Constipation is something we have probably all experienced at some point in our lives. Things that may contribute to constipation include: not eating enough fibre such as fruit and vegetables, not drinking enough fluids, a change in your routine or lifestyle including a change in your eating habits, side effects of certain medications, ignoring the urge or call to pass stools and in some cases anxiety and depression.
If constipation is left untreated it may lead to some complications such as haemorrhoids (piles), overflow faecal incontinence (where liquid stool and mucous can bypass hard stool collected in the rectum) and worsening of prolapse or bladder symptoms.
Incontinence is the leakage of solid or liquid stool, or wind. This can happen without warning. 1 in 10 of us will be affected by it at some point in our lifetime. Bowel leakage is a symptom not a diagnosis and causes can include: diarrhoea, constipation, weak pelvic floor muscles, or some medical conditions. There are different types of faecal incontinence. Urge incontinence is where you have a sudden urge to pass stool but cannot reach the toilet in time. Passive incontinence or soiling is where there is no sensation to pass stool but leakage occurs. Overflow incontinence is due to constipation.
Please have a look at the videos and links below which we think will be helpful.
Bowel Problems
Do you worry about controlling your bowels? Some common bowel problems can include constipation, difficulty passing stool (poo) and leakage from the bowel (faecal incontinence).
Constipation is when you pass stool less than 3 times per week, your stool may be large and dry, hard or lumpy, you are straining (pushing) or have pain when you go to the toilet. Constipation can make bladder and prolapse symptoms worse and can sometimes also lead to leakage from your bowel (overflow incontinence). Straining to pass stool can weaken and damage your pelvic floor muscles.
Faecal incontinence is the inability to control bowel movements resulting in accidental leakage or soiling. This can be related to urgency when there is a sudden feeling of needing to go, or it can happen with no sensation before leakage occurs or even awareness that it has happened.
**If you have experienced a recent change in bowel habit, have noticed blood in your stool or persistent lower abdominal pain bloating or discomfort or unintentional weight loss please make it a priority to contact your GP surgery**
Constipation is when you pass stool less than 3 times per week, your stool may be large and dry, hard or lumpy, you are straining (pushing) or have pain when you go to the toilet. Constipation can make bladder and prolapse symptoms worse and can sometimes also lead to leakage from your bowel (overflow incontinence). Straining to pass stool can weaken and damage your pelvic floor muscles.
Faecal incontinence is the inability to control bowel movements resulting in accidental leakage or soiling. This can be related to urgency when there is a sudden feeling of needing to go, or it can happen with no sensation before leakage occurs or even awareness that it has happened.
**If you have experienced a recent change in bowel habit, have noticed blood in your stool or persistent lower abdominal pain bloating or discomfort or unintentional weight loss please make it a priority to contact your GP surgery**
Our Introductory Video
What next?
Please see our section below on How to Improve your Symptoms but also visit our Lifestyle & Physical Activity Section
