Bowel Category

Bowel Care

As a conservative estimate there are around 6.5 million people in the UK today with some form of bowel problem, that’s 1 in 10 of us. There’s no discrimination either, as both men and women, young and old can be affected.

Despite being so common, bowel difficulties are still not as openly talked about as they should be and many people needlessly suffer in silence and don’t get the help they need.

The choice and availability of treatments, products and medicines have never been greater and there is plenty of good advice and support available. In some cases, bowel problems can be completely cured and in others, they can be effectively managed with the right products or treatments so you can regain your quality of life.

On the following pages you will find information on the many different kinds of bowel problems, from constipation and diarrhoea through to Diverticular Disease and faecal incontinence, also commonly referred to as bowel incontinence. Available treatment and product options are included for each individual condition.

There are many ways you can find help on this site, including our Support Group which is a moderated space for peer support and discussion. For all your ostomy, urology, wound care or prescription medication needs you can contact our Home Delivery team for a professional, friendly service. We’re constantly working to improve our services, so do check back often.

What is a Urostomy?

What is a Urostomy? A urostomy or ileal conduit is the most common type of non-continent urinary diversion operation. During the operation, the surgeon will make a hole in your abdominal wall. This hole is known as a urinary stoma.

6 Step Handwashing Guide

It is essential that the highest standards of hygiene are maintained at all times. Handwashing is one of the simplest ways you can protect yourself from infection and stop germs from transferring to other people or surfaces (such as…

Rectal Prolapse

Rectal prolapse is when part of your rectum or the lining of your rectum, protrudes through your anus. Find out common causes, symptoms, and details of test and diagnosis.

Diverticulitis

What is Diverticulitis? Diverticulitis is an inflammation of one or more diverticulum, which are pockets that form in the smooth wall of the intestine. The reason that diverticulitis develops has not been entirely confirmed, but it is…

IBS and Food

Irritable Bowel Syndrome or IBS is a chronic relapsing and often lifelong disorder involving a collection of symptoms, which vary from person to person. This is a guide to what to look out for and how you can better manage IBS.

Stoma Nurse Q&A

We highlighted #stomaweek here at Bladder & Bowel Community, with a focus on stoma issues and related topics. As part of the week, we invited our Stoma Nurse to be part of a Question and Answer event, and we had some great questions…

IBS Diet and Lifestyle: Where to Start

It’s not uncommon to struggle with diet for IBS - knowing what your triggers are  and what foods may help can be the key to reducing symptoms.  So we spoke to Sarah Monk, Registered Dietitian to get the facts about Irritable Bowel Syndrome…

Diverticular Disease Treatment

How to treat uncomplicated DD? (Not Diverticulitis) When it comes to Diverticulitis Disease treatment, most doctors will advise patients to increase their fibre intake; this is not recommended if there is inflammation in the

The Role of a Stoma Nurse

What is a Stoma Nurse? A stoma nurse is a specialised role and will look after and advise patients with a colostomy, ileostomy or urostomy before and after surgery. This care may come from a Colorectal Nurse Specialist or a Stoma Nurse.…

How To Change A Stoma Bag

Changing your stoma bag may seem daunting at first but you will soon get used to the routine of it and over time you will find that a bag change will only take you a few minutes to complete.