title: Impact of fecal incontinence and its treatment on quality of life in women.
abstract: Fecal incontinence (FI) is a physically and psychosocially debilitating disorder which negatively impacts quality of life (QOL). It bears a significant burden not only on patients but also on their families, caretakers as well as society as a whole. Even though it is considered a somewhat common condition, especially as women age, the prevalence is often underestimated due to patients' reluctance to report symptoms or seek care. The evaluation and treatment of FI can be also hindered by lack of understanding of the current management options among healthcare providers and how they impact on QOL. This article provides a comprehensive review on the impact of FI and its treatment on QOL in women.
authors.affiliation: Division of Urogynecology & Pelvic Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1700 6th Avenue South, Suite 10382, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA.
authors.forename: Isuzu
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Meyer
authors.forename: Holly E
authors.initials: HE
authors.lastname: Richter
mesh_terms: D000367:Age Factors; D005242:Fecal Incontinence / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D051346:Mobility Limitation; D009765:Obesity / Q000453:epidemiology; D036801:Parturition; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D015995:Prevalence; D011788:Quality of Life; D016387:Women's Health
keywords: accidental bowel leakage; anal incontinence; bowel incontinence; bowel leakage; defecation disorders; defecatory disorders; fecal incontinence; quality of life