Incontinence and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Often Are Related

Incontinence and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Often Are Related

It's estimated that as many as 1 in 3 people suffer from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a condition that can cause abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, and diarrhea. IBS is uncomfortable and inconvenient, to say the least. But did you know that IBS also is often linked to incontinence? Approximately 20% of people with IBS also have incontinence, according to the American College of Gastroenterology. And while there isn't a known cure for IBS, there are treatments that can help lessen the symptoms and make living with the condition more manageable. If you have IBS and are also dealing with incontinence, here's what you need to know.

What Is Incontinence?

Incontinence is the involuntary leakage of urine or stool. There are different types of incontinence, including:

Urge incontinence

You have a strong urge to urinate but can't make it to the bathroom in time. This is often caused by an overactive bladder muscle.

Stress incontinence

You leak urine when coughing, laughing, sneezing, or exercising. This occurs when the muscles surrounding the bladder become weak or relaxed.

Mixed incontinence

You experience both urge and stress incontinence

Overflow incontinence

You have a weak urinary stream or feel like you can't completely empty your bladder. This is often due to an obstruction in the urinary tract or nerve damage.

Incontinentia alvi

Also known as fecal incontinence, this occurs when you leak stool or have difficulty controlling bowel movements.

Types Of IBS

IBS-C

This form is characterized by hard or lumpy stools and infrequent bowel movements (fewer than three times per week)

IBS-D

Diarrhea is the predominant symptom of this type of IBS. Stools are watery and loose (more than three times per day)

v

Both constipation and diarrhea are equally present in people with IBS-M

IBS-U

Urgency is the main symptom of this type of IBS. Symptoms may include a sense of incomplete evacuation and rectal pain or discomfort

 Treatment For Incontinence And IBS

There is no cure for either incontinence or IBS, but there are treatments that can help lessen the symptoms and make managing these conditions easier. Some common treatments for incontinence include pelvic floor muscle exercises, electrical stimulation therapy, medications, and surgery. Common treatments for IBS include diet changes, stress management, medication, and psychological therapies. In some cases, a combination of treatments may be necessary to find relief from symptoms

If you're struggling with both incontinence and IBS, talk to your doctor about which treatment options may be right for you. Living with these conditions doesn't have to be impossible—with the right treatment plan in place, you can manage your symptoms and enjoy your life again.


Living with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) can be uncomfortable and inconvenient enough on its own—but did you know that IBS also often is linked to incontinence? Approximately 20% of people with IBS also have incontinence, according to the American College of Gastroenterology. If you're dealing with both conditions, here's what you need to know about the link between incontinence and IBS as well as treatment options that may help alleviate your symptoms..