Though constipation is a common condition that can affect all kinds of people of all ages, it can actually cause a number of different symptoms to arise, and these can differ massively from case to case and person to person.
Constipation can cause stomach problems and discomfort across your entire gut, and in some cases even make you feel very ill.
While these symptoms are experienced by most people that suffer from the condition, there are plenty of other symptoms that can manifest as a result of it!
Have you found your way here because you’re wondering whether constipation can cause urinary issues?
Then you have come to the right place, because today I am going to take you through any potential links between constipation and urinary issues so you can find out whether the two problems are related in your case!
Dive in down below to get started!
What Is Constipation?
In order to learn of any potential link between constipation and urinary issues, it would be valuable to refresh ourselves so that we are sure of what exactly constipation is!
Constipation is a condition that is very common, and causes an individual to not pass their stool regularly, or may cause them to be unable to completely empty their bowels.
This can be due to any number of reasons, such as not eating enough fibre, to outright ignoring the urge to pass stool!
When you are suffering from constipation, you will often find yourself experiencing stomach pains. This is because the stool is backed up in your bowels, causing them to expand slightly and press against the walls of your stomach.
This will lead you to feel very ‘full’ and can even lead to you feeling ill.
Can Constipation Be Linked To Urinary Problems?
In some cases, constipation can be linked to urinary problems and incontinence. The reason for this is that the colon will begin to fill up with stool that is not passed from the system.
This means that the colon will expand, and then place a lot of pressure on the bladder.
This restricts the amount of space available in the bladder, which can cause an individual to need to urinate much more frequently.
It might also cause the bladder to contract unconsciously, which could lead to urine leaking from the body before an individual has a chance to head to the bathroom.
Constipation may not always be the reason why you might be experiencing urinary problems, so I would recommend that you make sure to contact your doctor to determine whether your problems (see also: What Doctor Do You See For Breast Problems?)are being directly caused by constipation.
What Happens If Constipation Is Untreated?
It is very important that you consult your doctor if you ever suspect that you may be suffering from constipation.
If constipation were to continue without being adequately treated, then the individual may begin to experience some slightly more severe symptoms.
For example, an individual may suffer haemorrhoids, anal fissures, or even rectal prolapse.
These issues can have a long-lasting impact that can take longer to treat than constipation itself.
If constipation that causes urinary problems goes untreated, then there is a chance that the urinary problems may become worse as the bladder becomes damaged by the pressure placed against it by the colon.
How Is Constipation Treated?
Constipation is generally treated by ascertaining exactly what the problem is that is causing the condition.
If constipation is being caused by a lack of fibre in the diet, then a doctor may suggest to an individual that they increase the amount of fibre in their diet right away, in order to help the stool to pass.
Your doctor might also recommend that you increase your water intake.
When a person is constipated, the act of retaining the stool will cause the moisture from the stool to be reabsorbed by the stool, resulting in dry stool that is very painful to pass.
To clear up the bowels, you will want to drink plenty of water, which will cause the stool to be rehydrated, so it can pass more easily.
Doctors can also help you to work on your bowel movements, to train your bowels to move at a time that is regular and convenient to you.
In order to do this, the doctor will suggest that, every time you feel the urge to pass stool, you allow yourself plenty of time to allow it to pass at its own rate.
By doing this every time the bowels move naturally, it will train the bowels to develop its own rhythm and understand when it is convenient for you to pass stool.
You may also be prescribed specific medications that are designed to help soften your stool, to make it easier for your bowel movements to pass.
To Wrap Up
As you can now see, constipation can be closely linked to urinary issues in some cases, so if you suspect that the two may be connected, then you do not need to feel totally alone!
Just make sure to contact your doctor to have them consult on your specific case, so that they can determine that the two issues are definitely linked.
Luckily, there are many treatments available to help treat constipation, so you can return your bowels to normal, and also relieve pressure against the bladder.
Make sure to begin your treatment as soon as you can, as leaving constipation untreated can lead to the development of wider issues!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Constipation Cause UTI Like Symptoms?
Absolutely. Leaving constipation untreated can actually make an individual more susceptible to developing a UTI.
Can Bladder And Bowel Problems Be Related?
Definitely. The bladder and the bowels are in close proximity, so they may be susceptible to suffering very similar problems.
Can Being Constipated Stop You From Urinating?
If there is a particularly stubborn piece of stool in the rectum, then it may press against the bladder and pinch it shut, stopping a person from urinating!
I'm Clare, the owner and operator of Off The Couch, where I serve as a qualified Nutrition & Health Coach.
Based in Dublin, Ireland, I offer coaching services both locally and globally, providing personalized strategies in nutrition, stress management, sleep quality, and fitness.
My journey into this field began as I navigated my own chronic illnesses, including early menopause, Interstitial Cystitis, Lyme Disease, and hydrocephalus.
