Toilet Trouble

Taking care of your overall health can improve your bowel and bladder health. Staying hydrated has many benefits for your health including maintaining a healthy bladder.

Drinking enough fluids means that you will be going to the toilet regularly and are less likely to irritate your bladder. The best fluids to drink are water and water-based drinks. Other drinks like fizzy drinks and caffeinated drinks should be enjoyed in moderation.

Furthermore, having a diet that is balanced and full of fibre means that you will be more regular in the bathroom and avoid problems such as constipation. 

Sometimes people have bladder and bowel issues which are also known as continence difficulties.  This might be because of a medical condition that they were born with, or that they developed due to injury or illness.

Continence difficulties are not a person’s fault and they are more common than you would expect. For example between 5-30% of all children have a problem with constipation (problems with going for a poo).

Having a problem with your bladder (needing to pee) and/or bowel (needing to poo) can be upsetting and might make you feel different or cut off from your friends but this doesn’t need to be the case!  Even with bladder and bowel issues, you can have a confident and happy life. Remember there is always someone to speak to.   

You can get further advice and support about about how to maintain a healthy bladder and bowel on the NHS links below. This includes when to see a health professional and who to contact.

Teen Health can support you with self esteem and confidence. Contact our Health and Wellbeing Officers in your school.