IBS and bladder problems may be linked according to research.
Bladder issues, like frequent urination, are commonly diagnosed in addition toirritable bowel syndrome(IBS).
The overlap between bladder symptoms and IBS can be treated to provide relief.
Verywell / Laura Porter
The condition doesn’t damage your digestive system, but it often affects your quality of life.
A 2017 research survey reported that about 32% of people who had IBS also experienced overactive bladder.
Women were affected more frequently than men.
Get our printable guide for your next healthcare provider’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.
Sometimes improving one of the two problems may lead to an improvement in the other.
Both IC and IBS have been associated withvisceral hypersensitivityor heightened feelings of pain.
The overlap between IC and IBS may be due to inflammation.
It could also be due to “cross-sensitization,” in which nerves supplying different areas affect each other.
This may include medication, diet changes, and treatments such as physical therapy.
It may also includebiofeedback, which can help relax muscles in the pelvic area.
In PFD, the pelvis muscles responsible for passing urine and stool do not work as they should.
This dysfunction might explain why bowel and bladder symptoms may be experienced simultaneously.
PFD is common in people with IBS.
If diagnosed with PFD, speak with your healthcare provider about your treatment options.
A variety of treatments are available, including physical therapy, biofeedback, and medications.
CP/CPPS results in a variety of symptoms, including urinary pain,urinary urgency, and incontinence.
Your healthcare provider can prescribe medication to ease the symptoms of CP/CPPS.
A variety of different health conditions may be at the root of symptoms.
Surgery may be needed.
Don’t be embarrassed.
Elimination is a normal part of being human.
Your healthcare provider will help find a diagnosis and provide you with a plan to manage each problem.
Depending on your condition, you might also get a referral to aurologist,urogynecologist, orneurologist.
Based on your diagnosis, your doctor will tailor your treatment.
Get our printable guide for your next healthcare provider’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.
Researchers have suggested this could be due to inflammation or nervous system issues.
Depending on the bladder condition, treatment may include medication, biofeedback, or physical therapy.
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