Why Cant I Empty My Bladder Fully When Feeling the Need to Defecate?

Introduction

Have you ever felt the strong urge to defecate, only to notice that you can't completely empty your bladder? This can be puzzling and uncomfortable. The reason for this phenomenon is often related to the continuous production of urine by your kidneys and how your body responds to the pressure from a full bowel. Let's explore this in more detail.

How Do the Kidneys and Bladder Work Together?

Palpitate for a moment about the continuous production of urine by your kidneys. As long as you need to defecate, your kidneys aren't taking a break from producing urine. This means your bladder is continually filling up with new urine, even while you're sitting on the toilet. The longer you stay on the toilet, the more urine you generate that needs to be voided. This explains why you might not be able to empty your bladder fully.

How Constipation Affects Bladder Function

Constipation can significantly impact your bladder function. When your bowel is full, it can put pressure on the bladder, making it difficult to empty completely. This is why you might feel the need to urinate frequently during bowel movements.

To address this, start a bowel program. Increase your intake of water and fiber. Opt for oat fiber like Cheerios or oatmeal if you find it effective, but don't hesitate to choose whatever works best for you. Add fruits, vegetables, and prune juice to your diet. If these dietary changes do not help, consider over-the-counter supplements like Milk of Magnesia or MiraLAX. These can help ease constipation and gradually normalize your bowel function. Once your bowel function returns to normal, you should see an improvement in your bladder function over a few days.

The Role of Neural Cross Talk

The issue of not being able to empty your bladder fully can also be attributed to neural cross talk. The nerves that control the lower part of the colon are essentially the same as those that control the bladder. These nerves are not always clear about their jobs and can send mixed signals. When your rectum is consistently full, it can lead to the bladder getting used to a state of being overfull. This is particularly common in individuals with chronic constipation, as their external sphincter might not relax properly.

This neural confusion is why some people with bowel issues often have abnormal urinary symptoms. It's important to tackle both issues simultaneously to ensure proper function. If you frequently contract your external sphincter, it might not relax properly when you need to urinate, which can lead to incomplete bladder emptying.

Conclusion

Your body is a complex network of systems working in harmony. Sometimes, these systems can produce unexpected results, like being unable to empty your bladder fully when you need to defecate. By understanding the physiological reasons behind this issue and taking appropriate steps to address it, you can improve your overall well-being. Whether through dietary changes, supplements, or medical advice, taking care of both your bowel and bladder can lead to a more comfortable and healthier lifestyle.