Does constipation affect bladder control?

[foxglove]

I have OAB but recently realised I was also "leaking" urine. Also realised that I was constipated - a condition entirely foreign to me. When I had a "decent" bowel movement the pressure in bladder eased. which made me think there might be a connection as all relevant bits in the same area. Any connection?

[Buddy34]

I've just seen a nurse today for over active bladder and yes if you're constipated it can make OAB worse. I don't suffer with constipation but that was in the info I got today. Lots of water can help 😊

[foxglove in reply to Buddy34]

Thanks for reply, constipation is a new experience for me and I'm realising that it is more troublesome than I had thought. I'm drinking loads of water now and also find prunes in juice effective!

[Buddy34 in reply to foxglove]

Great whatever works for you

[Andilynn in reply to foxglove]

I find that drinking lots of water, eating a few dates in the morning and a few prunes at night truly help with constipation. I take a stool softener gelcap at night too.

[foxglove in reply to Andilynn]

Thanks! Had not thought about dates but of course will help!

[bethy16]

Do tor’s are always telling me how bowels affect the bladder and vice Versa... if your constipation is really bothering you try laxido orange or lactulose to get things going good luck

[Mary-intussuception]

Yes.

Also a full bowel and/or straining at stool can cause other problems too. Can have a weakening affect on pelvic floor, might cause or contribute to a prolapse, Rectocele; as well as put pressure on the bladder, causing need to void before filling.

[foxglove in reply to Mary-intussuception]

Thanks, I'm only just finding out what probs. a full bowel would cause! Who would have thought?

[Mary-intussuception in reply to foxglove]

Yes. The key to good general health !!! Drink plenty of water and keep bowels moving!

Seriously though, I had a serious, underlying life-threatening undiagnosed condition which causes constipation (amongst many other problems) because it slows down the metabolism and nothing works properly.

I didn't know my bowels were full.

Now have several rather nasty conditions including Intussuception (which is very rare & a nightmare) ; Rectocele, Diverticular disease ; prolapse, mixed urine incontinence. Plus many other conditions. But I'm OK!

I have a fibroid outside the womb which never showed up on the regular pelvic Ultrasound. Didn't know till had the Internal (Transvaginal ) Ultrasound 6 years ago. So I doubt a fibroid helped ! Probably made things worse.

You'll know what to do to treat constipation and keep bowels healthy now? ( I'm not a lover of prunes but yes, an excellent remedy )

[foxglove in reply to Mary-intussuception]

Glad you're ok -in spite of probs! positive attitude you have an example to us all. I'm glad I DO enjoy prunes (and juice) a very acceptable remedy to me. Also plums esp. the tinned ones but these are not so easy to get now...don't know why. Ah well "onwards and upwards" so to speak

[Mary-intussuception in reply to foxglove]

X

[Hidden]

Absolutely! It is best to avoid constipation with bladder issues because it can cause worsening issues.