Bowel
Bowel health doesn't get talked about enough.
Bowel problems are some of the most common pelvic health issues, and some of the least talked about. Constipation, urgency, trouble emptying or losing control all affect everyday life, and they deserve proper care.
You can talk to us about any of it. No question is too embarrassing and no symptom is too small.
What does a normal bowel do?
Normal varies from person to person, but here's a general guide:
Passing a bowel motion once to twice per day, or anywhere between 3 times per week and 3 times per day
Stool that is soft and formed, not hard, lumpy or liquid
No straining required: if you need to strain, something needs addressing
Complete emptying: no feeling of residual stool after opening your bowels
No pain during or after a bowel motion
Adequate warning before needing to go, not rushing urgently to the toilet
Constipation is very common, especially in pregnancy, after birth and as we get older. It's also one of the biggest strains on your pelvic floor.
Signs of constipation include:
Fewer than 3 bowel motions per week
Hard, dry or lumpy stools
Needing to strain or push excessively
A feeling of incomplete emptying
Needing to apply pressure to the perineum or vaginal wall to aid emptying
Why it matters for your pelvic floor:
Straining pushes down hard on your pelvic floor. Over time that can make prolapse worse, add to haemorrhoids and fissures, and slow your recovery after birth.
It works the other way too. If your pelvic floor tightens instead of relaxing when you try to go, it’s hard to empty fully. This is called dyssynergia, and pelvic floor physio can help.
Constipation
Bowel urgency and faecal incontinence
Faecal urgency is a sudden, strong need to open your bowels that’s hard to control. Faecal incontinence is losing control of stool or wind. Both can be distressing and isolating, and many people live with them for years thinking nothing can be done.
There is a lot we can do.
Leaking wind is the most common type and the least reported. It’s more common after a vaginal birth with a perineal or anal sphincter injury.
If you’re having any trouble with bowel control, please come and see us. Pelvic floor physio and bowel retraining can help.
How we assess and treat
Our bowel health assessments are thorough, respectful and always conducted in a private, comfortable environment.
Your assessment will include:
A detailed bowel history: frequency, consistency, urgency, control and any associated symptoms
Diet and fluid intake review
Pelvic floor muscle assessment, evaluating coordination and relaxation during bowel function
Toilet habits and positioning review
Treatment may include:
Pelvic floor retraining: addressing dyssynergia and improving coordination during defecation
Dietary and fluid guidance: fibre, hydration and bowel irritants
Toilet positioning advice: optimising position to reduce straining and improve emptying
Bowel retraining: establishing regular, healthy bowel habits
Manual therapy: for tight or restricted pelvic floor muscles contributing to constipation
Referral: to your GP, gastroenterologist or colorectal specialist where appropriate
Bowel health is pelvic health.
If something doesn't feel right, let's talk about it.