Bowel and bladder problems are common and can happen to anyone. They usually are annoying problems that interfere with normal everyday activities of daily living. Less often, they can become serious and even life-threatening. Some forms of conditions are hereditary, such as ulcerative colitis, while others may develop due to age or other factors. There are treatments that include medications and surgery to correct some of these problems.
Incontinence
Incontinence involving the urinary human bladder consists of unpredicted urine spillage. This urinary spillage usually occurs because of a lack of bladder muscle tone and control. A drooping rectal vault, for example, can place drastic pressure on the bladder causing it to lower into the vaginal area causing incontinence in women. This also can occur in men, often because of prostate gland problems. While urinary incontinence proves better known, fecal incontinence also may occur because of medical conditions and even as a side effect of some medications.
Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids can occur in both men and women. These are blood vessels surrounding the rectum internally and externally that have swollen due to pressure in the area. This pressure may result because of constipation or obesity. Treatment for hemorrhoids involves using soothing anti-inflammatory topical agents either prescribed by a physician or purchased over-the-counter without a prescription. Doctors may suggest surgery in situations where hemorrhoids cause severe irritation and bleeding.
Urinary Tract Infection
The bladder is a part of the urinary tract, which also includes the urethra, ureters and kidneys. While women may suffer from UTIs more often than men, both can have infections that spread and become dangerous if left untreated. The Mayo Clinic reports that a UTI in the bladder can cause pain, but may not become serious unless it spreads, particularly to the kidneys. Physicians typically treat UTIs with antibiotics.
Constipation
Constipation proves common in both women and men. It can occur naturally because of change in diet, because of an illness such as the flu or as a side effect of medicine. Other causes may include a lack of exercise, undergoing surgery and dehydration. Constipation often occurs during the first few days of using new medications, whether they are prescribed or sold OTC. When a person becomes constipated, he cannot pass stools through the rectum. The cause, usually, is that the intestines have withdrawn too much liquid from food while digesting it, although if the person becomes dehydrated, he may not have the necessary levels of fluid in his body for normal bowel function.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Irritable bowel syndrome is a problem with the bowels, accompanied by severe abdominal cramping. IBS symptoms include bloating, cramping, diarrhea and irregular bowel movements. There also may be blood visible in the stool. Constipation and diarrhea commonly alternate for persons suffering from this ailment. The Mayo Clinic reports the causes of IBS do not remain clear, but that for most people, it does not prove serious. Patients can control IBS symptoms with lifestyle and diet changes.
