Can Constipation Cause Overactive Bladder

How Is Urinary Incontinence Treated

There are number of options for treating urinary incontinence, some of which may be used in combination. If constipation is thought to be causing the urinary incontinence, the doctors may suggest reviewing what foods the child is eating and their toileting habits. They may also suggest managing the childs fluid intake for a while to see if this improves the incontinence. Medicines can be prescribed to reduce the sensitivity of the bladder or reduce the amount of urine produced by the body. Some medicines are best only given in short bursts to cover a special occasion as they can have side effects.

There are a number of behavioural interventions to help with urinary incontinence. These include bladder retraining, pelvic floor exercises and biofeedback training.

A fairly new form of treatment for urinary incontinence is tibial nerve stimulation, which involves passing a low electrical charge through a nerve in the ankle, which then relaxes the nerves controlling the muscles around the bladder.

In rare circumstances, surgery might be suggested to improve urinary incontinence. This could include injections into the sphincter to strengthen or relax it. Major surgery, for instance, if a childs bladder capacity is too small, an operation called a bladder augmentation might be suggested.

Altering The Bladder With Bladder Augmentation Surgery

When all other approaches to strengthen and retrain the bladder have failed, you may need to alter the bladder itself. This surgery is typically used as a last resort and in only the most severe cases of an overactive bladder.

Bladder augmentation involves enlarging the bladder with a section of your large intestine, so theres more physical space to store urine in and less pressure to urinate frequently. The surgery is the most invasive and complicated procedure for solving overactive bladder problems, and includes a long recovery time and possible lasting consequences. Once you have bladder augmentation surgery, you will cease to be able to urinate naturally you will have to use a catheter or stoma.

The good news is that many, if not most cases of an overactive bladder can be very well controlled with healthy lifestyle changes, and natural and traditional medical treatments. Its important to remember that not all of the listed treatment options may work for everyone.

Remember to discuss the above overactive bladder treatment options with your doctor before beginning them.

Medications For Unspecified Oab

If your doctor cant find a cause for your OAB, dont worry. Drugs can still help ease your symptoms. Some of these drugs work by relaxing your bladder. They stop involuntary contractions that bring on the urge to urinate. Other drugs help strengthen the tissues around your bladder that may have become weak. The stronger tissue can help improve your bladder control.

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What Tests Will Be Done To Diagnose Overactive Bladder

A healthcare provider may order tests to help diagnose overactive bladder. These tests may include:

• Urinalysis. A urinalysis examines the visual, chemical and microscopic aspects of your pee. A provider will look for red blood cells, white blood cells and bacteria. If you have any of them in your pee sample, you may have an infection that causes OAB.
• Urodynamic testing. Urodynamic tests measure how much pee remains in your bladder after you go to the bathroom, how much you pee, how fast you pee and how much pressure is on your bladder as it fills with pee.
• Ultrasound. An ultrasound is a noninvasive imaging test that allows a healthcare provider to take a detailed look at your bladder.
• Computed tomography scan. A CT scan is a noninvasive imaging test that produces 3D images of your bladder.
• Cystoscopy. A healthcare provider will use a special instrument to look inside your bladder from your urethra. The provider typically uses a numbing gel so you dont feel pain in your urethra. In rare cases, they may use general anesthesia, so you arent awake, wont move and wont feel any pain.

Even With Overactive Bladder Treatments You Might Need Leak Protection

OAB and incontinence are closely related, especially whendue to weakened pelvic muscles. The additional bladder pressure and theinability to sufficiently hold back urine flow create a perfect storm thatcauses urine leakage.

Even with treatments, you might still experience occasionalleaks of varying severity.

TYE Medicals LivDry brand of incontinence products offerspremium leak protection for light, moderate, and heavy urine leaks. Before youbuy, check out our Two-PieceSystem and Product FinderTool to be sure you select the best product for your needs.

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Causes Of Stress Incontinence

Stress incontinence is when the pressure inside your bladder as it fills with urine becomes greater than the strength of your urethra to stay closed. Your urethra is the tube that urine passes through to leave the body.

Any sudden extra pressure on your bladder, such as laughing or sneezing, can cause urine to leak out of your urethra if you have stress incontinence.

Your urethra may not be able to stay closed if the muscles in your pelvis are weak or damaged, or if your urethral sphincter the ring of muscle that keeps the urethra closed is damaged.

Problems with these muscles may be caused by:

• damage during childbirth particularly if your baby was born vaginally, rather than by caesarean section
• increased pressure on your tummy for example, because you are pregnant or obese
• damage to the bladder or nearby area during surgery such as the removal of the womb , or removal of the prostate gland
• neurological conditions that affect the brain and spinal cord, such as Parkinsons disease or multiple sclerosis
• certain connective tissue disorders such as Ehlers-Danlos syndrome
• certain medicines

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Recognizing A Chronic Problem

So, how can you recognize chronic constipation and put an end to it before it causes your child even more discomfort? Know the symptoms.

The most common symptoms of chronic constipation include:

• Changes in appetite, including your child suddenly becoming full very easily
• Constant or frequent abdominal pain and cramps
• Nausea and vomiting
• Urinary problems as a result of an enlarged rectum leaving less room for the bladder to expand this means your child will need to urinate more frequently and they may get urinary tract infections or bladder infections

If you notice these changes in your childs bathroom habits and overall attitude and behavior, it is time to call the pediatrician. Your doctor will be able to set you and your child on the right path and will come up with a treatment plan based on your kids symptoms.

Constipation, even if it is chronic, is usually easily resolvable, and your doctor may prescribe certain laxatives or stool softeners to make your childs return to normal a little bit easier. Your doctor will likely also advise you to keep your child on a high fiber diet for a period of time since fiber helps keep things moving along through the digestive system. In fact, insufficient fiber may have been what caused the problem in the first place.

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What Do We Mean By Small Bladder

Firstly, lets clear up the confusion between having a small bladder and an overactive bladder. Anatomically, its highly unlikely anyone has a small bladder. Our internal organs dont tend to differ from one person to the next.

However, it is possible to have a functionally small bladder, which means your bladder, for any number of reasons, cant hold a lot of urine. Bladder muscles and/or the bladder sphincter muscles become overactive and as a result there is a constant need to void.

Thats why when some people say they have a small bladder, what theyre really suggesting is they have an overactive bladder.

Medications For Urinary Incontinence

If your problem is overactive bladder, a medical professional will likely prescribe you anticholinergic/antispasmodic medications such as Ditropan XL, Detrol, Enablex , VESIcare, Sanctura and Toviaz . The most common side effects of these are dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation, nausea, dizziness, drowsiness and joint pain.

Avodart and Proscar , known as 5-alpha reductase inhibitors, are also commonly prescribed for overactive bladder. However, they are associated with sexual side effects, such as erectile dysfunction. A recent study also found that men on Avodart had a higher risk of developing diabetes and high cholesterol compared to those taking another overactive bladder drug, Flomax, which is known as an alpha blocker.

For stress incontinence, you may be prescribed a tricyclic antidepressant such as Tofranil and Elavil or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors such as Cymbalta . Antidepressants come with some nasty side effects, from constipation to vomiting, weight changes and decreased sex drive.

Alpha-adrenergic agonists are another option and include ProAmatine and Sudafed , which is available over the counter. Common side effects include loss of appetite, insomnia and skin rashes or itching.

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When To See A Doctor

• Pain or cramping in your pelvic or lower abdominal area
• Pain or burning while urinating
• Urgent or frequent need to use the bathroom
• Leakage of urine
• Blood in your urine

If you have or think you are having bladder spasms, it is important that you see a doctor for a proper diagnosis. Your symptoms may be due to an infection that can be treated. In rare cases, bladder spasms may be a sign of a serious underlying condition.

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Make Regular And Controlled Visits

Double void is another approach to dealing with OAB. This technique involves relieving yourself and then, a few minutes later, going again. This deliberate approach to bathroom visits helps you to make sure that after passing urine a second time, your bladder is mostly or completely empty. The main benefit of this approach is that you can avoid having to return to the bathroom just a few minutes after your initial visit, which is both a nuisance and sometimes embarassing.

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The Effects Of Caffeine

Caffeine increases the amount of urine we produce and therefore can make dehydration worse. Limit your intake of caffeinated beverages such as tea coffee and cola or choose decaffeinated varieties. Fruit or Green teas are naturally lower in caffeine, and black tea contains less caffeine than coffee.

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Anticholinergic Drugs For Overactive Bowel

This particular class of medication is used to control the muscle spasms that lead to overactive bladder. Anticholinergic drugs focus on blocking the nerve signals that typically trigger inopportune bladder contractions, reduce the frequency, and the severity of your urge to urinate.

There are several anticholinergic drugs to choose from and they all require a doctors prescription. Most people have very favourable reactions to anticholinergics, though there are a few possible side effects which may include dry mouth, constipation, increased heartbeat and/or drowsiness.

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How Can Nocturia Be Treated

It is important to find the cause of nocturia. This allows the doctor to treat nocturia. The doctor can then refer you to the right specialist if needed. Some treatments could be:

• cutting back on how much caffeine and alcohol you drink, especially in the evening and before going to bed
• reviewing the times you take fluid tablets wearing support stockings for swollen ankles
• resting with your legs up for a few hours in the afternoon or evening.

Other tips include:

• lighting the path to the toilet
• placing a commode or urinal to use next to your bed.

You may be referred to a continence nurse advisor or continence physiotherapist. Your doctor may also refer you to a specialist. The specialist will discuss other treatments with you. These may include medicines which treat the nocturia or medicines to treat the cause of the problem.

You might be referred to a medical specialist such as a:

• Renal physician.

How Are Oab And Constipation Related

According to the University of California, San Francisco Department of Urology, there is a very close relationship between constipation and OAB. Why? Because the nerves of both systems are in close proximity of each other. If there is an issue with the nerves of one system, it stands to reason that there may be an issue with the nerves of the other.

According to UCSF, In addition, the bladder and the colon are close together in the body. Large amounts of stool in the colon can put pressure on the bladder which can cause the bladder to not fill as much as it should, or cause the bladder to contract when the bladder is not supposed to contract. This large amount of stool can also cause the bladder to not empty well.

So, what tends to happen when constipation occurs? Yes, you guessed it! Urinary frequency, nocturia, and even urinary tract infections.

It is imperative to treat constipation as it may help relieve OAB symptoms. Although treating constipation may not fully improve your OAB symptoms if there are other underlying causes, it may improve symptoms.

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What Questions Should I Ask A Healthcare Provider

• How do you know that I have an overactive bladder?
• Whats the cause of my overactive bladder?
• Whats a normal number of times to pee each day?
• How much should I drink each day?
• What fluids should I drink?
• What fluids should I avoid drinking?
• What foods should I eat?
• What foods should I avoid eating?
• What treatments do you recommend?
• Are there any side effects to your recommended treatment?
• What medications do you recommend?
• Are there any side effects to your recommended medications?
• Are there any other lifestyle changes I can make?
• Can you recommend a support group for people with overactive bladder?

A note from Cleveland Clinic

Overactive bladder is a common condition that causes changes in your bathroom habits, which can be embarrassing. Many people struggle to talk to a healthcare provider about their symptoms. However, providers can help answer any of your questions without judgment. They can determine the cause of your overactive bladder and work with you to develop the best treatment plan. If you have symptoms of overactive bladder, talk to a healthcare provider so you can regain control of your bathroom habits and improve your quality of life.

How Can I Reduce My Risk Of Developing Overactive Bladder

Lifestyle adjustments can help reduce your risk of developing an overactive bladder. These may include:

• Maintaining a weight thats healthy for you.
• Drinking caffeine and alcohol in moderation.
• Drinking the proper amount of fluids each day. Too many fluids can worsen your symptoms, while not drinking enough can irritate your bladder lining and increase the severity of your urges.
• Exercising regularly.
• Performing Kegels or other pelvic floor exercises.
• Managing conditions that may cause OAB, such as diabetes or UTIs.

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Why Constipation Causes Uti

Chronic constipation can cause bladder infection in many ways. As you can see in the image below, the rectum and urinary bladder are located in the pelvis.

When you are constipated, the hard stools accumulate in the rectum. The fecal loading causes distension of the rectum.

Because the rectum and bladder are closely situated, rectal distension can compress the bladder neck.

The pressure over the bladder neck causes incomplete emptying of the bladder. That means after passing urine, a significant volume of urine remains in the bladder.

The accumulation of urine facilitates the growth of bacteria such as E.coli that cause infection.

Urinary tract infections are common when you are pregnant. One of the main reasons for that is pregnancy-related constipation.

Seek Help From A Qualified Physical Therapist

Talk to your doctor, who may refer you to a qualified physical therapist who specializes in pelvic floor therapy if you have any incontinence or pain that doesnt go away after giving birth. Embarking on proper rehabilitation soon after having your baby may help you avoid more serious gynecological problems later on.

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What Causes Constipation

Constipation can have many causes:

• Your diet. Any change to your diet may lead to constipation. Not drinking enough water makes constipation more likely as since it makes your stools dryer and harder to pass. Additionally, not eating enough fiber or eating too much dairy, sugary foods, or high fat meat can all make you constipated.

• Your activity level. A little exercise each day helps everything – even your bowels!

• Holding it in. Ignoring the urge to go can damage the nerves in the rectum, making them unable to respond appropriately when they need to.

• Certain medications. Pain drugs, antidepressants, iron pills, or antacids that contain calcium or aluminum can

• Relying too much on laxatives. While occasional laxative use can help with constipation, using them for too long can cause dependency, and can actually make constipation worse.

• Certain medical conditions.

What If I Take Too Much

If you take too much mirabegron, it is unlikely to harm you.

If you take an extra dose by mistake, you might get some of the common side effects, such as increased heart rate, or headache and dizziness.

Urgent advice: Contact 111 now for advice if:

Youve taken more than your usual dose of mirabegron and:

• youre having side effects

Call or go to 111.nhs.uk

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Millions of people in the United States struggle with Overactive Bladder symptoms. The most common symptom is the ongoing urgent need to go to the bathroom. Now.

OAB can interfere with work, going out with friends, exercise and sleep. It can lead you to the bathroom many times during the day or night. Some people leak urine after this urgent âgotta goâ feeling. Others feel afraid theyâll leak.

Fortunately, there is help and there are treatments.

It took me nearly 5 years to talk with my doctor about this. Iâm glad I finally did.