Treatment options for Bowel Control Disorder often depend on the cause and severity of the condition and usually progress from least invasive to more invasive depending on the specific case.


Dietary Changes

Food affects the consistency of stool and how quickly it passes through the digestive system. Adjustments to what is eaten and when may be helpful in the management of BCD.

  • Avoid gas producing foods (beans, cabbage, etc.)
  • Foods high in fat and large meals can trigger symptoms
  • Certain sweeteners, honey and also some fruits are poorly absorbed by the bowels
  • Avoid caffeine, fried foods, spicy foods and alcohol

Prescription Medications and Bowel Training

When chronic diarrhea is the cause of bowel incontinence, prescription medications such as antidiarrheal medications or bulk laxatives may help to create a more regular bowel movement pattern. This may allow enough control to conditioning the bowels to empty at a specific time of day.

Pelvic Floor Exercises And Biofeedback

  • Kegel exercises can strengthen the pelvic floor in females and help with bowel control
  • Biofeedback therapy uses a machine to let you know when you are squeezing the right muscles in order to strengthen them

Success with these treatments depends on what is causing your bowel control problem, the severity of the problem, and your motivation and ability to follow an exercise regimen.

Secca Therapy

Secca is an effective outpatient procedure for patients who prefer a less invasive option than surgery and have failed to respond to first-line therapies.

  • 60 minute procedure
  • Outpatient, no hospital stay
  • Return to normal activity in a few days
  • Having a Secca does not preclude any other treatment options

Injectable Bulking Agents

  • Bulking agents are injected into the wall of the anus with the goal of making the anal opening narrower

Invasive Surgery/Implants

There are various procedures involving invasive surgical repair or implants. 

  • Sphincteroplasty: Stitching the injured sphincter back together, the most common surgery for bowel control problems.
  • Artificial Anal Sphincter: Implanting an inflatable device for control of the sphincter beneath the skin
  • Electrical Nerve Stimulation: An implanted pacemaker-like device that connects to the nerves that operate your anus and rectum.
  • Bowel Diversion: Diverting the function of the bowel from the anus to an area outside the body via colostomy or ileostomy

Patients & Families » About Bowel Control Disorder » Treatment Options