The most common bowel issues people experience are:

• Bowel leakage – when you cannot control when your bowels open, resulting in bowel accidents
• Constipation – when stool in the bowel stays there for too long and becomes too hard to pass, resulting in the inability to have a bowel movement
• A combination of the two-You can be constipated but still experience loose stool that leaks past the hard stool

Some of the signs of bowel leakage include:

• Feeling the urge to have bowel movement but not being able to control when your bowels open, resulting in a bowel accident (urge incontinence)
• Leaking stools (passive incontinence)
• Soiling of underwear
• Being unable to control when you pass air (flatus)

Some of the signs of constipation include:

• Inability to have a bowel movement
• Bloating
• Discomfort
• Severe stomach ache

Causes of bowel issues

It is important to understand that having bowel issues is not a disease in itself. There is usually an underlying cause as to why your bowels aren’t functioning properly.

Some of the common causes of bowel issues are:

• Neurological disorders such as Spinal Cord Injury, Spina Bifida or Multiple Sclerosis. If you have a neurological disorder, it’s likely the nerves in your spinal cord – which control how the bowel functions – are damaged
• Complications after rectal surgery, such as after childbirth, where the sphincter muscles have been damaged leading to the inability to control when you go to the toilet
• Anorectal malformations from birth – even with surgical correction, you can still experience bowel incontinence episodes
• Reduced tissue elasticity due to old age, leading to frequent soiling

It’s important for anyone who experiences bowel issues to find a bowel routine that allows regular emptying of the bowel, as this helps to prevent both bowel leakage and constipation. Read more about the products Coloplast has to offer. 

Going to the toilet to have a bowel movement is something most people take for granted. That said, it’s still a very private matter. So when you suddenly experience an issue with your bowels, you can feel rather isolated. It can be embarrassing to speak out about it, which is why many people can go for years without telling anyone about their problem.

A common problem

Because many people never visit their doctor or nurse or reveal their symptoms, the exact number of people affected by bowel issues is unknown. But it is more common than you might think:

• Studies suggest that approximately 2% of the adult population have daily or weekly bowel leakage episodes
• The prevalence for adults over 65 years is 7%, and in retirement homes it’s as high as 33%
• Studies indicate that up to 20% of the population have problems with constipation

Finding a solution to your bowel problems

Bowel issues won’t disappear by themselves, so it is important to find a way of dealing with them. There are many ways to look after your bowels. If you’re looking for a way that allows you to decide when to go to the toilet again, then bowel irrigation is a good option.

How can bowel problems affect my lifestyle?

Bowel leakage and constipation can be very uncomfortable, and they also have a significant impact on our quality of life. Apart from the frequent physical discomfort and bloating, you may worry about having an accident in public.

This makes it important to find a way to manage your bowel issues.

What can I do to manage my bowel problems?

Bowel issues can often be improved by changing diet; there are also several types of medication that can help. Transanal irrigation can be used to help prevent constipation and bowel leakage. Read more about solutions for taking care of your bowels.

What is transanal irrigation?

Transanal irrigation is where water is introduced into the bowel using a rectal catheter. The water stimulates the bowel and flushes out the stool, leaving the lower half of the bowel empty. It’s important to do it regularly to prevent constipation and the risk of bowel accidents.

How often should I irrigate?

For most people, every 1–2 days works well. It’s important to do it regularly to prevent constipation and the risk of bowel accidents. It’s also best to get into a regular routine, rather than changing too much. With time and practice you’ll find out what works best for you. If you’re not sure, ask your doctor or nurse for advice.

What time of the day is best for irrigating?

Try to get into a routine where you irrigate around the same time of the day. Eating and drinking helps the bowel’s natural movement, so about 30 minutes after a meal is a good time. But don’t be afraid to change the routine slightly to suit your day-to-day routine.

Can I travel with the irrigation equipment?

Yes – remember to bring your irrigation system along plenty disposable catheters as they may not sold everywhere. If you’re going to use the system abroad, use bottled or cooled boiled water in places where the tap water is not safe to drink. Remember in different time zones your body may take a while to get used to a new routine. You may also eat different types of food. This can affect the bowels.

Does anal irrigation hurt?

No, transanal irrigation does not normally hurt and is perfectly safe. However it may feel a little strange at first. If it is uncomfortable when the water is pumped in, stop for a while and then continue. If you are in pain, stop irrigating immediately, deflate the balloon and remove the catheter. If the pain persists, contact your nurse or doctor for help.

Are there any risks or complications of irrigating?

Some people experience minor problems such as discomfort or a little bleeding. If the catheter is not inserted correctly, it can cause a hole or tear in the bowel. Follow the instructions you receive from your doctor or nurse.

What should I do if I leak between irrigations?

 Bowel leakage between irrigations may be caused by insufficiently emptying your bowel due to constipation or hard stool. Alternatively, you may be using too much water during irrigation. Contact your doctor or nurse to help you adapt to your bowel plan.