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Bowel Problems in Women
What is normal bowel function?
- It is normal to have bowel motions anywhere from 3 times a day to 3 times a week!
- Poos should be soft, formed and easy to pass without the need to strain
Bowel problems in women can significantly impact daily life and overall well-being, causing discomfort and emotional distress.
Problems include:
- Constipation - a condition where someone has reduced bowel movements; poos can be hard, dry, and/or difficult to pass; and it can be difficult to completely empty the bowels
- Leaking of poo (also known as Faecal Incontinence)
- Poor control of wind (also known as Flatal Incontinence)
- Pelvic Organ Prolapse (where pelvic organs such as the Rectum can push down into the back wall of the vagina)
- Haemorrhoids (swollen veins in the anus and lower rectum)
- Bottom pain in the back passage
What can cause bowel problems in Women?
- Pregnancy and childbirth
- Pelvic floor muscle dysfunction – these muscles can become weak or tight
- Hormonal changes
- Constipation and strain
- Normal aging processes
- Menopause
- Medications
- Surgeries
- Poor fluid intake and/or poor toileting habits
- Obesity
- Chronic cough
- Neurological conditions
What can help?
Seeking appropriate treatment is crucial for managing symptoms and improving quality of life.The good news is pelvic health physiotherapy can dramatically help these problems!Pelvic health physiotherapists can play a vital role in addressing bowel problems in women and men and is a first-line treatment. Pelvic health physiotherapists play a crucial role in improving bowel function and enhancing overall quality of life.
At Pelvic Care Physiotherapy, Amy Lipshutz is highly specialised and experienced in dealing with these problems. Amy uses a comprehensive, holistic approach to assess and treat these problems. At Pelvic Care Physiotherapy, you can expect Amy to take a thorough assessment to learn about your problems and goals, address why the problems may be occurring and work with you to improve them.
At Pelvic Care Physiotherapy, Amy Lipshutz is highly specialised and experienced in dealing with these problems. Amy uses a comprehensive, holistic approach to assess and treat these problems. At Pelvic Care Physiotherapy, you can expect Amy to take a thorough assessment to learn about your problems and goals, address why the problems may be occurring and work with you to improve them.
The physiotherapy treatments for bowel problems include:
- Targeted and personalised pelvic floor exercise programs so that you can optimise these muscles to help you control your bowels
- Advice to manage constipation such as diet and lifestyle modifications that can help your bowel problems
- Education about correct toileting positions and postures to help you poo correctly
- Bowel retraining
- Urge delay retraining for your bowels