Columbia Aged Care

Bladder and bowel control problems are common. Around four million Australians experience leakage from the bladder and bowel regularly – this is known as incontinence. Many others have bladder and bowel control problems such as frequency and urgency without leakage. Together these problems are often known as continence problems.

Although incontinence and continence problems have a considerable impact on a person’s quality of life, most people do not seek help. Embarrassment often prevents people talking about their bladder and bowel problems. Some people restrict going out and have little social contact outside their home.

Incontinence and continence problems are symptoms of bladder or bowel dysfunction. They tell you that something is not quite right. Pelvic floor muscle weakness is a common cause of these symptoms. Changes to the nerves controlling the bladder, bowel or pelvic floor can also result in loss of control. Sometimes other health problems such as diabetes, stroke, Parkinson’s disease, or multiple sclerosis can cause bladder and or bowel control problems.

There are things you can do to help keep your bladder and bowel healthy and avoid incontinence and continence problems.

Healthy lifestyle choices include:

* Drink plenty of fluid; at least 1.5–2 litres each day, unless your doctor advises you otherwise
* Eat well to prevent constipation and to maintain healthy body weight.
* Exercise regularly to keep fit and to prevent constipation.
* Tone up your pelvic floor with pelvic floor exercises for good bladder and bowel control.
* Practice good toilet habits to prevent bladder and bowel control problems.
* Go to the toilet to pass urine only when you have the urge to go; don’t go ‘just in case’.
* Take time to completely empty your bladder and bowel.
* Use the correct sitting position on the toilet.
* When you have the urge to use your bowels, don’t delay going to the toilet.

Source: http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Incontinence_management?OpenDocument