What You Need to Know
Bladder and bowel dysfunction refers to difficulties with urination or passing stools. These issues often stem from nerve or muscle dysfunction, as these systems are responsible for regulating the flow of urine and the release of stool. Various health factors can contribute to bladder and bowel dysfunction, including medication side effects, stress, neurological diseases, diabetes, hemorrhoids, and pelvic floor disorders. Management strategies may range from dietary modifications and exercise to electrical stimulation and surgical interventions, depending on individual diagnoses. Experiencing bladder or bowel incontinence means having trouble retaining urine or stool, leading to involuntary leakage that can be distressing. It’s important to remember that discussing these concerns with your healthcare provider is crucial; they are experienced in addressing these issues and can help you find effective management solutions.
Why Do Bladder and Bowel Incontinence Happen?
Normal bladder and bowel function relies on a coordinated effort between nerves and muscles that signal when to contract or relax. Nerves in the spinal cord transmit messages from the brain to the bladder, while sphincter muscles control urine flow. Similarly, rectal and anal muscles manage stool release. Disruptions in this nerve-muscle communication can lead to incontinence.
What Causes Bladder or Bowel Incontinence?
- Bladder Incontinence Causes:
- Nerve damage in sphincter muscles
- Prolonged urine retention, which may harm the bladder
- Frequent urgent urination (overactive bladder)
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Bowel Incontinence Causes:
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Nervous system damage due to disease or injury
- Vaginal childbirth
- Rectal prolapse (bulging down into the anus)
- Rectocele (rectum pushing into the vagina)
- Inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis
- Both types of incontinence may also be influenced by:
- Medication side effects
- Stress
- Neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis or stroke
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Diabetes
- Infections affecting the spinal cord or brain
- Hemorrhoids
- Pelvic floor dysfunction
- Surgical complications
Managing Bladder and Bowel Incontinence
- Dietary Changes: Increasing fiber intake can alleviate diarrhea and constipation. Staying hydrated is essential for preventing constipation, while managing fluid intake at specific times can help control overactive bladder symptoms.
- Exercises: Kegel exercises strengthen sphincter muscles and the pelvic floor, enhancing control over urination and bowel movements.
- Medications: Certain medications can assist in managing bowel incontinence. Antidiarrheal drugs may help regulate diarrhea, while others relax bladder muscles for better control.
- Bathroom Scheduling: Establishing a regular toileting routine can improve control over urges, encouraging attempts to urinate or have a bowel movement at consistent times each day.
- Electrical Stimulation: This therapy targets damaged nerves, potentially improving muscle control in the bladder or bowel.
- Surgery: In rare instances, surgical intervention may be necessary to repair nerve or muscle damage.
What’s The Next Step?
At Pelvic Health Physical Therapy, our certified physical therapists will provide you with a comprehensive evaluation to establish the most effective treatment strategy for your needs. We recognize how debilitating pain and stiffness can be and are committed to helping you reclaim a comfortable lifestyle. Our goal is to alleviate your physical stresses!
Please email receptionmadison@pelvichealthnj.com to schedule an appointment, or call our office at 908-443-9880.
