6. Other factors to consider

There are a number of other factors which may also affect continence
Pre-stroke conditions	It is important to establish whether a person had any continence issues prior to their stroke and how these were managed.
Urinary infection	This may cause the person to feel the need to pass urine frequently and also cause incontinence.
Constipation	It is important to note that although a person may be passing some watery stool it is still possible that they are constipated. This is called ‘faecal overflow’. Hardened faeces can also press on the bladder and cause urinary incontinence or block the outlet and cause urinary retention. Constipation may be caused by: Poor food and fluid intake Lack of fibre in diet Immobility Medication Decreased muscular control of the bowels (ability to push!)

There are a number of other factors which may also affect continence

Pre-stroke conditions

It is important to establish whether a person had any continence issues prior to their stroke and how these were managed.

Urinary infection

This may cause the person to feel the need to pass urine frequently and also cause incontinence.

Constipation

It is important to note that although a person may be passing some watery stool it is still possible that they are constipated. This is called ‘faecal overflow’. Hardened faeces can also press on the bladder and cause urinary incontinence or block the outlet and cause urinary retention. Constipation may be caused by:

Poor food and fluid intake
Lack of fibre in diet
Immobility
Medication
Decreased muscular control of the bowels (ability to push!)

man with urine urgency in the toilet

Page last reviewed: 30 Sep 2021

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