Yes, accidental bowel leakage is more common than you may think.

Yes, accidental bowel leakage is more common than you may think.💩
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The biggest risk factors are age but many younger women deal with ABL as well. Other major risk factors are being overweight, bariatric surgery and complications during a vaginal childbirth.
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So what’s happening to cause this? Short answer, nerve or muscle damage. Any damage or excess pressure to the nerves that signals the need for a bowel movement or the muscles that control bowel movements can cause accidental bowel leakage (aka: fecal incontinence).

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As women’s health physical therapists, we see a significant percentage of postpartum women who deal with bowel leakage. We understand. It’s embarrassing…but it’s important to bring this up with your health care provider so that the best course of action can be discussed.
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Dealing with bowel leakage can greatly interrupt your social life, sexual health, exercise routine and just overall daily life. Women’s health physical therapists are trained to pin-point musculoskeletal dysfunctions and help you rehabilitate your muscles to prevent fecal leakage.👏