CARE ASSISTANT
LTChronic Constipation
A quiet enemy of the pelvic floor.
Constipation is very common: infrequent or hard-to-pass stools. Repeated straining exerts downward pressure that stretches the pudendal nerve.
Over years, this stretching can weaken the anal and urinary sphincters and favour double incontinence. Treating constipation therefore also protects continence.
More Informations
A slow transit, often linked to daily habits.
Definition
Chronic constipation means infrequent, hard or difficult stools, with bloating and a feeling of incomplete emptying, lasting several weeks.
Causes
A slowed transit, too little water and fibre, inactivity, some medicines (opioid painkillers in particular) or an underactive thyroid.
Diagnosis
- Discussion of eating habits, hydration and medicines.
- Blood tests (thyroid) and, in some cases, a transit study.
- Colonoscopy if warning signs are present.
Treatments
Drinking enough, adding fibre and moving every day form the basis. Osmotic laxatives can help; stimulant laxatives stay occasional. The doctor looks for and treats a cause if there is one.
Severe constipation presses on the bladder and can cause urine leaks, especially on effort. A bladder control pad or Flexi absorbent underwear covers these leaks while the bowel settles.
Educational content written for families and caregivers. It does not replace a consultation: a doctor, a continence nurse or a physiotherapist makes the diagnosis and chooses the treatment.