Fellowship-Trained Urogynecologist
Urogynecology & Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery
Green Bay, Wisconsin
✓ Medically reviewed March 2026
When Should I See a Specialist for Fecal Incontinence?
If accidental bowel leakage is affecting your daily life, activities, or emotional wellbeing, it’s time to see a specialist. Fecal incontinence affects 1 in 12 adults, yet most people wait years before seeking help — often because of embarrassment or the mistaken belief that nothing can be done. Effective treatments exist, and earlier evaluation generally leads to better outcomes.
Signs It’s Time to See a Specialist
- Leakage happens more than occasionally
- You wear pads or protective garments for bowel leakage
- You avoid social activities, travel, or exercise because of fear of accidents
- You plan your life around bathroom access
- Over-the-counter remedies aren’t providing adequate control
- You also have urinary incontinence or pelvic organ prolapse
The patients I wish I could reach sooner are the ones suffering in silence. By the time they come to see me, many have been dealing with this for years. I always tell them — I wish you’d come sooner, because we have so many ways to help.
What to Expect at Your First Visit
A specialist evaluation typically includes:
- Detailed history — frequency, severity, triggers, dietary habits, obstetric history
- Physical examination — assessment of pelvic floor and sphincter function
- Discussion of testing — if needed, to understand the cause
The visit is professional and matter-of-fact. Specialists see this condition every day.
Why a Urogynecologist?
Fecal incontinence frequently coexists with other pelvic floor conditions:
- Urinary incontinence — both can result from pelvic floor weakness
- Pelvic organ prolapse — rectocele can contribute to bowel symptoms
- Pelvic floor dysfunction — the same muscles control bladder and bowel
A urogynecologist can evaluate and treat all of these together, rather than addressing each in isolation.
Treatments Are Effective
Most women experience significant improvement with treatment. Options include:
- Dietary modifications
- Pelvic floor physical therapy and biofeedback
- Medications to regulate stool consistency
- Sacral neuromodulation for refractory cases
- Surgical sphincter repair when appropriate
Fecal incontinence is one of the most undertreated conditions I see. Not because we lack treatments — we have excellent options — but because people don’t come in. If this is affecting your life, please make the appointment. You deserve better.
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