Is bowel pressure causing urine leakage?

[Guineapiggy]

I had a period where I was constipated and strained a lot. Since then, although I don't have any main signs and symptoms of a prolapse, my bladder capacity seems to be affected. I can't hold the volume of urine that I used to, especially at night, and things are a lot worse if there is bowel content, either wind or faeces. Occasionally, urine leaks. I don't think my pelvic floor muscles are particularly weak but when I get a leak it is a sudden leak and not an unconscious dribble.

I don't fancy taking the various medications for a sensitive bladder as they have other side effects. I do get relief at night by taking desmopressin to reduce the urine volume, so I may only wee once a night instead of three times.

Does this sound like a bowel prolapse problem?

[kalecolbe12]

Sounds like you have a little bit of pelvic floor dysfunction which you would get help with a pelvic floor physical therapist

[Guineapiggy in reply to kalecolbe12]

Thanks. I have been to a woman's heath physio and done a pelvic core and restore course. Didn't help much but I know you have to keep the exercises up and I'm not very good at that. I was curious as to whether my complaint was very common.

[Skye22]

To put your mind at rest any Bowel or bladder changes should be checked out with your doctor. Could be an irritated bladder or Bowel pressing on bladder or an infection. Hope all works out well. Good health.

[Guineapiggy in reply to Skye22]

Thanks. I do have a telephone consultation booked so need to ask my doctor. I don't think bowel pressure is the only issue as I think the night time peeing is due to my kidneys also clearing some dependant oedema that builds up my legs during the day, but I should be able to hold this overnight without waking up to pee.

[Ellenlar]

Hi hunny I have suspected endometriosis on the bowel and bladder. I have alot of bowel issues and find it near impossible to empty my bowels at all without medication. I also have alot of incontinence and I can't go a hour without incontinence pads... I'm 22, I have my surgery on the 15th December so I know how you are feeling hun, best to check with the doctor xx

[Guineapiggy in reply to Ellenlar]

I'm so sorry you are having problems. Fortunately, I haven't got endometriosis or pain. Probably a lot is just age and hormone related. Good luck.

[TennisAM]

Did someone do a internal exam for prolapse? Sometimes faecal impaction can cause the bladder issues you mention as stools remaining in the sigmoid colon it puts pressure on the bladder. Do you think you empty your bowel properly when you go? There's something called bladder training, speak to your womens health specialist and there's great videos on YouTube by Michelle Kenway (an aussie physio recommended by my pelvic physio). Could help stop the leak x

[Guineapiggy in reply to TennisAM]

Thanks for your comment. I haven't got any impaction now and haven't for a long time. I think the damage was done when I did have it. It is having bowel content that causes most sudden urine leaks. I haven't been examined yet but I have a doctor's appointment and it is something I intend to discuss. I have done a course called Pelvic Core Restore which combines exercise and pelvic floor exercises and I need to go back to doing more as that may help support the bowel. Like a lot of folks, I'm not good at maintaining the regular exercises.