There are many causes of bowel or fecal incontinence including an injury during childbirth. During the delivery process a separation may occur in the anal muscles and reduce the strength of the muscles. Many times, this injury is not recognized after the birth but many years later.

You may experience bowel incontinence if you have had anal surgery or infections that could cause weakened anal muscles. This problem may start out when the patient is young but gradually become a bigger problem as the person ages. Infections around the anal area may also destroy or weaken muscles, and as people age they may find their muscles can no longer control the anal muscles.

People with fecal or bowel incontinence may develop the problem because of a recurring problem with diarrhea. If the bowel is used to voiding stools that are liquid or near liquid, they lose their strength and effectiveness. You should know that if you have constant diarrhea and there is bleeding from the rectum, these might be symptoms of a more serious condition such as tumor, rectal prolapse, or inflammation of the colon. If you are experiencing any of these complaints you should see your doctor immediately.

Talking to your doctor frankly and openly will help discover the root of your problem and the seriousness of your problem. The doctor should take a complete medical history because many cases of fecal incontinence may have occurred years in the past. Women who have had extra large babies, forceps deliveries, more than one pregnancy, or episiotomies associated with delivery may be susceptible to bowel incontinence. Many times, a serious illness or medications may cause bowel incontinence. Some antibiotics may cause loose bowels and the inability to control them.

Once your doctor has determined the cause of the incontinence problem, they have several methods of treatment available. In some cases, home exercises that strengthen the anal muscles may help in controlling the incontinence. A simple change in your diet may also help control or remove the problem. Biofeedback can be helpful in helping the patient sense when bowel movements are about to occur and help strengthen the anal muscles.

In rare occasions, patients who do not respond to conventional treatments may need a colostomy. This is rarely done now but was used often in the 50's and 60's. A temporary colostomy was performed and could be reversed after the patient's cause of rectal incontinence was treated successfully. Studies are being conducted in the development of an artificial anal muscle that may soon be another method of treating fecal incontinence.

There are a few unusual causes of incontinence besides the ones that are the most common. A patient may have a problem with the urethra sending the urine from the kidneys to the vagina or rectum. This situation can be taken care of surgically. Usually this form of urinary incontinence is found in babies or small children.

Damage to the spinal cord may also cause urinary incontinence problems especially if the injury is in the lower lumbar area of the spine. Many people with spinal injuries are unable to use the muscles that control the urine flow and the flow of the bowels.

Another unusual cause of urinary incontinence is if there is an infection found higher in the urinary tract or in the bladder. Infections can be treated with antibiotics and if the muscles are weakened while the infection is active, a patient may want to use the Kegel exercises to help strengthen them. These exercises are easily done and you can use them anytime and anywhere. You shouldn't be using abdomen or leg muscles, or the muscles of your buttocks when doing these special exercises. No one around you should be able to tell you are exercising these muscles!

Excessive water consumption may be another cause of bladder and urinary incontinence. Too much water can also cause looser bowels and cause fecal incontinence also. If a person drinks too much fluid, the bladder may not be able to contain it and will simply overflow. It is a problem if a person drinks too much water. You normally should drink eight to ten glasses of water each day. Drinking water in excess has proven to be harmful, as new stories recently have pointed out. A contestant in a contest died because of water poisoning.

If a person is finding they are drinking an excessive amount of fluid, they should begin to look for underlying causes. Diabetes can cause excessive thirst, bladder infections, and severe kidney problems may also cause you to drink too much fluid. Urine and blood tests can be performed to decide if there is an underlying reasons your body wants so much fluid.

If you are experiencing bouts of urinary incontinence, you should contact your doctor. Do not let embarrassment keep you from getting the help you need to reduce or stop the problem. Unusual causes of urinary incontinence can be treated as well and your medical doctor will perform the necessary tests to find out what is at the root of your incontinence problem.

Indeed, incontinence is a common medical condition. But just because it is common does not mean that you have to get used to it. In fact, most forms of incontinence are entirely treatable. There are many ways to treat incontinence. The most common forms of treating mild forms of incontinence include doing kegel exercises. These are exercises that help to strengthen the pelvic area so that you can gain better control over your bladder. Other common types of therapies include controlling your diet, including cutting caffeine and alcohol from your diet. The next step is the use of prescription medicines. There are many different prescription medications that have been used to help treat incontinence. The last resort for many people is the use of surgical procedures to alleviate incontinence.

However, there is also a very effective treatment option that does not involve prescription drugs and surgical procedures that is not as well known as these other options. This is an all natural physical exercise treatment that is known as the urge strategy. So what is the urge strategy and how can it help you overcome your bouts with incontinence?

The urge strategy is a way to gain control over the urge to urinate. To get started, imagine that you have the urge to urinate. This strategy is used to treat people with urge incontinence, which describes a common type of incontinence in which individuals find that they lose urine before being able to make it to the bathroom. Some doctors have found that people with urge incontinence can find that their bladder control worsens from this type of incontinence. All the rushing caused by urge incontinence causes the bladder to work hard, and causes you to lose control more easily. The urge strategy works to allow you more control over your body.

Here is how the urge strategy works. The next time that you feel the urge to urinate, stop yourself from running to the restroom. Stay put in one place. Try to sit or stand calmly. Try to stay very still. Now, while staying calm and still, attempt to squeeze your pelvic floor muscles several times very quickly. Do not let your muscles relax fully between contractions. Let your body relax. Inhale a few deep breaths. Allow your tension to dissipate. Focus on suppressing the feeling of urgency. Wait calmly until the urge to urinate subsides. Finally, make your way to the bathroom at a very calm pace. Continue to squeeze your pelvic muscles on the way to the bathroom. Train yourself to regain this type of control each time you feel the urge in order to get control over your bladder.

The first item of business is to make an appointment with your personal doctor. Explain the problem and allow them to make preliminary tests to find out if your problem is a problem they can treat. If not, they refer you to a specialist such as a proctologist, colorectal surgeon, or a gastroenterologist. These doctors specialize in medical conditions that affect the colon, anus, and rectum.

Fecal incontinence can cause physical discomfort as well as emotional discomfort. The skin surrounding the anus is delicate and prolonged and repeated contact with stool can irritate the area. Itching, pain, and possibly sores can occur and will need medical treatment.

Treatment for bowel incontinence may start with changes in your diet. Your food and intake and what you drink all affect your bowel movements and their consistency. If fecal incontinence were caused by chronic constipation, your diet would need to include foods high in fiber that are not constipating and drinking more fluids. If diarrhea is causing the problem, a diet rich in fiber may also help by adding bulk to your stools. The fiber helps absorb the liquid from your bowel movements. Your doctor or a nutritionist can recommend the changes you need to make to help your incontinence problem.

Sometimes diet changes are not enough to take care of the problem. Your doctor may prescribe special medications to treat your fecal incontinence. If your problem is caused by diarrhea, it may be recommended you take Imodium, which helps treat diarrhea. It is found in chewable tablets so you can take them any time without liquid to wash it down with. If the problem is caused by constipation, a mild laxative may be recommended to restore normal bowel movements and consistency. Your doctor can also recommend a drug that decreases the water content in your stools and decrease the spontaneous movement of your bowel.

Bowels can be trained, just as bladders can be trained to control or sense when you have a need to defecate. A bowel-training program and muscle exercises may also help with bowel incontinence. Bowel training means teaching your bowels to move at certain times of the day. Your body will soon recognize the bowels need to move after a meal, when you first wake up, or right before you go to bed. Children especially are helped by this method as they sometimes forget to use the toilet and may have impacted bowels from not going often enough.

Bowel training can also involve exercise therapy and biofeedback. These two methods can strengthen rectal muscles.

When incontinence hits, the patient may be devastated. They may feel embarrassment, shame and humiliation. People with incontinence problems often become secluded. They do not want to leave their house out of fear they could have an accident in public. Most patients with incontinence problems will try to hide it for as long as possible and will avoid contact with friends and family. This in turn leads to depression and other mental conditions. It is important for an incontinent patient to know that in most cases, fecal and urinary incontinence can be treated and easily managed.

There are many medical reasons why a person can develop incontinence. A person may have an impacted bowel causing constipation and leaking of liquids around the impacted stool. This may also affect urinary incontinence because of pressure on the urethra. Infection may also cause urinary incontinence. An infection in the bladder may cause an urgency to go and may worsen any existing incontinence problems.

A drop in the estrogen hormone in women often leads to softening of the tissue around the vagina and the urethra. An inflammation can be caused from this lack of estrogen and can create more problems for patients who have urge and stress related incontinence problems. A patient may also have a large amount of urine production because of medical problems such as mellitus, hypercalcermia, and diabetes. People with congestive heart failure, high calcium levels and swelling in the legs can also lead to incontinence problems. The bladder may fill rapidly with urine and cause excessive filling. Increased sugar levels in the bladder can also cause the muscle irritation and lead to urinary incontinence.

Another medical reason for urinary incontinence occurs when a person cannot empty their bladder completely when they go to the toilet. Urine remains in the bladder after using the toilet allowing the bladder to fill fuller faster. Restricted mobility is also a problem for some patients. This may be a problem, especially in older adults because of dementia, Alzheimer's disease, arthritis, or poor eyesight. If this is the problem, the underlying problem can be treated or corrected. Making a large sign indicating where the bathroom is located could help those with poor vision. Patients with Alzheimer's or dementia problems may be helped by placing a picture on the door of the toilet to help them recognize the bathroom and jog their memory that they should use the toilet.

You can control how much fluid you take in each day. You can control when you take in these daily fluids. You can control whether or not you consume caffeinated foods and beverages. You can control whether or not you smoke. You can take control over your intake of carbonated drinks and whether or not you eat spicy foods. All these factors have an influence over your incontinence and knowing what each of these factors can do to your incontinence is your responsibility. The knowledge is available online. Your healthcare provider is there to answer your questions and guide you in your decisions. Deciding to take control of your incontinence is what you need to control or not.

Control The Fluid Factor:

Limit your fluid intake to 6 to 8 glasses a day (based on what your doctor advises)

Limit the bulk of your fluid intake to the mornings and afternoons

Decrease or eliminate caffeinated and carbonated beverages

Remember to include foods that are fluids like soups, broth, and Jello

Control the Food Factor:
Avoid or decrease the consumption of spicy and acidic foods

Control the Irritant Factor:
Avoid or decrease irritants like smoking, alcohol consumption.

Understand that having concentrated urine is irritating to your bladder and may cause UTIs (urinary tract infections). Urine becomes concentrated when your fluid intake is too low.

Control the Medication Factor:

Some prescribed medications you take may contribute to your incontinent problems. Make sure you doctor is aware of all medications that you take prescribed and non-prescription.

Prescription medications that may contribute to your incontinence are:

Antidepressants

Diuretics

Heart medications

High Blood Pressure

Muscle Relaxants

Sedatives

Talk to your doctor if you are taking any of these listed medications so any adjustments if possible can be made.

Control the Weight Factor:

If you are overweight it can influence your bladder control. Pressure is put on the bladder when you are overweight and are doing physical activity. Lose weight safely and under a doctor's advice.

Control the Smoking Factor

If you smoke, quit. If you don't smoke, don't start.

Heavy smoking especially can cause you to develop chronic cough. This can cause pressure on the bladder and irritate your bladder. There are many health benefits to stopping cigarette smoking, gaining control over your bladder in just one of them.

Control the Treatment Factor
Be a partner with your healthcare provider, ask questions and gain knowledge concerning incontinence. Ask to be told about every aspect of your treatment so that you can make informed decisions. Ask for options and second opinions especially if surgery is discussed as an option.

Decide today if you want to control the factors that contribute to your incontinence.

Stress Incontinence – This is by far the most common form of incontinence. Is it caused by emotional stress? Not exactly. Stress incontinence refers to a form of incontinence that occurs whenever stress is placed on the bladder. This can happen when you laugh too hard, cough, sneeze, or any other slight provocation. Thus, it is called stress incontinence because this form of incontinence is caused when any small motion places stress on the bladder, thus causing the occasional case of incontinence. Stress incontinence is also common in women who have recently given birth. This occurs because the pelvic muscles and tissues have gotten stretched, making it easier for urine to drain. Stress incontinence can also be the result of playing high impact sports, age, or being overweight.

Urge Incontinence – This is another very common form of incontinence. Urge incontinence refers to the type of incontinence that is very commonly known as an overactive bladder. Urge incontinence generally refers to the involuntary loss of urine that can happen for any length of time, ranging from a few seconds and a few months. Who is most likely to suffer from urge incontinence? People with Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, or a urinary tract infection are more likely to suffer from this form of incontinence. People with urge incontinence find that they constantly have to use the restroom.

Mixed Incontinence – Mixed incontinence refers to those cases where the patient experiences more than one type of incontinence. The most common combination is that of urge incontinence and stress incontinence. Most health professionals believe that mixed incontinence is relatively common among women. Many researchers are even beginning to doubt whether there really is a clear demarcation between urge incontinence and stress incontinence. It is believed that mixed incontinence may just be the most common form of incontinence.

Overflow Incontinence – This form of incontinence refers to the type of incontinence that results when you simply cannot empty out your bladder when you use the restroom. People with overflow incontinence complain that they experience a constant dribbling, even after already using the restroom. So what causes overflow incontinence? It is believed that there are many different causes of this particular form of incontinence. The most common cause for this type of incontinence is the use of certain medications. There are some classes of drugs and medications that have been known to cause overflow incontinence. Individuals who suffer from diabetes or nerve damage are also more likely to suffer from overflow incontinence.

The area around the anus is one of the most sensitive parts of the body. The skin is delicate and can easily become inflamed and cause pain and itching. There are several steps you can take to relive any discomfort and pain you might have after the stool comes into contact with the skin around the anus. Wash the area with water after a bowel movement. Do not use soap because that can dry out the skin and make any pain and discomfort worse. If it is possible, take a lukewarm shower. You may also try using a skin cleanser that requires no rinsing. Toilet paper can worsen the discomfort so try to avoid using toilet paper to clean up. Premoistened, alcohol-free towelettes are available to use for cleaning of this sensitive area.

If it is possible, let the area air-dry. This is not always feasible but if you can it is the best choice. If you do need to dry quickly, use a lint-free cloth. Using a cream with a moisture proof barrier will help prevent the skin from coming into contact with the stools. Talk to your doctor before you decide which cream to use because some can contain irritating ingredients. If you are using a moisture barrier cream, the area should be thoroughly clean to avoid trapping bacteria under the layer of cream that can do further damage.

You should also try using a nonmedicated powder for the area after it is cleaned. The powder should not have any irritating ingredients and using cornstarch from your cupboard is an inexpensive powder to use for anal discomfort.

How else can you relieve pain and discomfort from irritated skin in the anal area? Wear breathable clothes! If you wear clothes that breathe, it allows the anal area to stay dry naturally. Tight clothes can make any anal discomfort worse. If your clothes should become soiled, change them as soon as possible. If you are caring for an elderly patient who wears protective underwear, be sure they are changed frequently to avoid skin irritation. If protective undergarments or disposable pads are used, make sure they have a layer on top that pulls moisture and stool away from the skin and into the pad or protective garment.

Avoiding situations that can cause discomfort can also help. Know where the restrooms are when you enter an establishment, use the bathroom before you leave the house and wear those protective garments or disposable pads. Be prepared! If you think you might have an accident, carry a tote with you containing supplies to clean up with and a change of clothing. Deodorants are also available for fecal matter that can make you feel more comfortable in public.

Bladder incontinence is the number one reason for elderly patients to be placed in nursing homes and extended care facilities. At least half of all admissions list incontinence as the reason for institutionalization. The incontinent patient requires extra staff time, extra training, and increased cost of nursing supplies. Urinary incontinence causes psychological effects as well as physical problems such as limited mobility, bedsores, and rashes. This adds more cost to the care of the incontinent patient. Estimates for the cost of medical care for incontinent patients are over five billion dollars!

It's important for caregivers and primary doctors recognize the types of urinary incontinence and what medicines and treatments are right for each type. Aging causes problems in the urinary tract including bladder elasticity. This means the bladder does not stretch as far to hold urine and a patient may find they have a need to void more often.

Other problems that occur with elderly patients are loosening and relaxing of the muscles used to control urine. Elderly patients can be taught to do the simple Kegel exercises and improve their chances of staying dry. Women are more prone to urinary incontinence because of pregnancy and childbirth, C-Sections, and thinning and drying of the vaginal wall and urethra.

The bladder is controlled by the external urethral sphincter and automated by the nervous system. The signals are sent to the cortex of the brain and the brain creates the urge to urinate. When the body feels that "urge" the brain triggers the internal and external sphincters to relax and the bladder contracts to void itself of urine.

Elderly men may suffer from urinary incontinence because of an enlarged prostate or prostate cancer. They may have the urge to go but will not be able to urinate when they get to the bathroom. They may find themselves feeling the urge to go more often, especially during the night. Frequent need to go can decrease the quality of life of men who suffer from overactive bladder and incontinence. They may be fear going out of town, taking part in regular and normal routines, or getting out of the house at all.

Medications are available to help control an overactive bladder for women and men. Most men and women who have problems with urinary incontinence can be significantly helped and even cured with exercises, change in diet, and medications. The first step is to talk to your doctor openly and honestly about your incontinence problems.

The good news is that urinary and fecal incontinence can be significantly improved or even cured. Finding the underlying problem will be important, incontinence is not a disease, and it is a symptom. There may be many causes and can be complex in analyzing the root problem.

The first step is to make an appointment with your doctor. They will want to do an evaluation and order diagnostic tests to find out what the main problem is. Most of these tests can be done on an outpatient basis and are not usually painful. Once the reason for the incontinence is found, treatment can be started, many of which do not include surgery. No matter how bad you think your incontinence problem is, you can be helped and often cured of the problem.

There are many reasons for urinary incontinence. Urge incontinence is when you have the sensation to void and suddenly you lose your urine. This problem is called "overactive bladder" caused by weak sphincter muscles that control the flow of urine from the bladder. Muscles of an overactive bladder override the muscles that control the urethra and allow the urine to seep out. There are medicines that can be prescribed by your doctor to help the overactive bladder problem. Your doctor may start you out with a low dose of the medication and increase the dose until it controls your overactive bladder. There are some side effects and they should be discussed with your doctor before you start the medication. Medications for bladder incontinence are only available through a prescription. Some antidepressant medications are helpful in controlling overactive bladder problems. Medications that have proven helpful in treating urinary incontinence are Ditropan, Ditropan XL, Oxytrol, Pro-Banthine and Detrol. Some dicyclomines are also helpful. These help with controlling spasms and involuntarily releasing urine from the bladder.

Stress incontinence happens when the body sneezes or coughs and puts extra pressure on the bladder. Women who have had children are more likely to have stress incontinence problems because the muscles of the pelvic floor are weakened during pregnancy and birth. Stress incontinence can occur because sphincter muscles are weak at the neck of the bladder or there is a problem with the way the muscle opens and closes. The same medications used for overactive bladder can be used to help those patients who have mild stress incontinence. Agents may also be injected into the lining of the urethra increasing the lining size and creating resistance against the flow of urine.