Information for the public
Next steps: specialised management
If the first steps in managing faecal incontinence don't help you, you may be referred to a specialist continence service. Here you will have the chance to discuss whether any of the following options may be suitable for you:
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pelvic floor muscle exercises (to improve the coordination and strength of the pelvic muscles)
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bowel retraining (education about how the bowel works, and training to modify bowel function)
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specialist dietary assessment and management
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biofeedback (this includes aspects of bowel retraining and also physical treatments to improve bowel and pelvic floor coordination)
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electrical stimulation (applying tiny, safe electric currents to the anus in order to improve coordination and strength)
If you opt for pelvic floor muscle exercises, a trained healthcare professional should plan a programme with you, including regular assessment of your symptoms to see how well the exercises are going.