BLADDER AND BOWEL CONTROL
There is hope for bladder and bowel control issues
If you are diagnosed with incontinence by your doctor, treating it can involve following a care pathway.
The journey can be difficult and may include different treatments over time.
Below is an overview of the treatment options available to help manage urinary or bowel incontinence:
What treatments could be prescribed first?
Step 1
Lifestyle changes
Could conservative treatments help?
Bladder control
- Diet and exercise: Changes may include decreasing your caffeine intake and getting more exercise.
- Bladder retraining: This involves going to the bathroom on a schedule.
- Pelvic floor strengthening: This can be accomplished through Kegel exercises, which involve repeatedly contracting and relaxing the muscles of the pelvic floor.
Bowel control
- Dietary modification: Changes may include adjusting fibre intake or eliminating troublesome foods.
- Bowel retraining: This step aims to improve bowel sensation, coordination, and strength.
Could medications help?
Step 2
Trying medications
Oral medications may be the next step after lifestyle changes. These medications can help control symptoms but may have side effects.
Are there other options for long-lasting relief?
Step 3
Advanced therapies
If symptoms don’t improve after lifestyle changes or medications, talk to your doctor about your eligibility for:
- Sacral neuromodulation
- Percutaneous tibial neuromodulation
- Bladder injections
