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A stroke often causes problems with bladder and bowel control. These usually improve in the early weeks after the stroke, but around a third of stroke survivors may have longer term difficulties.Continence problems after a stroke can be caused by damage to areas of the brain due to stroke, as well as side effects of medication, constipation, and not being able to ask for the toilet due to communication problems. Treatments can include bladder and bowel training, pelvic floor exercises, eating more fibre, and medication including laxatives. This guide also looks at practical solutions to many day-to-day problems to help you live well with incontinence.

Our Stroke Helpline Team share some practical guidance on how to manage continence issues.

Information about the physical effects of stroke, such as swallowing difficulties, continence problems, pain and headaches.

Find practical tips for dealing with some of the effects of a stroke if you want to be more active.

A stroke won’t just affect you, but everyone around you too. It can put a strain on your relationships and can also affect your sex life. But there are things you can do to help you cope with the impact.

Vicki from our Stroke Helpline shares some help and advice about managing loneliness and isolation following a stroke.

This page looks at some of the issues affecting women of all ages after a stroke. If you are transgender or non-binary, some of this information might be relevant to you too. Find out more about health conditions and medication linked to stroke in women, plus tips for healthy living.