Bowel Category

Bowel Treatments

When you have been diagnosed and know what is causing your bowel problems, you will be able to discuss possible treatments with your doctor or continence advisor. They will explain what is causing your problem and how the different treatments can help. They will also talk to you about any side effects, these are extra problems that can be caused by the treatment. Together, you can decide which treatment is the most suitable.

Please use the menu on the right-hand side for information on the different types of treatments that are available for bowel problems.  Please note the menu in this section provides information on all treatments available for all bowel conditions/symptoms.

If you have been diagnosed and know what your condition or symptoms are, you may find it easier to search for a possible treatment through our Bowel Conditions and Symptoms section where you will find information on your particular condition or symptoms as well as the appropriate treatment options relevant to your condition.

Once diagnosed you will first be offered what are known as conservative treatments, which include ways in which you can help yourself, like lifestyle changes.

Medication may be offered to you as an option, alongside some conservative treatments, depending on your symptoms and medical history. Surgery is a final option and will not normally be considered until you have tried other treatments for a length of time without success.

Constipation Treatments

Constipation can usually be treated by making some adjustments to your diet or lifestyle such as making sure that you eat a healthy balanced diet with plenty of fibre and regularly exercising to aid good digestion. Occasionally…

Haemorrhoids, Anal Tears & Fissures Treatments

Haemorrhoids are usually an inconvenience that can be treated at home and will usually resolve themselves after a few days. There are some methods to help prevent or relieve the symptoms of haemorrhoids such a avoiding constipation or…

Laxatives

If you have been diagnosed with constipation your GP may prescribe a laxative as a first step alongside dietary and lifestyle advice. Laxatives are a type of medicine that help you pass stools. There are several different types and each one…

Antidiarrhoeal

As most episodes of Diarrhoea are caused by bacteria, for instance, eating contaminated food, they usually only last a few days and should go away without taking any medication. If you have been diagnosed with diarrhoea, you may wish to…

Diarrhoea Treatments

Most cases of diarrhoea will clear up after a few days once what has caused it such as bacteria or a virus has passed through. The most important thing to do is make sure you stay hydrated whilst you are unwell. If your symptoms last longer…

Maintaining a Healthy Bowel

An upset digestive system can make you feel bloated and sluggish, so maintaining a healthy bowel is really important for your quality of life. The digestive system can be upset easily; an unhealthy diet, antibiotics, stress and travel are…

Bowel Support and Advice

There are an estimated 6.5 million people in the UK with some form of bowel control problem, and this is thought to be a conservative estimate, as a result of under-reporting due to the embarrassing nature of these problems. Being…

Rectal Prolapse Treatment

Treatment without Surgery Rectal prolapse occurs when part of your rectum, or the lining of your rectum, pushes through the anus. In the early stages of your condition, your doctor may advise treatments for rectal prolapse that are…

Bowel Incontinence Treatments

The key to treating bowel incontinence - also known as faecal incontinence - is to find the condition that is causing this. Chronic constipation and a weak pelvic floor are two of the most common causes of faecal incontinence and in many…