Gaining control of bodily functions is a badge of honor for early childhood; losing control of your bowels is one of the indignities of old age. While losing control of your bowels is not a pleasant topic, it is a more common condition than you first might think. The reason why you might think you are one of the few who suffers from bowel leaking is that people don't like to talk about it. You may think that suffering in silence is better than talking to anyone including a doctor about bowel leakage, but you should not let such misplaced shame prevent you from receiving treatment that can help you to deal with the problem. 

Bulking up with Fiber

The causes of leaky bowels are many. For some people, the problem can be traced back to chronic diarrhea. If this is the case for you, you can deal with the problem by simply adopting a fiber-rich diet while at the same time incorporating probiotics. Doctors will start with the most conservative, non-invasive options possible before they will prescribe invasive procedures. Incorporating more fiber and probiotics into your diet is a small price to pay for better bowel health. 

Exercises

For some, the cause of accidental bowel leakage can be traced to an age-related weakening of the muscles along the pelvic floor. If this is true for you, you can talk to your doctor about Kegel exercises that can be used to strengthen these muscles and help you regain bowel control. While you can learn about such exercises online, knowing if they are the right option for your condition requires talking to a doctor. 

Advanced Procedures

For some people, the cause of leaky bowels is related to nerve or muscle damage related to childbirth, a prolapsed bowel, or hemorrhoids. If you suffer from one of these conditions, then you will definitely need medical help to correct the problem. While you may feel some shame or embarrassment when thinking about surgery to deal with a prolapsed bowel, you should not let that prevent you from receiving a treatment that can improve your quality of life. 

Losing control of your bowels can be the source of embarrassment, discomfort, and pain. The fear of losing control can prevent you from enjoying some of your favorite activities. There is no reason to let a problem that can be solved with medical treatment to control your life. If you suffer from accidental bowel leakage, do something about it sooner rather than later.