Fecal Incontinence Treatment Near Iron Mountain, MI
For women in Iron Mountain and the Upper Peninsula area dealing with accidental bowel leakage, expert care is available just 2 hours away in Green Bay. Dr. Ryan Stewart is a fellowship-trained urogynecologist in Green Bay offering comprehensive diagnosis and treatment for fecal incontinence and other pelvic floor conditions.
Understanding Fecal Incontinence
Fecal incontinence — also called accidental bowel leakage — is the involuntary loss of stool or gas. It’s far more common than most people realize, affecting about 1 in 10 women, yet it remains one of the most underreported medical conditions because of embarrassment.
Contributing factors include:
- Childbirth injury — damage to the anal sphincter muscles or nerves during vaginal delivery
- Nerve damage — from diabetes, spinal conditions, or surgical complications
- Muscle weakness — age-related decline in anal sphincter strength
- Chronic conditions — IBS, inflammatory bowel disease, or chronic diarrhea
Dr. Stewart explains: “I know this is one of the hardest conditions to talk about. I want you to know that accidental bowel leakage is far more common than you might think, and I treat it regularly. There’s no need for embarrassment in my office — only solutions.”
Learn more about fecal incontinence
Why See a Urogynecology Specialist?
While many healthcare providers can discuss fecal incontinence, a urogynecologist offers fellowship-trained specialization that general OB/GYNs and primary care providers typically cannot match. Depending on their background, urogynecologists complete either a 3-year fellowship after an OB/GYN residency or a 2-year fellowship after a urology residency, focused entirely on pelvic floor disorders — giving them the deepest expertise in conditions like fecal incontinence.
Dr. Stewart’s Approach
Dr. Stewart’s care philosophy centers on education and shared decision-making. The word “doctor” comes from the Latin docere — to teach — and this guides every patient interaction.
Dr. Stewart notes: “Fecal incontinence often coexists with other pelvic floor conditions, which is why seeing a urogynecologist makes sense. I can evaluate the whole picture and address everything together.”
Care Options for Iron Mountain Patients
Iron Mountain is approximately 2 hours from Dr. Stewart’s Green Bay practice. We understand that distance can be a barrier to specialist care, which is why we offer several options:
- Telehealth consultations — start your care from home with a virtual visit
- Coordinated in-person visits — when examination or procedures are needed, we help you plan efficiently
- Michigan insurance accepted — we work with most Michigan insurance plans
Treatment Options
Effective treatments are available:
- Dietary management — fiber supplementation, identifying trigger foods
- Pelvic floor physical therapy — strengthening the anal sphincter and pelvic floor muscles with biofeedback
- Medications — anti-diarrheal agents to firm stool consistency
- Sacral neuromodulation — an implanted device that regulates the nerves controlling bowel function
- Sphincter repair surgery — for women with documented sphincter injuries
The right approach depends on your specific situation, severity, and personal goals. Dr. Stewart will walk you through each option so you can make an informed decision together.
Schedule Your Appointment
2 hours from Iron Mountain, MI
Telehealth consultations available — start your care from home in Iron Mountain.
- No referral necessary
- Now accepting new patients
- Most Michigan insurance plans accepted, including Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Priority Health, and McLaren Health Plan.
- In-person and virtual appointments available