What Are the Causes of Bowel Incontinence in Women?
Bowel incontinence, or the inability to control bowel movements, is a condition that affects many women, though it’s often not discussed openly. Whether it’s occasional leakage or more frequent accidents, it can feel both embarrassing and frustrating. You’re not alone in dealing with this, and the good news is that with the right information and support like incontinence pants, it can be managed effectively.
In this post, we’ll take a closer look at what causes bowel incontinence in women and explore practical ways to manage the condition, so you can regain control and confidence in your daily life.
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Common causes of bowel incontinence
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How diet plays a role
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Exercises to strengthen bowel control
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How to manage your bowel incontinence daily
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Find support with Incontinence UK
Common causes of bowel incontinence in women
Bowel incontinence can happen for a number of reasons, and it’s important to understand what might be causing your symptoms. Some of the most common causes include:
Muscle weakness
The muscles that surround your rectum and anus help control when you pass stool. If these muscles become weakened, controlling bowel movements can be difficult. This weakness can occur as a result of childbirth, surgery, or ageing. When these muscles don’t work as well as they should, leaks or accidents can happen, especially during moments of pressure like coughing or lifting.
Nerve damage
The nerves that send signals to your rectal muscles to contract or relax might not function properly if damaged. This can happen due to childbirth, surgery, or health conditions like diabetes or multiple sclerosis. Without the proper nerve signals, you may not feel the urge to go in time or might not be able to control the movement of stool effectively.
Rectal prolapse
In some cases, the rectum can shift out of its usual position and protrude out of the anus, a condition known as rectal prolapse. This can weaken your ability to control bowel movements because the muscles are not positioned correctly to work as they should. Chronic constipation or straining during bowel movements can lead to this condition.
How diet plays a role
What you eat has a direct impact on how your digestive system functions. Certain foods can irritate your gut, causing diarrhoea, while others may lead to constipation.
By making changes to your diet, you can often improve symptoms of bowel incontinence.
Some tips include:
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Avoid spicy and greasy foods, which can upset your stomach.
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Limit dairy if it tends to trigger loose stools.
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Drink plenty of water and eat high-fibre foods like fruits and vegetables to keep things moving smoothly.
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Exercises to strengthen your bowel control
One of the most effective ways to manage bowel incontinence is by strengthening the muscles that support your rectum and anus. Pelvic floor exercises, often called Kegel exercises, can help tighten and strengthen these muscles, making it easier to control when and how you pass stool.
Here’s how you can start with Kegel exercises
1. Tighten the muscles as if you’re trying to stop peeing.
2. Hold the squeeze for 5 seconds, then relax for 5 seconds.
3. Repeat this 10-15 times, several times a day.
Doing these exercises regularly can improve your muscle strength and help you regain control over bowel movements.
Tips for managing life with bowel incontinence
Bowel incontinence can feel overwhelming, but there are practical steps you can take to manage it and reduce its impact on your daily life. Some simple tips include:
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Establish a routine – Try to use the toilet at regular intervals, especially after meals, to keep your bowels on a schedule.
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Be prepared – Keep a small pack of wet wipes, pads, or extra underwear with you when you’re out, just in case of an accident.
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Wear protection – If you’re concerned about accidents, wearing protective incontinence pads or underwear can help you feel more secure.
Taking these small but important steps can help you feel more confident and in control, even when you’re on the go.
Find support with Incontinence UK
At Incontinence UK, we understand how important it is to find solutions that work for your lifestyle. That’s why we offer a wide range of products designed to help manage bowel incontinence. From incontinence pads to washable underwear, our range of products is here to help you live comfortably and confidently every day.
