Articles and Webinars

In this article you will get the perspective from an individual with a SCI on the management of his bladder and bowel after the injury.

Learn more about what cauda equina syndrome is, its effects on bladder and bowel, and how to manage bladder and bowel symptoms in cauda equina.

Prolapse means "to fall out of place". Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) occurs when the vaginal walls, uterus, or both lose their normal support and fall out of place. Other nearby pelvic organs, such as the bladder or bowel, may be involved and also ‘drop’ from their normal position in the body. Cystocele is the most common type of POP.

Pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) refers to a broad constellation of symptoms and anatomical changes related to abnormal function of the structures within the pelvic floor complex, which includes the supportive fibrous tissue called fascia, the blood and nerve supply and in particular the pelvic floor musculature.

Pelvic floor dysfunction is common, but not commonly talked about. In this article, you will find an explanation about basic pelvic floor anatomy, description of symptoms and how these can be managed, which can be downloaded and handed out to your patients.

A rectocele is a bulge in the anterior or posterior rectal wall, that traps stool resulting in incomplete emptying. In this article you will learn more about this common condition.

The majority of individuals with SCI experience significant symptoms related to neurogenic bowel dysfunction. For example, 42% experience constipation and as many as 77% experience fecal incontinence.

Bowel dysfunction is a condition that can have many different causes. There could be a neurological disease in the spine/brain pathways which affects the bowel control, or an obstruction, and for some individuals there are no underlying medical reasons why the bowel does not function.

Catheterization is perhaps one of the oldest urological procedures, dating back thousands of years ago. Using a urinary catheter is necessary when there is urine left in the bladder that cannot be emptied through normal voiding.

In order to determine the correct treatment pathway, it is essential to undertake a detailed assessment. Components must include an assessment of the persons general health, previous abdominal and colorectal surgery, medications, plus functional ability to reach the toilet, cognition and awareness of bowel sensations, and current bowel management.

Constipation is one of the most common symptoms and could be divided by the cause of the symptoms into primary and secondary constipation.

Fecal incontinence (FI) is the symptom that is ranked as the most bothersome for patients. FI is also the most under reported due to the taboo nature and embarrassment associated with it.