Why do bladder and bowel incontinence happen?

Bladder and bowel incontinence can occur for a variety of reasons, including neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis or Parkinson’s disease, spinal cord injuries, urinary tract infections, pelvic floor muscle weakness, and side effects of certain medications. It can also be a result of aging or a complication of surgery. It is important to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause of bladder and bowel incontinence and to receive appropriate treatment. Dr. Arvind Jaga, a physiotherapist in Jaipur, can provide individualized treatment plans for those experiencing bladder and bowel problems.

Signs and symptoms of neurogenic bladder may include:

• Loss of bladder control
• Inability to empty the bladder
• Urinary frequency
• Urinary tract infections.

Signs of neurogenic bowel include:

• Loss of bowel control
• Constipation
• Bowel frequency
• Lack of bowel movements.

What causes bladder or bowel incontinence?

Many conditions may affect the nerves and muscles that control the bladder and bowel.

Bladder incontinence can be caused by things such as:

• Damage to nerves in sphincter muscles

• Holding urine in too long (urine retention), which can damage the bladder

• Having to urinate many times during day and night, often urgently (overactive bladder)

• Diarrhea

• Bowel incontinence can be caused by things such as:

  • Diarrhea

  • Constipation

  • Damage to the nervous system from disease or injury

  • Vaginal childbirth

  • Rectum bulging down into the anus (rectal prolapse)

  • Rectum pushing into the vagina (rectocele)

  • Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis

  Either type of incontinence can be caused by things such as:

  • Medicine side effects

  • Stress

  • Multiple sclerosis

  • Stroke

  • Alzheimer’s disease

  • Diabetes

  • Infections, including spinal cord or brain infections

  • Hemorrhoids

  • Problems with the pelvic floor

  • Damage after surgery

There are treatment options and other ways to manage neurogenic bladder, such as:

• • There are several treatment options available to manage neurogenic bladder, including medication, catheterization, and surgery. Behavioral interventions such as bladder training, pelvic floor muscle exercises, and biofeedback can also be helpful. In addition to these treatments, patients may need to make lifestyle modifications such as following a healthy diet, drinking plenty of fluids, and avoiding bladder irritants. It’s important for patients with neurogenic bladder to work closely with their healthcare provider to develop an individualized treatment plan that meets their specific needs and goals.

Bowel Treatment options for people with neurogenic bowel include:

• • For people with neurogenic bowel, treatment options may include medications, bowel training programs, and surgical interventions. Medications such as laxatives or stool softeners can help regulate bowel movements. Bowel training programs involve learning techniques such as digital stimulation or the use of suppositories to help empty the bowel at a regular time each day. In some cases, surgical interventions such as colostomy or ileostomy may be necessary. It is important to work closely with a healthcare provider to develop an individualized treatment plan and to discuss other ways to manage neurogenic bowel, such as dietary modifications and proper hydration.