Spina Bifida and Incontinence Treatments

Common continence issues affecting people with Spina Bifida include diarrhea, overflow incontinence, and a neurogenic bladder, according to the website Bladder and Bowel Community.

There is plenty that can be done to help improve incontinence in people with Spina Bifida. It’s important that patients eat a healthy, balanced diet with plenty of fiber, and consume enough water (around six to eight glasses a day) to regulate the bowel and keep stools at the right consistency. It is best to limit or avoid caffeine, fizzy drinks and alcohol, as these can irritate the bladder.

Another method is bowel or bladder retraining. This involves getting your bladder or bowel into a regular routine and retraining your brain to hold on. Patients start by going to the bathroom when they get the urge to go and holding for one minute before sitting down. Gradually, they increase the length of time until they feel more confident with control. Some people also like to record a bladder/bowel diary to see if any foods or drinks affect function.

If a patient is retaining urine and unable to empty their bladder effectively, they may consider intermittent self-catheterization, which involves inserting a fine tube into the urethra to drain urine out of the bladder. Cleanliness is a vital part of the preparation in order to avoid infections. A healthcare professional can help a patient decide what is best for their needs.

For more information on Spina Bifida and incontinence treatments, go to https://www.bladderandbowel.org/associated-illness/spina-bifida/

*Disclaimer: Any health and wellness content presented is for general informational purposes only. Such content is not intended to replace or serve as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.