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Managing Faecal Incontinence: Tips for Daily Life

If you’re experiencing bowel incontinence, you may experience some road bumps in learning to manage it efficiently and comfortably. But with the right management techniques, you can continue to live a full, confident life.

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Managing Faecal Incontinence: Tips for Daily Life
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Life can present plenty of challenges as it is, so let’s take incontinence management off that list!

If you’re experiencing faecal incontinence, also known as bowel incontinence, you may experience some road bumps in learning to manage it efficiently and comfortable. But with the right management techniques, you can continue to live a full, confident life.


And we’re going to show you how, with our friendly tips to help manage your bowel control, adopt effective hygiene practices, and select the right incontinence products.


Keep reading to find out more.

Understanding Faecal Incontinence

Faecal incontinence occurs when you have less, or no, control over your bowel movements. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including muscle or nerve damage from surgery, childbirth, or health conditions like diabetes.


Knowing the cause is a great first step as it helps tailor the most effective management plan.

A Step-By-Step to Managing Faecal Incontinence

1. Seek Professional Advice

First things first, we recommend you seek help from your team of healthcare professionals regarding your incontinence. They can offer expert, personalised advice that takes your health and lifestyle into consideration.


Some suggestions or options they might give you include medication to help control bowel movements or surgical solutions for more severe cases.

2. Set Up a Routine

One of the best ways to help you manage bowel incontinence is by setting up a daily routine. This can include scheduling regular (and scheduled where possible!) trips to the bathroom throughout the day, which can help train your body to make that a habit.

Another part of your daily routine might include timing your meals and drinks to work in with your toileting schedule above. It’s also important to drink plenty of water at regular intervals throughout the day instead of just chugging a heap at one time. That might actually exacerbate your incontinence symptoms!

It’s also a good idea for you to keep a daily symptom diary to help monitor your stool and bowel movements!

3. Tailor Your Diet

What you eat and drink can significantly impact bowel incontinence. Eating consistently and monitoring your diet can help improve your bowel health and control.


Keeping a food diary, along with your symptom diary mentioned above, can help you understand how different foods interact with your body and affect your symptoms. This is super helpful information to share with your doctor and/or dietitian if you have one!


Generally speaking, it’s best to limit foods and drinks that might irritate your bowel, like alcohol, caffeine and spicy foods. Instead, try adding fibre-rich foods, like legumes, nuts, fruits and veggies, to help create bulkier stools that are easier to manage.

4. Strengthen Your Pelvic Floor

Strengthening your pelvic floor muscles through Kegel exercises may help you improve your bowel control.


These exercises help strengthen the muscles used to hold and release stool. A physical therapist specialising in pelvic health can offer guidance and create a personalised exercise regimen.


You can also view our pelvic floor video series, led by physiotherapist, Winnie Wu. However, we also recommend seeing a professional before embarking on your pelvic floor journey.

5. Use the Right Products

Navigating the world of incontinence products can seem overwhelming, but finding the right products, such as highly absorbent all-in-one slips or pull-ups and waterproof covers, can make a big difference in your confidence.


These products are designed to protect your clothing and bedding, reduce odours, and prevent skin irritation.


Our Dailee range
includes pull-up pants and slips that are perfect for active lifestyles, especially if you're managing faecal incontinence.


With odour-neutralising technology that lasts up to 12 hours, you can go about your day with confidence and peace of mind, knowing you're fully protected from leaks.

6. Maintain Good Hygiene

Good hygiene is essential when managing faecal incontinence. It helps prevent discomfort, and skin infections and keeps you feeling fresh.


After a leak or void, gently cleanse the area with mild soap and water or by using skin-friendly wipes. Make sure to apply barrier creams to protect your skin. It’s also smart to keep a small kit with hygiene supplies handy for quick changes on the go.


Don’t forget to responsibly dispose of your incontinence aids if needed.


Our RealCare Wipes handy to have. Designed with your skin's health in mind, these wipes are dermatologically tested, and have a fragrance-free formula. Infused with soothing aloe vera, chamomile, and vitamin E, these will keep your skin hydrated and refreshed.


Faecal incontinence can present its challenges, but with the right strategies, you can manage it effectively.


Remember, you're taking control by reading up on bowel control techniques, exploring incontinence products, and practising good hygiene.


Your journey is personal, and making these tailored choices will help you lead a happier, fuller life.

About the Author: Gabrielle Pamandanan

With over four years of experience creating engaging health and lifestyle articles and social media designs. Gabrielle is passionate about connecting audiences with meaningful content. Gabrielle aims to create a safe, inclusive and educational space for ConfidenceClub's community through each article she crafts.

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