Temporary loss of bowel control may occur with diarrhea. Regular lack of control generally results from fecal impaction - feces blocked in the bowel which cause irritation and inflammation leading to the uncontrollable release of small pieces. Injury to the anal muscles during surgery or childbirth can also be a cause, as can dementia or paralysis.

Treatment For Blocked Bowel

Dietary

Try to avoid becoming constipated by gradually increasing your intake of fibre. Eat more wholegrain cereals (bread, rice, pasta), dried cooked beans, fresh fruit and vegetables. Prunes, figs, and oatmeal are particularly high in fibre. Drink at least 6 glasses of water a day.

Herbal

For a sluggish bowel, herbalist Simon Mills recommends the following mixture: 4 teaspoons of psyllium, 2 teaspoons of chamomile flowers and 1 teaspoon of alder buckthorn bark. Powder the mixture and take 1 teaspoon daily. A powerful laxitive to be used only on a short-term basis is decoction of senna: put 1 teaspoon of the dried bark (powdered or broken up) into a saucepan, add one cup of water, bring to the boil and simmer for 15 minutes. Strain and drink 3 times daily.

Homeopathy

3 times daily for 4 days and repeat if needed:

Incontinence after coughing or sneezing with loss of sensation in the rectum: Causticum 6c. Incontinence when passing urine or wind: Aloe 6c.

Acupressure

Lie on your back, with your knees bent. Place all fingertips on the midpoint of the chest where the ribs meet, press firmly down for 30 seconds, then move the hand down half-way to the navel, press for 30 seconds, then move down to mid-way between the navel and the pubic bone, press down firmly for a further 30 seconds while breathing deeply.

Exercise

Take a 30-minute walk each day, jog or swim 3 times a week.

Yoga

Rapid abdominal breathing helps activate the digestive system: exhale forcibly using the abdomen, then inhale by relaxing it. Repeat 10 times, allowing the abdomen to go in and out rhythmically; then relax for 20 seconds and do 10 more. To make this more effective, carry it out while doing the half shoulder stand: lie on your back and raise your legs, bending your knees if necessary. Support your hips with your hands, letting your elbows rest on the floor. Lift your legs up to the vertical position. Carry out the breathing exercise above, then let your legs unroll and return to the floor.

Orthodox

Glycerin or laxative suppositories may be recommended to relieve constipation. Enemas may be used to empty the bowel.

Incontinence, Urinary...

The inability to control urination can be due to injury, disease, or weakness of the muscles controlling the bladder. In men it may also be a symptom of prostate problems. Early signs are leaking urine when coughing, lifting or laughing. Lack of urinary control may occur after childbirth as a result of weakened pelvic floor muscles.

Treatment - Practical Advice

Some drugs affect bladder control, particularly those prescribed for high blood pressure. Ask your doctor about the potential effects of any drugs you may be taking, and if they are causing incontinence, ask for alternatives. If you are affected by stinging or burning sensations during urination, the incontinence may be caused by cystitis, which can be easily treated. Keep the genital area clean and dry. Wash after going to the toilet. Avoid using scented soaps, talcs and deodorants in the genital area. Wear cotton underwear, and avoid tight clothing and nylon. Only go to the toilet when the bladder is full. Do not get into a habit of precautionary trips which prevent the bladder from filling up and working properly. Drink at least 2 litres of fluid over the course of the day. This will ensure regular use of the bladder muscles.

Dietary

Excess weight puts pressure on the muscles controlling the bladder. If you are overweight it will be difficult to overcome urinary incontinence, so try to lose the extra pounds. Straining due to constipation weakens bladder muscles. Introduce more fibre into your diet also.

Homeopathy

3 times daily for 4 days and repeat if needed:

Involuntary urination from coughing, sneezing or laughing or after forcible retention: Causticum 6c. Involuntary urination when lying down or after getting the feet wet: Pulsatilla 6c.

Chinese Medicine

Golden lock tea is generally recommended for this condition.

Exercise

The muscles which need to be exercised are the pelvic floor muscles which control urination. To locate the muscles, try stopping the flow when you next go to the toilet. Then try tightening (contracting) and relaxing the muscles when you are not urinating. Every day, practice tightening and relaxing these muscles (when not urinating). At first they will feel weak, so start with just a few contractions, but do them frequently (at least 5 contractions 10 times daily); gradually build up to 10 contractions 10 times daily or more. You can contract and relax your pelvic floor muscles while sitting, lying or standing, while working, cooking or watching television. Progress will be slow, but if you follow this routine regularly, the muscles will strengthen. Once or twice a week check your progress by stopping the flow when you urinate: after 6 or 8 weeks of exercise you should find stopping the flow will be easier.

Orthodox

For women your doctor may recommend hormone replacement therapy if the bladder outlet muscle has weakened as a result of the menopause. Physiotherapy may also be advised: the therapist may use mild electrical stimulation to produce pelvic floor contractions, or may suggest internal weight training, whereby weighted balls are held in the vagina to strengthen and tone the muscles.