Embarrassing rectal issue....does anyone know?

I've had an embarrassing issue and am not sure whether to bring it up with my PCP or urogyn. Lately, I've noticed that with my bowels, if I don't get to a bathroom immediately, I can't hold it in. I'm thinking it may be a muscle issue? Not sure what to think and any advice will be more than welcome....Thanks!

diverchick--

If it were me, I'd bring it up with my UroGYN first. UroGYN's are trained to deal with all matters dealing with the pelvic floor and the anal sphincter muscle qualifies for that.

Did you ever have an episiotomy or a tear through that muscle during childbirth or at any other time? Have you ever been chronically constipated? These things can cause damage to this muscle and those can contribute greatly to damage to the inner and outer anal sphincter muscles.

Another option, if it IS this, is to see a colorectal Dr. They are also trained and have equipment that even UroGYN's don't have to examine this muscle area.

The inability to control the loss of stool is called fecal incontinence and is awful and horribly embarassing. Ugh. Worse even than the other type of incontinence. I do have great sympathy for anyone in this situation. Been there and done that, truly.

Hope you find the help you need ASAP....

Thanks Orah....and yes to the tears (two out of four kids tore me through the rectal area) and yes to the constipation. I figure now I'll bring it up with my urogyn....which is frustrating because it seems like all these issues that I've avoided are coming back to bite me! Thanks so much for the advice...I just wasn't sure where to head with this one! Take care!

Diverchick,
I would make sure if you need surgery on your sphincter muscle that you see the very best doctor possible. I have also been then and done/doing that. It is very embarrassing to say the least. From what I have read the success rate of the first attempt at sphincter repair is very good. Unfortunately the subsequent ones don't have a very good success rate - get it done right the first time. Then make sure you don't get constipated or lift heavy things for the rest of your life, to make sure it holds. Please get an opinion from a colorectal surgeon - who knows, maybe you just need bio-feedback to get it working correctly. Hugs to you.