Answered by SecondMedic Expert
General Physician · General Physician
Yes, strong peristalsis can cause fecal incontinence. Peristalsis is the natural motion of the intestines that propels food and waste through the digestive tract. During normal digestion, this wave-like contraction helps push waste toward elimination. However, sometimes peristalsis become too strong or contract too frequently which can lead to involuntary loss of feces or liquid stool (fecal incontinence). This condition is quite common in older adults who often have weaker pelvic floor muscles resulting in increased pressure on the rectum walls. Other causes include nerve damage due to childbirth or surgery leading to muscle spasms, diarrhea due to an intestinal infection, chronic constipation and laxative abuse as well as certain medications that increase bowel motility such as loperamide and cholestyramine. Fortunately there are ways to manage fecal incontinence such as regulating your diet by avoiding roughage, eating more frequent but smaller meals and increasing fiber intake with foods like fruits and vegetables; engaging in Kegel exercises that help strengthen pelvic floor muscles; practice scheduled toileting habits; managing stress levels; avoiding activities such as running or jumping which put undue pressure on the rectum walls etc.
