Bladder and Bowel Urgency
Definition
Bladder and bowel urgency refers to a sudden, strong, and difficult-to-defer urge to pass urine or open the bowels. It may be accompanied by leakage if the urge cannot be controlled. Bladder and bowel urgency can occur occasionally or frequently, often disrupting daily life and confidence.
Symptoms
Sudden, intense urge to urinate or open bowels
Frequent urination or bowel movements, sometimes only small amounts
Leakage if the toilet isn’t reached in time
Sleep disruption from waking at night with urgency
Anxiety about toilet access affecting work, social, or exercise activities
Who is Most Affected?
Bladder and bowel urgency can affect anyone, but is more common in:
Women and men with overactive bladder
Individuals with pelvic floor dysfunction
Postnatal or menopausal women
Men following prostate surgery or with prostate enlargement
People with IBS, IBD, or neurological conditions
Common Causes
Overactive bladder or bowel muscle contractions
Pelvic floor dysfunction or prolapse
Hormonal or nerve sensitivity changes
Dietary triggers such as caffeine, alcohol, or spicy foods
Chronic constipation, diarrhoea, or post-surgical changes
Management Approaches
Pelvic Floor Osteopathy can assist by:
Pelvic floor retraining to improve control and coordination
Bladder and bowel urgency retraining to build storage capacity and urge control
Manual therapy for pelvic, hip, and spinal mobility
Education on toileting habits, diet, and fluid intake
Relaxation and mindfulness to calm urgency signals
Key Point
Bladder and bowel urgency is common but treatable. With targeted pelvic floor assessment, lifestyle strategies, and personalised care, symptoms often improve significantly—helping you regain comfort, control, and confidence.
