Can Constipation Cause Urinary Incontinence?
As you age, you will experience many shifts and changes in your elimination and bladder health. For example, seniors are likely to experience an increased risk of constipation and incontinence. But are they connected? The short answer is yes. Below, we’ll explore how and why constipation causes leakage so you can stay on top of your continence health.
Understanding Constipation
Constipation is a problem where it becomes difficult to have a normal bowel movement, often resulting in going fewer than three times a week. Symptoms of constipation include:
- Straining or experiencing pain when passing stools
- Having hard, dry, or lumpy stools
- Having a feeling that the rectum is blocked
- Having fewer bowel movements than normal (three or less per week)
- The need to help pass stools (with a finger)
- Feeling like you haven’t completely emptied your bowels after going to the bathroom
Older adults are specifically susceptible to constipation, affecting roughly 30% of adults aged 65+ worldwide.
What Causes Constipation Among Seniors?
Common causes of constipation include:
- Not consuming enough fiber in your diet
- A lack of water
- Not exercising enough
- Certain medications
- Taking too many laxatives
- Having certain health conditions, such as IBS, colon cancer, Parkinson’s disease or MS, pregnancy, and more.
The Link Between Constipation and Urinary Incontinence
Having constipation now and then is normal, but experiencing chronic constipation can cause other issues, such as urinary incontinence. Here’s why:
- The rectum and bladder are located close to each other. When the rectum becomes full due to constipation, it puts pressure on the bladder, reducing its capacity to hold urine. This leads to urge incontinence (also known as overactive bladder or OAB).
- Constipation can weaken the pelvic floor muscles that support the rectum and bladder. Weakened pelvic floor muscles can lead to stress incontinence (this describes leakage that happens after a sneeze, cough, or laugh).
- If constipation becomes severe, it can damage the nerves in the pelvic floor that control bladder function. This can feel like your bladder voiding is incomplete.
- Lastly, straining from constipation can also put a strain on pelvic floor muscles, causing a greater probability for urine leakage.
Managing Constipation and Urinary Incontinence
Dealing with both constipation and urinary incontinence can be a frustrating process, but luckily, there are simple shifts you can make to improve your quality of life.
Dietary Shifts
Make sure you drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and keep things moving. The U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine determined that men should consume about 15.5 cups (3.7 liters) of water per day, and women should consume about 11.5 cups (2.7 liters) a day. Incorporate plenty of fiber in your diet as well, as this helps add bulk to stool, making it softer and easier to pass. Fruits, vegetables, and whole grains are all good sources of fiber.
Lifestyle Shifts
Regular exercise helps promote healthy bowel movements while strengthening the pelvic floor. It regulates normal bodily functions, keeping things moving. Aim to exercise 2-3 days per week, and even better, walk or do gentle movement daily. Studies show those who are obese have a greater risk of developing constipation and bowel problems, as well as urinary incontinence, so it’s important to prioritize leading a healthy lifestyle and keeping an appropriate weight.
Establish a bathroom routine, which involves going to the bathroom at regular times to encourage voiding and reducing bladder control issues. Developing healthy urinary and bowel habits can help keep things moving.
Lastly, work to build a strong pelvic floor. You can do this through practicing Kegel exercises every day, which strengthen the pelvic floor. This contributes to bladder and rectum health, which will target both constipation and urinary incontinence issues.
When to See a Healthcare Provider
If you notice that having blockages, hard stools, or urinary dysfunction becomes a regular part of your life, it’s time to seek medical help. There may be an underlying medical issue causing your chronic constipation or urinary incontinence, such as diabetes, neurological conditions, a more serious digestive issue, or cancer. Before trying to self-diagnose, visit your doctor to rule out any medications or medical conditions that could be contributing to your bowel dysfunction or incontinence problem.
How Parentgiving Can Help
We understand the needs of older adults and their families. That’s why we offer a wide array of top-rated products for both urinary incontinence and fecal incontinence. Plus, we offer a vast library of educational resources to keep you informed. Explore our full selection of adult diapers and incontinence products today to find the support you need.