Thank you for sharing your question on EmpowHER! I'm sorry you've been having to deal with fecal incontinence issues for the past few years and are just now being told it may be from Valium.
I researched the connection between Valium and fecal incontinence and hope it will help you with your recent issues. According to the National Association for Continence, Valium has been connected to both urinary and fecal incontinence. Since Valium is used as a sedative or muscle relaxant, it can sometimes interfere with bladder and lower abdominal muscles. Although Valium is prescribed for health concerns outside the bladder system, it can affect bladder and fecal control because it relaxes muscles.
Diarrhea is a side effect of Valium, and diarrhea can also cause fecal incontinence. According to Mayo Clinic, some other causes of fecal incontinence include muscles damage to the end of the rectum (can happen from childbirth), nerve damage, constipation, and hemorrhoids surgery and other surgeries involving the rectum or anus.
I didn't see very much research on the internet that talks about how long fecal incontinence will last while taking Valium or if it will reverse itself totally while still taking the medication. Talk to the doctor that prescribes your Valium and ask them if fecal incontinence will eventually stop while you are on Valium.
In the meantime, try adding more fiber to your diet. High-fiber foods can help bulk up your stool and help with fecal incontinence in some instances. Also talk to your doctor about bowel training. According to Mayo Clinic, bowel training involves making a conscious effort to have a bowel movement at a specific time each day. For example, trying to have a bowel movement after eating every day can help you gain greater control and regularity.
I hope this helped provide some more information about the connection between fecal incontinence and Valium. Please keep me updated and let me know what you hear back from your doctor.
Comment Reply
Hi Anon,
Thank you for sharing your question on EmpowHER! I'm sorry you've been having to deal with fecal incontinence issues for the past few years and are just now being told it may be from Valium.
I researched the connection between Valium and fecal incontinence and hope it will help you with your recent issues. According to the National Association for Continence, Valium has been connected to both urinary and fecal incontinence. Since Valium is used as a sedative or muscle relaxant, it can sometimes interfere with bladder and lower abdominal muscles. Although Valium is prescribed for health concerns outside the bladder system, it can affect bladder and fecal control because it relaxes muscles.
Diarrhea is a side effect of Valium, and diarrhea can also cause fecal incontinence. According to Mayo Clinic, some other causes of fecal incontinence include muscles damage to the end of the rectum (can happen from childbirth), nerve damage, constipation, and hemorrhoids surgery and other surgeries involving the rectum or anus.
I didn't see very much research on the internet that talks about how long fecal incontinence will last while taking Valium or if it will reverse itself totally while still taking the medication. Talk to the doctor that prescribes your Valium and ask them if fecal incontinence will eventually stop while you are on Valium.
In the meantime, try adding more fiber to your diet. High-fiber foods can help bulk up your stool and help with fecal incontinence in some instances. Also talk to your doctor about bowel training. According to Mayo Clinic, bowel training involves making a conscious effort to have a bowel movement at a specific time each day. For example, trying to have a bowel movement after eating every day can help you gain greater control and regularity.
I hope this helped provide some more information about the connection between fecal incontinence and Valium. Please keep me updated and let me know what you hear back from your doctor.
Best,
Erin
July 20, 2014 - 11:49amThis Comment
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