Weak or damaged pelvic floor muscles can be a common cause of ABL. |
ABL is a common ailment that tens of millions of people in the US suffer from. It can occur in anyone, male or female, and at any time. In fact, one in five women over age 40 experience ABL, and half of them don’t speak up about it.
Why? Why are men and women so afraid to talk about a problem that is so inconvenient? It is embarrassing, but it is often treatable. ABL has many common causes, and speaking with a doctor to determine the cause, and come up with treatments and solutions can lessen symptoms and increase quality of life.
What is causing your ABL? Is it muscle damage? Damage to muscles or nerves can cause leaks because the sphincter may not be able to hold the stool and keep the anus closed.
Weak pelvic floor muscles, or damaged muscles and nerves can make it harder for the body to hold stool in the rectum. In addition, damage to the nerves can make it harder for the individual to sense the stool in the rectum, and therefore, he or she may not know when they need to use the bathroom.
How do muscles get damaged? The muscles and nerves can be damaged a number of ways. For example, in women, childbirth is a common cause of muscle damage. In other cases, hemorrhoid surgery, straining to pass hard stool (constipation), stroke, diabetes, MS, or spinal cord injury can all have the same impact.
One thing many people do not realize is the injury could be from years previous. A woman who gave birth in her twenties may suffer damage in her forties. How is this possible? For some, as they age, the other muscles that were compensating for the damaged muscles may start to weaken or fail.
If you are suffering muscle damage that is causing ABL, your first action should be to talk to a health care professional and seek treatment. Sometimes something as simple as pelvic floor muscle strengthening exercises and biofeedback are all that is needed to correct the problem. For others medication, or surgery may be needed.
While seeking treatment, manage the side effect using incontinence products designed specifically for fecal incontinence. Absorbent products like the B-Sure absorbent pads offer ultra thin, comfortable, absorbent protection. These pads not only fit comfortably, but provide superior protection for those with light to moderate ABL.
They are discreet, all-natural, flushable, and protect you from odors, staining, and embarrassing situations.
Further Reading:
What is Causing Your Urinary and Fecal Incontinence?
Living Well With ABL
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Living Well With ABL
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About The CareGiver Partnership. The CareGiver Partnership helps caregivers and their loved ones with answers to their caregiving questions, including information about home health care products and supplies, from our Wisconsin-based team of Product Specialists who are all current or former caregivers. The company’s Web site provides the largest online library of resources on subjects most important to caregivers — from arthritis to assisted living, and Parkinson’s to prostate cancer — as well as access to more than 3,000 home care products for incontinence, skin care, mobility, home safety and daily living aids. The CareGiver Partnership was founded in 2004 by Lynn Wilson of Neenah, Wisc. Visithttp://www.caregiverpartnership.com to learn more or call 1-800-985-1353.
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