It’s estimated that coeliac disease affects around 700,000 people in France, with a whole lot more undiagnosed because of the condition’s diverse range of symptoms.

A lot of people have no idea that coeliac disease and incontinence – yep, both bowel and urinary – can be connected. It’s not something you hear about every day, but the link is real! 

Understanding this connection can help manage symptoms better and bring some much-needed relief. 

What are the symptoms of coeliac disease?

Coeliac disease is when your body goes into full-on defence mode against gluten – that’s the protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. For people with coeliac, even a tiny bit of gluten (whether on purpose or by accident) can trigger a wave of uncomfortable symptoms.

Here’s what that might look like:

• Bloating
• Cramping
• Nausea and vomiting
• Urgency and faecal incontinence
• Constipation
• Anaemia and vitamin deficiencies
• Skin rashes
• Mouth ulcers
• Fatigue and lethargy
• Weight loss or gain
• Joint pain
  

It’s a wild mix of symptoms, which is why coeliac disease can sometimes fly under the radar. If any of this sounds familiar, it might be worth checking in with your doctor – your gut (and the rest of your body) will thank you!

What’s the link between coeliac disease and urinary incontinence?

Believe it or not, constipation from coeliac disease can put extra pressure on your bladder – and that can sometimes lead to urinary leaks. It might be something small, like a little drip when you sneeze or strain, or in some cases, it can lead to more ongoing incontinence that needs extra attention.

Coeliac disease can also be linked to Interstitial Cystitis, a chronic condition that causes bladder and pelvic pain. If you find yourself needing to pee more often or waking up for bathroom trips at night, Interstitial Cystitis could be playing a role.

It’s not the most talked-about side of coeliac disease, but knowing this connection can help you manage symptoms and feel more comfortable day to day.

And what about the link between coeliac disease and bowel incontinence?

If you have coeliac disease, you’re probably no stranger to bloating, abdominal pain, or diarrhoea. That sudden "I need a bathroom NOW" feeling?

Yep, it’s part of the package too.

While some people can make it to the toilet in time, things like age, pain, or needing help from carers can sometimes lead to bowel incontinence (also known as faecal incontinence). And if that happens – it’s okay. We know it can feel embarrassing, but here’s the truth – it’s more common than you think and nothing to be ashamed of.

The important thing to remember is that you’re not alone, and there are ways to manage it. You've got this, and support is always here when you need it.

How to treat incontinence linked to coeliac disease

Like any chronic condition, the first step with coeliac disease is getting a proper diagnosis. Left untreated, it can lead to long-term inflammation and poor nutrition because your body struggles to absorb what it needs.

If you’re noticing symptoms, don’t wait – have a chat with your doctor or healthcare practitioner.

Once diagnosed, you’ll start a strict gluten-free diet to remove the root cause and give your gut time to heal. 

The good news? Treatment can often prevent or even reverse many of the related health issues – from easing constipation and bloating to relieving bladder pressure.

But for some, incontinence can stick around out of habit, even after other symptoms improve. If that happens, your doctor can help with a personalised treatment plan.

And if you need a little extra support, we’ve got you covered with Invizi Pads or Invizi Guards for light leaks and Invizi Pants for more protection against both urinary and bowel incontinence. 

Discreet, comfortable, and designed to help you feel confident every day.