Ryan Stewart, DO
Fellowship-Trained Urogynecologist
Urogynecology & Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery
Green Bay, Wisconsin
✓ Medically reviewed March 2026

What Is Biofeedback for Fecal Incontinence?

Biofeedback is a non-invasive therapy that helps you retrain your pelvic floor muscles for better bowel control. Using real-time visual or auditory feedback from sensors, you learn to strengthen and coordinate the muscles that prevent accidental bowel leakage. It’s one of the most effective first-line treatments for fecal incontinence.

How It Works

During a biofeedback session:

1. A small sensor is placed to measure pelvic floor muscle activity
2. A screen displays your muscle contractions in real time
3. A trained therapist coaches you to improve strength, timing, and endurance
4. You practice squeezing and relaxing with visual guidance

Many women with fecal incontinence have the muscles — they’ve just lost the coordination. Biofeedback helps reconnect the brain-muscle pathway so you can respond to rectal signals before it’s too late.

What Makes It Effective

Biofeedback addresses several aspects of bowel control:

• Muscle strength — building stronger sphincter contractions
• Sensory awareness — recognizing the urge to have a bowel movement earlier
• Coordination — timing muscle contractions properly
• Endurance — maintaining contractions long enough to reach the bathroom

Who Benefits Most

Biofeedback works best for women who:

• Have mild to moderate fecal incontinence
• Are motivated to practice exercises at home between sessions
• Have some residual muscle function (most women do)
• Want to try non-surgical options first

Results

• 60-80% of patients experience meaningful improvement
• Benefits are often long-lasting when home exercises continue
• No side effects or risks
• Can be combined with other treatments

I recommend biofeedback to nearly every patient with fecal incontinence as a starting point. It’s effective, it has no downside, and the skills you learn are yours to keep. Even if you eventually need additional treatment, biofeedback gives you a stronger foundation.

← Learn more about Fecal Incontinence

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many biofeedback sessions will I need?

Most treatment protocols involve 4-6 sessions over several weeks. Many women notice improvement within the first few sessions. The skills you learn continue to benefit you long after treatment ends.

Is biofeedback painful?

No. Biofeedback is completely non-invasive and painless. A small sensor provides real-time feedback about your muscle activity. Most women find the sessions comfortable and even empowering.

Does insurance cover biofeedback for fecal incontinence?

Most insurance plans cover biofeedback for fecal incontinence when prescribed by a physician. It is considered a first-line treatment and is well-supported by clinical evidence.