Can Constipation Cause Urinary Incontinence?

There's nothing worse than the feeling of discomfort from constipation...

Okay, maybe there is, and that's experiencing constipation and urinary incontinence at the same time. While these conditions might seem unrelated at first, they can be connected in a way we may not realise. That's why understanding the link between them can help you manage both these issues more effectively.

Luckily, we're going to explore how these issues overlap. If your symptoms are new and ongoing, you will likely need to head to see your GP but it's always best to be well informed.

Is There A Link Between Constipation And Urinary Incontinence?

It may not be immediately obvious, but constipation and bladder problems often go hand-in-hand. For most of us, dealing with constipation is an uncomfortable - yet usually isolated - issue. However, when constipation persists, it can have a ripple effect on your bladder health. This can lead to unwanted side effects like leaks, the constant need to pee, or the sudden and desperate urge to pee.

If you're experiencing these symptoms as a result of constipation, you're not alone. It's much more common than you may think...

How constipation can affect the bladder

As we mentioned above, constipation can also have an impact on your bladder.

When stool builds up in your colon, it causes more pressure in your lower abdomen. In turn, this pressure pushes against your bladder and decreases the space for urine. This can also make it harder for your bladder to function as it should.

When your bladder is squeezed, it can lead to the feeling of needing to pee. Even when your bladder isn't full.

Additionally, the pressure can also make it hard to empty your bladder fully. This can lead to urinary urgency (the sudden need to run to the loo) or incontinence (accidental leaks before you can make it to the bathroom).

Essentially, when your bowel is struggling to do its job, your bladder will often suffer, too.

Bladder And Bowel Dysfunction (BBD)

Bladder and Bowel Dysfunction (BBD) is a term referring to when problems with your bowel, such as constipation, contribute to issues with your bladder function. BBD is quite common, and it's something many women experience without realising the connection.

As we've noted already, when you're constipated, your stool doesn't just sit there quietly. It presses against your bladder, potentially leading to leaks and other symptoms. This connection between the bladder and bowel is why it's so important to keep your bowel health in check. This is particularly true if you deal with unrelated bladder problems.

How can you treat BBD?

Luckily, diet and hydration can make a big difference when it comes to constipation. Pelvic floor exercises under the supervision of a pelvic floor physiotherapist may also help by reducing some of the pressure on your bladder. As a result, you may experience relief from incontinence and urgency..

If you have noticed a new change in bowel habits, you must seek medical advice. Consulting your GP can often help you to find the root cause of the problem and also ensure that there is not a sinister cause behind your change in bowel habits. Similarly, if you are experiencing incontinence or urgency, it is important to seek medical advice to ensure an accurate diagnosis.

Until your appointment, you can manage your bladder troubles with products like:

• Incontinence pads

• Leak-proof incontinence pants

Can Urinary Incontinence Make Constipation Worse?

It's easy to focus on how constipation can affect your bladder. However, it's important to remember that the opposite may also be true. Your constipation may indirectly be linked to urinary incontinence or urgency.

Reducing fluid intake

Do you have recurrent urinary tract infections? Or perhaps you suffer from related lower urinary tract symptoms? Either way, you may find yourself on a loo leash or rushing to the bathroom more often than you'd like.

This urgency can unwillingly lead to behaviours that can cause constipation. For instance, if you're worried about the constant need to pee, you may reduce your fluid intake and this can lead to constipation.

Medication side effects

Some medications(anticholinergics)that treat bladder issues can have unintended side effects, including constipation. These drugs work by relaxing the bladder muscle to reduce how often you pee. However, these meds can also affect your gut and slow bowel movements, causing constipation over time.

Unfortunately, when it comes to medications like these, it's a balancing act. While they may treat your uncomfortable bladder symptoms, they might also give you a sluggish gut.

FAQs

Are there any exercises that can help with both constipation and incontinence?

There are certain exercises you can do to help you manage both constipation and incontinence. By staying consistent, you may be able to alleviate some of your uncomfortable symptoms.

• Kegel exercises: These exercises help to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles. In turn, you'll have better control over both your bladder and bowel, meaning less frequent peeing and more regular bowel movements.

• Pelvic tilts: Pelvic tilts make the muscles in your lower abdomen and pelvis stronger, helping to control bowel movements and urination.

• Yoga and Pilates: Certain moves in both yoga and Pilates focus on pelvic stability and core strength. Performing these exercises regularly can improve symptoms of constipation and incontinence over time.

Before trialling such exercises seeing a pelvic floor physiotherapist for an assessment is a good idea so you ensure any exercise-based treatment plan suits you.

How does hydration impact both constipation and incontinence?

Proper hydration is essential for keeping your body regular (at least when it comes to bathroom trips). Firstly, it softens the stool and lowers the risk of difficult bowel movements. In fact, dehydration is a common cause of - and can worsen - constipation. Drinking water helps to prevent constipation since without it, your stool may be drier and impact your bowel function.

Additionally, while it may seem counterintuitive for incontinence, drinking enough water is important for your bladder health. When you aren't drinking enough water, your urine will likely be more concentrated. This can irritate your bladder and lead to overactive bladder symptoms.

Just remember: Moderation is key. Too much water can worsen urinary urgency and increase the number of trips you take to the bathroom.

Is it possible for constipation and incontinence to resolve on their own without treatment?

For a lucky few, constipation and incontinence can resolve on their own. This is usually true if they've been triggered by temporary factors like stress, diet changes, or dehydration.

However, without addressing the underlying causes of conditions like stress incontinence and constipation, they may get worse over time. It's always best to consult a GP or urologist if these issues don't resolve after a few days. While a change in bowel habit such as new constipation can be caused by many factors, it is important to ensure it is not being caused by something more sinister therefore medical evaluation is a must.

Final Thoughts

For most of us, experiencing loo-related troubles can be uncomfortable and a little embarrassing - but they shouldn't be. In fact, they're extremely common. Remember, you don't have to put up with these issues alone. There is plenty of support within the medical community (and right here at Jude) to help you manage and overcome constipation and incontinence.

So, whether you're experiencing incontinence as a result of constipation or the other way around, it's always best to consult a GP. That way, you can receive a diagnosis and treatment plan as quickly as possible.

Jude’s clinically proven supplements give you better bladder and pelvic floor control, helping you sleep through the night and regain the freedom to live life on your own terms. With just one capsule morning and night, you'll have relief from need-to-go urgency in just 12 weeks.