Women’s Bladder And Bowel Health Conditions
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Women’s Bladder And Bowel Health Conditions
If you’re dealing with bladder or bowel control problems, you might feel embarrassed, frustrated, or even a little alone. But the truth is, millions of women are going through the same thing. These challenges are more common than you think, and they are nothing to be ashamed of.
A lot of people believe incontinence is just soemthing that happens after having children or getting older, and that nothing can be done. But that’s not true. In fact, most bladder and bowel issues can be treated or managed so you can get back to living life on your terms.
It all starts with understanding what’s happening in your body. Once you know more, you and your doctor can create a plan that works for you. Below, you’ll find information about the most common types of bladder and bowel conditions, like urinary incontinence, and inflammatory bowel disease, along with links to help you learn more and take the next step toward feeling better.
Bedwetting
Bedwetting is a very common condition for adults -so common that it’s one of the most visited pages on our site! If you struggle with adult bedwetting, you’re not alone.
Bowel Health
If you are unable to make it to the bathroom without bowel leakage, you most likely are dealing with bowel incontinence. From dietary changes to exercise, there is much that you can do in order to take charge of your life with bowel incontinence.
FEMALE STRESS URINARY INCONTINENCE (SUI)
When physical activity exerts pressure on the bladder, leakage occurs. This could be when you lift something heavy, laugh, cough, or even sneeze. Many women experience this as a result of pregnancy and childbirth.
FISTULA
A fistula is an abnormal connection or passageway that connects two organs or vessels that do not usually connect. It can cause urine leakage, UTIs, vomiting, nausea, and diarrhea, among other symptoms. There are several types of fistulas, and various treatments for them as well.
INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE
IBD is a common, hard to diagnose condition that is often characterized by loose stools, abdominal pain, weight loss, fatigue or fever, but symptoms can be different for everyone.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
IBS is a common digestive disorder that causes symptoms like stomach pain, bloating, gas, and changes in bowel habits such as diarrhea, constipation, or both.
MIXED INCONTINENCE
Having more than one type of incontinence is incredibly common. Many people may suffer not only from stress incontinence, but also overactive bladder.
NEUROLOGICAL CONDITIONS
Having a neurological condition can bring about a lot of unwanted side effects, and sometimes, incontinence can be one of them. Things like MS, Parkinson’s Disease, or spinal cord injuries can all lead to bladder leaks.
Nocturia
According to the American Urological Association (AUA), Nocturia is “the need to urinate at least twice during the night.” This is condition begins to show up in women around the age of 60. So if you’re making a couple of trips to the bathroom a night, you might want to learn more about this common and manageable condition.
OVERACTIVE BLADDER (OAB)
Overactive Bladder is a condition that results from sudden, involuntary contraction of the muscle in the wall of the urinary bladder. You experience a sudden and unstoppable need to urinate (urinary urgency). Overactive bladder should not be considered a normal part of aging.
PELVIC ORGAN PROLAPSE (POP)
The word prolapse means to fall out of place. When the pelvic wall weakens or ruptures, the bladder, uterus and rectum (or a combination of all three) can drop into the vaginal canal. This creates a blockage and creates difficulty emptying the bladder. In addition, POP can also cause incontinence or leakage as well.
PREGNANCY AND CHILDBIRTH
The physical trauma of childbirth can lead to both Stress Incontinence and Overactive Bladder. However, precautions can be taken to prepare the body and prevent or lessen the impact of childbirth on your urinary system.
URINARY RETENTION
Sometimes the problem isn’t leakage, but not being able to fully empty your bladder. If you have trouble starting a urine stream, a weak flow, or have to go to the bathroom frequently (even after you just went), you may have urinary retention.
URINARY TRACT INFECTION
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are incredibly common, and are easily spotted by their hallmark symptoms – a burning sensation when you pee, having to empty your bladder frequently, and having to go RIGHT NOW!
UTERINE FIBROIDS
Uterine fibroids are growths that occur on the uterus. Symptoms may include heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding, abdominal pain, trouble emptying your bladder, back pain, or pain during sex, among others.
RELATED ARTICLES
The Financial Impact of Incontinence: Costs You May Not See
Incontinence is often discussed in terms of symptoms and quality of life but for many people, it also brings a steady (and sometimes surprising) financial burden. Beyond the obvious cost of pads, protective underwear, and skin-care products, there can be added expenses from laundry, missed work, caregiving needs, and medical visits. The good news: understanding where the costs come from is the first step toward reducing them—and getting the right treatment can be a cost-saver, not just a health improvement.
Speaking Up About Incontinence
For many people living with bladder leaks, the hardest part isn’t the symptoms themselves.
It’s deciding to talk about them.
Bladder leaks can feel too small to mention, too embarrassing to explain, or not “serious enough” to justify a doctor’s visit. Many people quietly manage symptoms for years—adjusting their routines, limiting activities, and hoping things don’t get worse.
If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. And you’re not wrong for feeling this way.
Incontinence by the Numbers
How common it is, why it’s increasing, and what an aging population means for patients and families
Incontinence is often treated as something people should keep private — but the reality is that it’s extremely common, and it affects millions of Americans every day.
As our population ages, especially with Baby Boomers entering older adulthood, more people are living with bladder and bowel control problems. That means more patients seeking answers, more caregivers providing support, and greater impact on families and the healthcare system.
Understanding the numbers helps reduce stigma — and reminds people that they are not alone and help is available.
The Financial Impact of Incontinence: Costs You May Not See
Incontinence is often discussed in terms of symptoms and quality of life but for many people, it also brings a steady (and sometimes surprising) financial burden. Beyond the obvious cost of pads, protective underwear, and skin-care products, there can be added expenses from laundry, missed work, caregiving needs, and medical visits. The good news: understanding where the costs come from is the first step toward reducing them—and getting the right treatment can be a cost-saver, not just a health improvement.