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Conditions We Treat  /  Bowel Leakage

Women’s Health

Accidental Bowel Leakage Treatment for Women in Bakersfield

Leaking gas or stool, or not making it to the bathroom in time, is more common than most women realize, and very hard to talk about. Pelvic floor therapy can help.

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Yes, pelvic floor physical therapy can help accidental bowel leakage. Strengthening and coordinating the pelvic floor and the muscles around the anus, along with better bowel habits, is a recommended first treatment for many women. At ARI Physical Therapy in Bakersfield, pelvic floor therapy is for women, always one-on-one.

Does this sound like you?

✓Leaking gas or stool, or staining on your underwear
✓A sudden urge to open your bowels that you can't hold
✓Leakage that started after childbirth, especially after a tear
✓Trouble fully emptying, or leakage after a bowel movement
✓Constipation with straining
✓You've started avoiding outings or exercise because of it

Why it happens

Staying continent depends on the anal sphincter muscles, the pelvic floor, the rectum's ability to stretch and store, and stool consistency. Childbirth, especially with a tear or forceps, menopause, constipation and straining can all affect these. It's far more common than people think, and many women never mention it to anyone.

How pelvic floor therapy helps

Treatment includes pelvic floor and sphincter strengthening and coordination, urge-control techniques, and practical changes to diet, fluids, toilet position and habits so stools are easier to control and pass. Treatment is always explained first and done at your pace, with your consent.

What treatment at ARI looks like

1
A one-on-one evaluation

Your first visit takes about 45 to 60 minutes. We talk through your symptoms, bowel habits and history, and explain any assessment before we do it. You decide what you're comfortable with.

2
Muscle training and habits

Pelvic floor and sphincter exercises matched to what your muscles need, urge-control strategies, and bowel habit changes.

3
Confidence to get back out

A home program and plan for the situations that worry you most, like exercise, travel and work.

No referral needed to start. In California, you can see a physical therapist directly for up to 12 visits or 45 days, whichever comes first. Some insurance plans still require a referral for coverage; call us at (661) 282-8584 and we'll help you check.

When to see a doctor first

See a doctor promptly if you have:

  • Blood in your stool, or black, tarry stools
  • A lasting change in your bowel habits, or unexplained weight loss
  • Sudden loss of bowel or bladder control with back pain, or numbness in the groin: get emergency care
  • Severe belly pain, fever, or vomiting

Why patients choose ARI

Care at ARI is always one-on-one and in person with a licensed physical therapist at our Bakersfield clinic: 8200 Stockdale Hwy, Suite B2, in the Town & Country Village center next to Trader Joe's. Our clinic director, Deepa Konnur, PT, MPT, OCS, is a board-certified Orthopedic Certified Specialist. We accept most private insurance plans and Medicare, and we have staff who speak Spanish and Hindi.

Bowel leakage FAQs

Yes. Accidental bowel leakage affects many women, especially after childbirth and around menopause, but it's rarely talked about. It is a medical problem that can be treated, not something you have to live with.
It can. Some women notice symptoms right after birth; for others, symptoms appear later, for example around menopause. Pelvic floor therapy can still help.
Not necessarily. An exam can give useful information, but it's always explained first and it's your choice. Your therapist can also assess and treat in other ways.
In California you can start physical therapy without a referral. If you have warning signs like bleeding or a lasting change in bowel habits, please see your doctor as well.

Ready to feel better?

Talk to a licensed physical therapist at ARI, one-on-one. Request an evaluation and we'll get back to you, usually within one business day.

Request an EvaluationCall (661) 282-8584

Sources

  1. Fecal Incontinence. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (practice bulletin), 2019.
  2. Accidental Bowel Leakage. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
  3. Bowel Control Problems (Fecal Incontinence). National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK).

This page is general information, not a diagnosis. If you have symptoms, a licensed clinician should evaluate you.

Clinically reviewed by Deepa Konnur, PT, MPT, OCS, board-certified Orthopedic Certified Specialist · Reviewed September 2026