If self-help measures don't work, your doctor may recommend other treatment options, such as surgery on the anal sphincter. Your stools are black and tarry or contain blood. Fecal incontinence is accompanied by pain in the left abdomen that is relieved somewhat after a bowel movement. You become unable to pass any bowel contents for seven days or more. You notice any sudden, major changes in normal bowel habits.
Constipation is accompanied by nausea.
Avoid laxatives when possible. Increase whole grains and fresh fruits and vegetables in your diet. Drink at least eight glasses of water a day. Sit on the toilet at the same time every day for 15 minutes to encourage regularity and maintain continence during the rest of the day. This to a Friend.