at the hospital were amazing!!
  
 
      
   Lynette Beebe 
 July 20, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I was struggling. Latasha Reed and Dr. Nosti were so helpful.  I can go places without accidents.