Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Suggest Treatment For Bowel Incontinence
Question: Hello - I was told by a GI doctor that I have a "weak internal spincter" and I wanted to ask what are the implications of this? I have some minor bowel incontinence when I run (which I do 3 miles a few times per week.. This is very upsetting. Is it going to get worse? I take probiotics and fiber and it still happens occasionally but even that is too often.. THanks very much!
Brief Answer:
It is responsible for bowel incontinence.
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Thank you for the query.
How did he check that? Have you had anal manometry test (special test to measure the pressure of this muscle).
Generally there are two muscles responsible for holding the stool and gas, external and internal sphincter. Internal is responsible for about 55% of the pressure in this area. If its weak, bowel incontinence can appear. You simple may have too weak muscle to hold gas and stool. Especially liquid stool.
Diet like fiber and probiotic has nothing to do with this muscle. Its a kind of mechanical part. You can not fix it with food.
And yes it can get worse with time. It all depends what is the reason of this condition. Sometimes it can be surgery in the lower abdomen, spine injury. In many cases the reason remains unknown.
Hope this will help. Feel free to ask further questions.
Regards.
It is responsible for bowel incontinence.
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Thank you for the query.
How did he check that? Have you had anal manometry test (special test to measure the pressure of this muscle).
Generally there are two muscles responsible for holding the stool and gas, external and internal sphincter. Internal is responsible for about 55% of the pressure in this area. If its weak, bowel incontinence can appear. You simple may have too weak muscle to hold gas and stool. Especially liquid stool.
Diet like fiber and probiotic has nothing to do with this muscle. Its a kind of mechanical part. You can not fix it with food.
And yes it can get worse with time. It all depends what is the reason of this condition. Sometimes it can be surgery in the lower abdomen, spine injury. In many cases the reason remains unknown.
Hope this will help. Feel free to ask further questions.
Regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
So nothing can be done? I have not had surgery or any other problem..
So your answer is not very hopeful at all.... This only happens to me once in a while, so there's nothing one can do to strengthen the muscle?
So your answer is not very hopeful at all.... This only happens to me once in a while, so there's nothing one can do to strengthen the muscle?
Brief Answer:
Without anal manometry you can not be treated correctly.
Detailed Answer:
First of all I have asked you if you have had "anal manometry". I can not help you much indeed having only piece of information.
Anal manometry test can tell if your "muscle weakness" is due to low muscle tissue, nerve problem or just wrong habits (when you are learned to control this muscle in a wrong way). The last reason can be treated with muscle training.
Nerve issue can be treated with electrostimulation.
Muscle tissue problem can be fixed with surgery.
As you can see there is a lot to be done. But first of all you should be diagnosed correctly.
Without anal manometry you can not be treated correctly.
Detailed Answer:
First of all I have asked you if you have had "anal manometry". I can not help you much indeed having only piece of information.
Anal manometry test can tell if your "muscle weakness" is due to low muscle tissue, nerve problem or just wrong habits (when you are learned to control this muscle in a wrong way). The last reason can be treated with muscle training.
Nerve issue can be treated with electrostimulation.
Muscle tissue problem can be fixed with surgery.
As you can see there is a lot to be done. But first of all you should be diagnosed correctly.
Note: Revert back with your health reports to get further guidance on your gastric problems. Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
