Women’s Bladder And Bowel Health Conditions

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Women’s Bladder And Bowel Health Conditions

For something that affects close to 18 million women, it is surprising how many choose to suffer urinary incontinence in silence. Not only must these women contend with the physical symptoms, they have to bear a great deal of emotional pain as well. All of this stems from the misinformed idea that incontinence is an untreatable consequence of having had children or as a result of aging.

While these life events can create circumstances for incontinence, the truth is the vast majority of incontinence can be successfully treated and managed. As with any health-related issue, the best thing to do is to fully understand what you are dealing with. Once better informed, you and your physician can devise the best plan for success. Types of bladder and bowel control problems are noted below and detailed further on dedicated pages.

Bedwetting

Bedwetting is a very common condition for adults -so common that it’s one of the most visited pages on our site! If you struggle with adult bedwetting, you’re not alone.

Bowel Health

If you are unable to make it to the bathroom without bowel leakage, you most likely are dealing with bowel incontinence. From dietary changes to exercise, there is much that you can do in order to take charge of your life with bowel incontinence.

FEMALE STRESS URINARY INCONTINENCE (SUI)

When physical activity exerts pressure on the bladder, leakage occurs. This could be when you lift something heavy, laugh, cough, or even sneeze. Many women experience this as a result of pregnancy and childbirth.

FISTULA

A fistula is an abnormal connection or passageway that connects two organs or vessels that do not usually connect. It can cause urine leakage, UTIs, vomiting, nausea, and diarrhea, among other symptoms. There are several types of fistulas, and various treatments for them as well.

INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE

IBD is a common, hard to diagnose condition that is often characterized by loose stools, abdominal pain, weight loss, fatigue or fever, but symptoms can be different for everyone.

MIXED INCONTINENCE

Having more than one type of incontinence is incredibly common. Many people may suffer not only from stress incontinence, but also overactive bladder.

NEUROLOGICAL CONDITIONS

Having a neurological condition can bring about a lot of unwanted side effects, and sometimes, incontinence can be one of them. Things like MS, Parkinson’s Disease, or spinal cord injuries can all lead to bladder leaks.

Nocturia

According to the American Urological Association (AUA), Nocturia is “the need to urinate at least twice during the night.” This is condition begins to show up in women around the age of 60. So if you’re making a couple of trips to the bathroom a night, you might want to learn more about this common and manageable condition.

OVERACTIVE BLADDER (OAB)

Overactive Bladder is a condition that results from sudden, involuntary contraction of the muscle in the wall of the urinary bladder. You experience a sudden and unstoppable need to urinate (urinary urgency). Overactive bladder should not be considered a normal part of aging.

PELVIC ORGAN PROLAPSE (POP)

The word prolapse means to fall out of place. When the pelvic wall weakens or ruptures, the bladder, uterus and rectum (or a combination of all three) can drop into the vaginal canal. This creates a blockage and creates difficulty emptying the bladder. In addition, POP can also cause incontinence or leakage as well.

PREGNANCY AND CHILDBIRTH

The physical trauma of childbirth can lead to both Stress Incontinence and Overactive Bladder. However, precautions can be taken to prepare the body and prevent or lessen the impact of childbirth on your urinary system.

URINARY RETENTION

Sometimes the problem isn’t leakage, but not being able to fully empty your bladder. If you have trouble starting a urine stream, a weak flow, or have to go to the bathroom frequently (even after you just went), you may have urinary retention.

URINARY TRACT INFECTION

Urinary tract infections are incredibly common, and are easily spotted by their hallmark symptoms – a burning sensation when you pee, having to empty your bladder frequently, and having to go RIGHT NOW!

UTERINE FIBROIDS

Uterine fibroids are growths that occur on the uterus. Symptoms may include heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding, abdominal pain, trouble emptying your bladder, back pain, or pain during sex, among others.