Private health

Q:

I’m 55, and while my friends deal with urine leaks, I’ve been fine. But now I’m having accidents of a different kind: Recently, I’ve soiled myself slightly three times. It’s so embarrassing! And the specialist I was referred to can’t see me for a month. What can I do until then?

A:

You’re not alone: One in four women experience fecal incontinence at some point. Childbirth and conditions like IBS and chronic constipation can affect tissues and nerves in the anal sphincter (which normally holds back bowel movements), making accidents more likely. But menopausal drop-offs in estrogen can also impede the ability to control when you “go.” In fact, a study at the University of California at San Francisco found that odds of fecal incontinence are 40 percent higher for postmenopausal women.

The specialist your doctor referred you to will likely evaluate your sphincter and bowel function and advise treatments like bowel retraining (making an effort to empty your bowels at specific times of the day), or she may prescribe medication to help regulate bowel movements. Until then, I advise cutting back on alcohol and caffeine, as they can worsen fecal incontinence.

Also smart: increasing your intake of whole grains, fruit and vegetables by two to three servings a day. The fiber in these foods absorbs water in the intestine to bulk up stools, which can reduce leaks. And performing exercises similar to Kegels can tighten the anal sphincter, helping you avoid accidents: To do: Contract the anus

(as though you’re holding in stool) for 5 seconds, then release. Repeat this 30 times three times a day.

Finally, wearing pads tailored for fecal incontinence (like Butterfly

Body Liners for Women, Walmart stores) can protect against any embarrassing episodes that might occur.