The Link Between Constipation and Urinary Leakage: How Bowel Health Affects Your Bladder
Did you know that your bowel and bladder are closely connected? A sensitized bladder can impact bowel function, and vice versa. That’s why when clients come to us with lower urinary tract symptoms, we also assess their bowel health. In this blog post, we’ll explore the relationship between adult functional constipation and urinary leakage—and what you can do to optimize both.
What Is Adult Functional Constipation?
Functional constipation is diagnosed when someone has at least two of the following symptoms for six months, with symptoms present during the last three months[1]:
- Straining during more than ¼ of bowel movements
- Hard or lumpy stools more than ¼ of the time
- Feeling of incomplete evacuation more than ¼ of the time
- Sensation of anorectal blockage more than ¼ of the time
- Needing manual maneuvers (e.g., pressing on the perineum) to pass stool more than ¼ of the time
- Fewer than three spontaneous bowel movements per week
- Loose stools rarely occur without laxatives
- Does not meet criteria for irritable bowel syndrome
How Constipation Contributes to Urinary Leakage
The rectum and bladder sit close together in the pelvic girdle. When the rectum is backed up with hard stool, it can put pressure on the bladder, increasing urgency and contributing to leakage. Research in both animals and humans has shown that when the lower bowel becomes irritated or stretched, it can also affect the bladder, leading to symptoms in the lower urinary tract.[2]
How to Optimize Bowel Health
Your bowel is most active in the morning, so take advantage of that:
- Drink a glass of water right after waking up.
- Eat breakfast or chew something to stimulate digestion.
- Move your body—activities like walking help with gut motility.
Diet and Toilet Techniques
- Fiber & Hydration: Aim for 25-30g of fiber daily and drink at least half your body weight in ounces of water.
- Use a Squatty Potty: This helps relax pelvic muscles, making it easier to pass stool.
- Breathe, Don’t Strain: Take slow, deep breaths to relax your pelvic floor. Avoid straining or breath-holding, as it puts unnecessary pressure on the pelvic floor.
Conclusion
Your bowel function matters more than you think when it comes to urinary health. While constipation is one factor in urinary leakage, there are many others. At Pelvic Path, we take a whole-body approach to identify the root cause and help you get back to the activities you enjoy.
Need help managing constipation or urinary leakage? Schedule a consultation with us today!
Photo credit: myPFM
[Citation]
[1] LaCross, Jennifer A. PT, DPT, PhD(c)1; Borello-France, Diane PT, PhD2; Marchetti, Gregory F. PT, PhD2; Turner, Rose MLIS3; George, Susan PT, DPT4. Physical Therapy Management of Functional Constipation in Adults: A 2021 Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guideline From the American Physical Therapy Association’s Academy of Pelvic Health Physical Therapy. Journal of Women’s Health Physical Therapy 46(3):p E59-E84, July/September 2022. | DOI: 10.1097/JWH.0000000000000244
[2] Panicker JN, Marcelissen T, von Gontard A, Vrijens D, Abrams P, Wyndaele M. Bladder-bowel interactions: Do we understand pelvic organ cross-sensitization? International Consultation on Incontinence Research Society (ICI-RS) 2018. Neurourol Urodyn. 2019;38 Suppl 5:S25-S34. doi:10.1002/nau.24111
