subject: Bladder Weakness – The Role Of Constipation [print this page] Bladder Weakness The Role Of Constipation
Our bodies are incredibly complex mechanisms so it wouldn't be surprising to find that if one part is malfunctioning it adversely affects another part. That is sometimes the case regarding the underlying cause of bladder weakness.
For example would you think that constipation could also cause incontinence? Those two conditions seem to be at opposite ends of the spectrum but in fact constipation can indeed cause a problem with the bladder. The bladder and the rectum share the same nerve endings and if those nerves are damaged in any way both areas can have a problem.
Additionally, when the rectum becomes distended due to constipation it can place pressure on the bladder which in turn reduces its capacity causing overflow incontinence. The same holds true for the urethra. If the case of a male, the rectum can push against the prostate gland which in turn will squeeze the urethra causing reducing the amount of urine that can be voided. Once again this will cause the bladder to overflow and with that additional pressure force the urine through the urethra.
Many times if you can attack the underlying problem then the incontinence goes away as well. With constipation it's really a question of diet, hydration and exercise. Odds are if you have constipation you are either not eating correctly, not taking in enough water or you are not engaged in enough physical activity to help the digestive track.
Increasing the amount of food that is high in fiber obviously is a smart move. Hydration is very important and you should drink half your body weight, expressed in ounces every day. So if you weigh 150 pounds you should consume 75 ounces of water daily. Lastly get enough exercise and that doesn't mean you have to "work out." Just get up out of that chair and move around. The body was not designed to be immobile it needs to move around to keep healthy.
Bladder weakness can be treated once the underlying causes are properly identified. Don't let this condition have an impact on your life. See your doctor and work together to find the therapy that is right for you.
