Will fecal incontinence heal on its own?

Written by Chen Tian Jing
Colorectal Surgery
Updated on May 23, 2025
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The causes of fecal incontinence in the anal region are primarily considered to be due to local organic lesions, or disturbances in nerve control, which can also lead to incontinence. If fecal incontinence is caused by either of these two reasons, it generally will not heal on its own. Severe diarrhea or acute intestinal infections can also cause fecal incontinence due to an increased frequency of bowel movements and acute inflammatory edema of the local intestinal mucosa. This can be alleviated by taking oral anti-inflammatory and anti-diarrheal medications. If the incontinence is caused by excessive relaxation of the anal sphincter, surgical treatment can be considered. If it is due to other neurogenic changes, active treatment of the primary disease is needed.

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Written by Chen Feng
Urology
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How to care for incontinence-associated dermatitis

The care for incontinence-associated dermatitis primarily involves keeping the affected skin clean and dry. It is important to avoid skin contact with urine as much as possible. If the skin does come into contact with urine, it should be washed promptly and kept clean and dry. If there is itching or discomfort at the site of the dermatitis, topical corticosteroid ointments may be used to alleviate the itching. Some patients might also develop infections, typically bacterial, which can be managed with antibiotics. For patients with recurrent dermatitis, considering bladder fistulation or other treatment methods might be necessary to prevent skin contact with urine.

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Written by Zhao Li Li
Obstetrics
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What should be done about postpartum urinary incontinence in women?

Generally, women are prone to urinary incontinence after childbirth. Normally, due to the significant increase in uterine pressure during childbirth, which compresses the bladder, or damage to the anterior vaginal wall, postpartum urinary incontinence can occur. If urinary incontinence is confirmed, it is still necessary to observe temporarily. Postpartum urinary incontinence can generally last three to six months, and the bladder will recover to its pre-pregnancy state. During this period, it is best to wear thicker clothes and trousers, use a pad, and maintain cleanliness of the vulva. If the symptoms of urinary incontinence cannot be alleviated, it is still necessary to perform pelvic floor exercises or undergo symptomatic surgical treatment.

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Written by Zhang Lu
Obstetrics
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How to recover from postpartum urinary incontinence?

During the process of natural childbirth, the presenting part of the fetus significantly compresses the woman's pelvic floor, causing conditions such as uterine prolapse and bladder prolapse. Postpartum, many women experience urinary incontinence. Postpartum urinary incontinence can be alleviated through the following methods. First, one can perform Kegel exercises independently. Kegel exercises, a set of movements that contract the pelvic floor muscles, are quite effective in treating mild urinary incontinence. Second, if the urinary incontinence is more pronounced, it is advisable to undergo assisted treatment at a hospital, mainly involving electrical stimulation. This can stimulate the local pelvic floor muscles, promoting recovery and alleviating symptoms of urinary incontinence. Third, if the symptoms are very severe and conservative treatment is ineffective, pelvic floor functional repair surgery should be considered.

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Written by Wang Shuai
Urology
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Stress urinary incontinence clinical manifestations

The primary clinical manifestation of stress urinary incontinence is the leakage of urine from the urethra when sudden increases in intra-abdominal pressure occur, such as laughing, sneezing, or coughing. This condition is commonly seen in women who have given birth. It is mainly caused by the relaxation of the urethral sphincter and pelvic floor muscles after childbirth. The more childbirths a woman has, the higher the frequency of stress urinary incontinence. For mild symptoms, improvement can be achieved through pelvic floor muscle exercises. If necessary, medications such as Midodrine Hydrochloride tablets can be taken orally. For severe symptoms, surgery is recommended. (Medication should be used under the guidance of a doctor based on specific circumstances.)

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Written by Liu Hong Mei
Neurology
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What causes sudden fainting and incontinence?

Sudden fainting accompanied by incontinence can be due to neurogenic syncope, cardiogenic syncope, or vasovagal syncope. Neurogenic syncope generally refers to sudden fainting caused by conditions such as cerebral arteriosclerosis, cerebral vascular narrowing, cerebral vascular occlusion, transient cerebral ischemia, insufficient blood supply from the vertebrobasilar arteries, cerebral embolism, cerebral hemorrhage, intracranial space-occupying lesions, or cerebral vascular malformations, which can lead to incontinence and, in severe cases, convulsions. Cardiogenic syncope is generally caused by myocardial ischemia, myocardial infarction, arrhythmia, or heart failure, leading to a decrease in cardiac output and resulting secondary cerebral ischemia and hypoxia, which cause loss of consciousness.