BOWEL INCONTINENCE TREATMENT
Whether it’s a new challenge that surfaced after giving birth or a struggle you’ve quietly carried for years, bowel incontinence can feel isolating and discouraging. Yet it’s far more common than most of us realize, affecting women at all stages of life.
At Blair Mauri Pelvic Health, Blair’s approach to bowel incontinence treatment goes beyond surface-level fixes. She can guide you through a personalized, compassionate process that empowers you with knowledge, support, and evidence-based tools. Her mission is to create a space where your concerns are heard, your story matters, and your healing journey is as unique as you are. If you’re searching for answers and a way forward, you’re in the right place.
Bowel Incontinence: An Overview
Bowel incontinence (also known as fecal incontinence) refers to the unintentional loss of stool or gas, ranging from occasional mild leaks to complete loss of bowel control. Some people feel a strong urge to go but can't make it to the toilet in time, while others may pass stool or mucus without any awareness at all. You may also notice staining on your underwear or occasional leakage—signs that are often dismissed, but still worth addressing with an incontinence specialist.
If you’re experiencing these symptoms, know that your experience is valid. This is an issue that affects people from all walks of life, regardless of age or background. While it can feel isolating or even embarrassing, it's far more common than people realize. And more importantly, it’s treatable.
What Causes Bowel Incontinence?
Bowel incontinence has many different causes, and they’re not always obvious. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), it can stem from digestive disorders, injuries, nerve changes, or muscle weakness. Recognizing what’s contributing to your symptoms is key to choosing the right bowel incontinence treatment plan.
Here are some of the most common causes:
Pregnancy And Childbirth: Vaginal delivery, especially with large babies, forceps, or vacuum assistance, can impact the muscles and nerves involved in bowel control.
Chronic Constipation: Ongoing constipation can stretch and weaken the rectal muscles, sometimes leading to leakage of softer stool behind a blockage.
Diarrhea: Loose, frequent stools can be more difficult to hold, making accidents more likely.
Muscle Injury Or Weakness: Damage to the anal sphincters or pelvic floor (often from surgery, trauma, or aging) can reduce the ability to stay fully continent.
Nerve Damage: Nerve conditions and spinal cord injuries can interfere with the nerves that signal when you need to go.
Rectal Conditions: Hemorrhoids, rectal prolapse, or scarring from surgery can prevent the rectum from holding stool effectively.
Inactivity Or Frailty: In older adults, reduced mobility can lead to stool buildup in the rectum, increasing the risk of leakage.
Pelvic Floor Therapy For Bowel Incontinence
The emotional weight of bowel incontinence is real. By deepening your knowledge of how your body works, you can reclaim a sense of control and actively seek solutions that support your specific needs. There are a variety of bowel incontinence treatment options designed to strengthen, retrain, or support the muscles and nerves involved, empowering you to participate fully in the moments that matter most.
At Blair Mauri Pelvic Health, at-home pelvic floor therapy offers a holistic approach to managing symptoms. During her treatment sessions, she uses her expertise as a pelvic floor specialist to help you understand the “why” behind your symptoms. From there, she can offer practical, individualized bowel incontinence exercises to help you move forward.
Why Pelvic Floor Therapy Matters
The pelvic floor is a group of muscles that support the rectum, bladder, and other pelvic organs. These muscles also help control the anal sphincter, which plays a central role in maintaining bowel continence. When these muscles are weak, too tense, uncoordinated, or recovering from injury (which can happen after childbirth, surgery, or years of chronic constipation), it can lead to leaking or a reduced sensation and control.
Blair Mauri’s pelvic floor therapy in NYC focuses on retraining and strengthening these muscles in a way that’s tailored to your specific anatomy, symptoms, and goals.
What Pelvic Floor Therapy May Include
Blair’s treatment plan for you may include:
Pelvic Floor Exercises For Bowel Incontinence: An occupational therapist like Blair can help you build awareness of your pelvic floor muscles and guide you through gentle, targeted exercises to improve strength, coordination, and control. These movements are designed to support your body’s natural reflexes and build confidence in managing bowel urges and accidents.
Bowel Incontinence Home Remedies And Positioning Tips: Blair may recommend changes to toileting posture (such as elevating your feet with a stool) or help you establish a bathroom routine that aligns with your body’s rhythms. These small shifts can potentially improve evacuation and reduce urgency or leaks.
Improving awareness: reconnecting with your body's needs and functions is an important step in regaining bowel control. Body awareness tools and strategies should always be customized to your needs.
Behavioral And Dietary Support: If relevant, your therapy plan may also touch on fiber intake and hydration to support regular, formed stools. While Blair is not a dietitian, she may refer you to one or collaborate with other providers to ensure all contributing factors are addressed.
Education And Empowerment: A big part of Blair’s pelvic floor therapy involves helping you connect with your body and rebuild trust in how it functions. With Blair’s support, you’ll learn about techniques and tools you can safely continue using at home to stay supported between sessions.
Preparing For Your In-Home Pelvic Floor Evaluation
Taking the first step toward bowel incontinence treatment can feel vulnerable, but your evaluation is designed to feel anything but. At Blair Mauri Pelvic Health, this visit is meant to be collaborative, empowering, and rooted in compassion. You’ll be met exactly where you are, with support tailored to your goals and comfort level. Here’s how you can prepare for your in-home session:
Create A Comfortable Space: Choose a quiet, private area in your home where you feel safe and at ease. This could be a bedroom, living room, or any space that allows for movement and conversation. You don’t need special equipment; just a calm environment that supports your focus and well-being.
Dress For You: Wear loose, comfortable clothing that allows for gentle movement and makes you feel secure. You’re welcome to layer or adjust clothing as needed throughout the session. Your comfort is always Blair’s top priority.
Reflect On Your Experience: Before your session, it can be helpful to jot down any symptoms, bowel patterns, or concerns you've noticed, especially as they relate to your daily life. Bringing notes or questions to ask Blair is welcome and encouraged.
What To Expect During A Pelvic Floor Evaluation
Your pelvic floor evaluation with Blair is designed to be collaborative and supportive from the very beginning. The session starts with a review of your intake form, followed by a thoughtful conversation to expand on your medical history, current symptoms, and any goals or concerns you’d like to address. This is your time to be heard without judgment, and there’s no pressure to share anything you’re not ready to.
External And Internal Assessments (If You Choose)
If you decide to proceed with physical assessment, Blair will guide you through each step with care and your full consent. An external evaluation may include observing the movement of the perineum and gently palpating the surrounding tissues to assess sensation and muscular coordination. If you consent to an internal exam, Blair will use a single gloved and lubricated finger to evaluate the integrity, strength, and coordination of your pelvic floor muscles. Depending on your symptoms, this may be intravaginal, intrarectal, or both. This can help determine how your pelvic floor may be contributing to bowel incontinence.
These two assessments are always optional. You are in control at every step, and Blair will check in regularly throughout the process. You’re encouraged to pause or decline any part of the exam at any time—your comfort and agency come first.
A Holistic, Personalized Approach
As a pelvic floor specialist in NYC, Blair looks beyond just the muscles. Depending on your needs, the evaluation may also include assessing your breathing patterns, core coordination, posture, pelvic alignment, and bowel habits. You may also be asked to talk about factors like your home ergonomics, mental health, or any daily routines that might be impacting your symptoms.
Mapping Out Your Care Plan
This 60 to 90-minute session is about crafting a care plan that feels doable and empowering. You’ll have the opportunity to ask questions, reflect on what feels realistic for your daily life, and walk away with a clear sense of the next steps. Whether you're looking for compassionate pelvic floor therapy in Brooklyn or ongoing support at home, you’ll be met exactly where you are.
You don’t need to have all the answers going in, just a willingness to show up, ask questions, and trust that healing is possible. Your healing journey can start with curiosity and a therapist who’s in your corner.
However, please note that Blair primarily works with women who live in Brooklyn and lower Manhattan, inclduing: Brooklyn Heights, Park Slope, Cobble Hill, Tribeca, and Dumbo. Traveling anywhere beyond these areas in NYC may require an additional fee.
Discounted Pricing Options
For those looking to commit to their care while saving on sessions, Blair offers two discounted package options. Pelvic Floor Package 1 includes six treatment sessions at a 10% discount—regularly priced at $1,290, now available for $1,161 (save $129). Pelvic Floor Package 2 bundles your initial evaluation and five treatment sessions, also at a 10% discount—originally $1,374, now offered at $1,236.60 (save $137.40). These packages are designed to make consistent, high-quality care more accessible as you work toward lasting progress.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bowel Incontinence Treatment
What is bowel incontinence?
Bowel incontinence, also called fecal incontinence, is the accidental loss of stool or gas from the rectum. It can range from occasional leaking to a complete loss of bowel control. This condition affects people of all ages, though it’s more common among adults and those experiencing pelvic health changes, including postpartum women and elderly individuals.
What causes bowel incontinence?
Bowel incontinence can stem from a combination of factors. Common contributors include weakened pelvic floor muscles, nerve damage, childbirth injuries, chronic constipation, or medical conditions. Emotional stress and certain lifestyle habits may also play a role. Understanding the root cause is a key step toward finding the right treatment approach.
Can childbirth contribute to bowel incontinence?
Absolutely. Vaginal birth can stretch or injure the pelvic floor muscles and nerves, sometimes leading to bowel control issues. Even years later, some individuals may notice symptoms. The good news? With the right support and personalized therapy, many women see real improvement. Whether your symptoms are new or longstanding, it’s never too late to get help and feel more like yourself again.
What are common treatments for bowel incontinence?
Treatment is highly individualized and based on your symptoms and medical history. Options may include dietary adjustments, medications, or in some cases, surgical intervention. At Blair Mauri Pelvic Health, in-home pelvic floor therapy is tailored to help build strength, awareness, and coordination in your pelvic floor muscles, empowering you to feel more in control and supported in your daily life.
What lifestyle changes help manage bowel incontinence?
Simple daily shifts can often make a big difference. Increasing dietary fiber, maintaining a consistent bathroom routine, reducing stress, and practicing safe pelvic floor exercises (guided by a pelvic floor therapist like Blair Mauri) can all support better bowel control. Staying hydrated, avoiding trigger foods, and keeping a symptom journal are also helpful tools your therapist may incorporate into your care plan.
What should I discuss with my doctor about bowel incontinence?
Be as open and detailed as possible. Let your doctor know how often symptoms occur, what seems to trigger them, and how they’re affecting your quality of life. You can also ask about referrals for pelvic floor therapy. Many people don’t realize specialized care exists for bowel incontinence, and it can make a meaningful difference.
The following are some commonly treated symptoms,
reach out of you dont see yours listed!
birth prep (pelvic mobility, optimal fetal positioning, perineal massage, birth partner support, personalized recommendations on birthing positioning)birth recovery (cesarean or vaginal)bowel incontinence or urgencychanges in perineal sensationchronic constipationchronic hemorrhoids core dysfunctiondiastasis recti AKA abdominal separationergonomic assessment during pregnancy or after deliveryfourth trimester planningnew mom aches and painsnewly postpartum carepainful sexual activitypelvic organ prolapse (heaviness or pressure in the pelvic areapelvic painpubic symphysis pain
return to exercise postpartum
sacroiliac joint pain
scar management (perineal or cesarean)
sciatica
urinary incontinence
urinary urgency
prevention of any of the above symptoms
Contact me if you are interested in home services in Brooklyn or lower Manhattan. Travel fee may apply beyond this area.
