Bladder emptying techniques
The aim of this leaflet is to explain a number of methods which may help you in
achieving evacuation of your bowels. You may experiment with them to discover
which methods work best for you. The various methods can be used individually or
in combination. Remember your goal is to aim for three or more motions per week less than this is not healthy. You may wish to discuss the contents of this leaflet
further with your nurse specialist. If you take any form of medication it is also
important to check what affect it may have on your bowel function. Also, if you have
any pain or problems with emptying your bowels, this may need to be investigated
further.
Method 1 – The gastro-colic reflex
Following a meal, your bowels are stimulated by your gastro-colic reflex. This is a
nature’s way of making room for more food, so it is more likely that you will be more
effective in evacuating your bowels after meals. Sometimes hot or very cold drinks
may stimulate your gastro-colic reflex. The gastro-colic reflex happens about four
times a day.
Method 2 – Raising abdominal pressure
When you sit on the toilet to have your bowels open, you lean slightly forward. This
increases pressure in your abdomen which in turn helps to expel faecal matter
(motion/stool). If you place your feet on a small stool about six inches off the floor, it
may result in you increasing your abdominal pressure further and aiding an effortless
evacuation without straining. Your elbows should touch your knees comfortably. In
this position you can take a deep breath in, then hold it, while at the same time
tightening your abdominal muscles and pushing down to open your bowels.
Method 3 – Abdominal/Colonic massage
Use your right hand and place it over your appendix on your abdomen (on the right
hand side of your abdomen). Move it upwards in a pushing motion to your lower ribs.
Now cross over your abdomen still in a pushing motion above your belly-button and
below your ribs. Now push your hand down the left side of your abdomen and cross
over under your belly-button back to your appendix. Continue this again and again
slowly continuing with a pushing action to your hand. It may take some time to
stimulate your bowels to work. You will discover yourself the right pressure required
for massaging.
Method 4 – Movement and exercise
Moving your legs, walking a few steps, getting up in the morning and generally
moving your body helps to stimulate your bowels to function. You need to experiment
to see what movements help you to improve your bowel emptying.
Method 5 – Environment
If you are using a commode or have a raised toilet seat, this may interfere with
effective evacuation of your bowels. To be effective in evacuation you need security
(lock the door), peace and quite, time and no disturbances. Some people can only
use their own toilet, not other toilets. Also it is common for women not to sit down on
public toilets. Unfortunately, this will not help with effective bladder and bowel
emptying.
Medway Community Healthcare CIC providing services on behalf of the NHS
Registered office: 5 Ambley Green, Bailey Drive, Gillingham, Kent ME8 0NJ
Tel: 01634 382777
Registered in England and Wales, Company number: 07275637
Method 6 – Fibre
You can increase or decrease your soluble or insoluble fibre intake. This will help
with flatulence and stool consistency. Ask for our leaflet on fibre.
Method 7 – Fruits
Increase your daily fruit intake and experiment. You may find certain fruits help your
bowels to work. Try apricots, kiwi fruit, oranges, tangerines, apples, bananas,
peaches, nectarines, plums, grapes, pears etc.
Method 8 – Prunes and rhubarb
These are well known as “good” for your bowels. Use them in your diet although only
have one portion of each per week if you take them regularly. Prunes can have
harmful effects in the same way as laxatives when taken regularly over many years.
Method 9 – Beer
A glass of beer can have a stimulant effect on your bowels. Beer can be part of your
daily fluid intake and is nutritious. Experiment to find out which type and brand helps
you.
Method 1O – Conventional medicines
There are four common types of laxatives - some are on prescription only and some
can be bought over the counter:
Bulk forming laxatives such as Ispaghula Husk, Methylcellulose and Sterculia.
Stimulant laxatives such as Bisacodyl, Dantron, Docusate Sodium and Senna.
Osmotic laxatives such as Lactulose, Magracols and Magnesium Salts.
Enemas include:
Phosphate (rarely used), Arachas Oil and Sodium Citrate.
Method 11 – Digital stimulation
Inserting a gloved finger into your anus and rectum will stimulate your rectal anal
reflex. Your rectum and colon will contract and your anus will relax enabling you to
push out your faecal contents. Some KY jelly may also help as lubrication. For
women who have a rectocele (prolapse), inserting a finger into your vagina will
support your bowel wall when passing a motion.
Method 12 – Glycerol (Glycerin) suppositories
Glycerine acts as a rectal stimulant by virtue of the mildly irritant action of glycerine. It
also acts as a lubricant. They come in three sizes, the large size (4 gram) is best.
Use one suppository which has been pre-moistened in water and insert it into your
anus and push up into your rectum to one side. It will take about 20 minutes to melt
and dissolve. Then try to have your bowels open. Suppositories can be used daily
and after breakfast is the best time. They can be prescribed by your GP or purchased
from a chemist. Also available are Bisacodyl and Carbalax suppositories.
Method 13 – Herbal treatments
Health food shops sell products which contain herbs and plants which stimulate
bowel activity. Herbolax contains frangula bark and dried dandelion root and has a
Medway Community Healthcare CIC providing services on behalf of the NHS
Registered office: 5 Ambley Green, Bailey Drive, Gillingham, Kent ME8 0NJ
Tel: 01634 382777
Registered in England and Wales, Company number: 07275637
bulking and stimulant action. Potter’s Cleansing Herb contains aloes, cascara and
senna and is a stimulant.
Method 14 – Complementary therapies
There are a number of therapies now available.
Reflexology – This technique has been shown to be effective in stimulating bowel
activity. You will need to visit a reflexologist for instructions.
Acupuncture, aromatherapy, hypnosis, homeopathy and yoga have all been shown
to help some people cope better with their bowels.
Method 15 - Heat
Sometimes having a hot bath or using a hot water bottle on your abdomen may help.
This may relax you and your muscles.
Method16 – Vibration therapy
The use of lower abdominal vibration has been shown to be an effective way of
emptying the bladders of patients with incomplete voiding. It has also been found to
stimulate bowel emptying in a proportion of patients. This research evidence only
relates to patients with Multiple Sclerosis at present. Ask us for more
information.
Method 17 – Anal irrigation
If you have problems with emptying your bowels or suffer from soiling or poor control,
then anal irrigation may be for you. It can be very effective in giving you complete
emptying and the reassurance of good control. This technique can be carried out by
yourself in your home and is a very cost effective method. Ask us for more
information.
Remember
1.
You need time to have your bowels open, try not to rush it.
2.
You need to have privacy to relax you; no-one must see you.
3.
You need to feel secure
4.
No-one must hear you having your bowels open or you may feel insecure.
Who to contact if you have any questions about this information:
Continence Care, Keystone, Gun Lane, Strood, Kent ME2 4UL Tel: 01634 719252
Customer care Please send any comments about Medway Community Healthcare
services to: Customer care manager, Medway Community Healthcare
7-8 Ambley Green, Bailey Drive, Gillingham, Kent, ME8 0NJ
p: 01634 382266 f: 01634 382700
[email protected] All contact will be treated confidentially.
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Leaflet reference: MCH297
Medway Community Healthcare CIC providing services on behalf of the NHS
Registered office: 5 Ambley Green, Bailey Drive, Gillingham, Kent ME8 0NJ
Tel: 01634 382777
Registered in England and Wales, Company number: 07275637