Your Guide to Constipation Related ABL

Constipation is sometimes the cause of ABL.

ABL, or Accidental Bowel Leakage can happen to anyone, and does happen to many. And sometimes constipation is the cause. 

My neighbor’s little boy was constipated, and because it hurt to go, he held it in. For a week. This caused all kinds of problems, including leaks. And now he has to follow a very specific regime for eating, eliminating, and more. It is a huge hassle, hard on him socially, and has resulted in a lot of expense and frustration for his poor mother. He is now on a year-long treatment plan to correct the damage and curtail the ABL.

How can constipation cause ABL? Constipation is when large, hard stool gets stuck in the rectum. Then watery stool may leak out around the hard stool, causing the ABL. Often, because the muscles of the rectum have to stretch to hold the hard stool, the muscles may weaken, making it harder for the rectum to hold stool long enough to make it to the bathroom in the future. This is what happened with my neighbor’s little boy.

So can you just eat some extra fiber, or take some Miralax and call it good? Unfortunately no. While diet will play a large part in constipation related ABL, it is not always a one-stop solution to the problem. Especially if the constipation caused stretching, weakening, or damage to the rectum or sphincter. The following is a guide to Constipation Related ABL:

Talk to a Medical Professional

ABL impact millions of Americans. It is a sensitive and personal condition; therefore many do not discuss it at all, even with their health care provider. Speaking with a medical professional can help you to identify the cause, and seek treatment. Constipation related ABL may be treatable with medication, or may require something more severe, such as surgery. You won’t know unless you talk to a medical professional.

Change the Diet

Diet is the first step. Making changes to help stool become easier for the body to pass is a huge part of correcting constipation related ABL. Talk to your doctor about what dietary changes you may need to make to correct the problem. Typically this will include an increase in fiber and fluids to your diet.

Strengthen the Pelvic Muscles

The muscles that control the sphincter can weaken and stretch when an individual is constipated. To correct the problem consider biofeedback and Kegel exercises. Biofeedback can help to pinpoint specific muscles that need strengthening to regain control. And Kegel exercises are the exercises that are done to strengthen these muscles.

Manage Symptoms

While correcting the problems you will likely still suffer from light ABL, and this can be both frustrating and embarrassing. Traditional incontinence products are designed for urinary incontinence, or are bulky and unsightly. Fortunately the B-Sure Absorbent Pad offers a solution for light ABL management. It has a unique design for easy application, and is both discreet and effective. It can be flushed and is biodegradable (Not Septic Friendly). Finding an absorbent product to help manage ABL can increase confidence and activity.

Further Reading: 

ABL 

Living Well With ABL 

Your Solution to ABL Management 


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