Constipation

Let’s first define what our normal pooping habits should be. Having a normal urge, making it to the restroom without rushing, sitting for less than 10 minutes, without straining, and leaving a full, complete poop is normal every day, every 3 days, or 3x a day.

If you are rushing and not making it to the bathroom (fecal incontinence), wiping excessively (fecal smearing), sitting, straining, and having a hard difficult poop – that is not okay no matter the frequency.

If you are going 4+ times a day, all feeling incomplete or like there is more in there even after wiping and wiping – not normal.

OR if you have to take supplements and medications to help you poop and even then it is hard as a rock or needs to be cut up before you can flush it down the toilet – also not normal.

When you come in for your pelvic health physical therapy appointment the chances are incredibly high that I will ask you lots of questions about your bowel habits and poop. Even if you’re coming in for “simple incontinence” or “pelvic pain” how you handle your #2s can tell me so much about what is going on in your entire system!

Having a bowel movement is something a lot of us take for granted, until we go on a trip, eat something that does not agree with our bodies, or have a dysfunction that affects how we defecate (which is a lot of things!).

Constipation is common with those taking pain medications, in folks that are lacking mobility (bedrest due to medical necessity, pain, or arthritis/aging), anyone with pelvic floor tension, pelvic organ prolapse, endometriosis, and a variety of other medical diagnoses or surgeries.

Our bowels need a lot of things to be working smoothly to have a healthy BM (bowel movement). Our daily movement (exercise, mobility) needs to be performed, our daily intake of fiber (both soluble and insoluble) and water should be met, stress levels noted and maintained at low levels. All tissues and organs nearby should be working efficiently, without disease or nervous system injury. This is hopefully true for you most of the time, but we are faced with daily issues that might change or trigger something. We might go on a vacation and be out of our routines, eating different foods or live our lives in varied stressful (good and bad stress) situations. We might have undergone a surgery or started a new medication to help with another completely different part of our body. All of these reasons, and more, are reasons that might affect our gastrointestinal system. The best method for treatment is always a proactive one. Changing our daily habits as we are able to, optimizing our intake, and seeking out professionals or sources to help maintain our mental, physical, and emotional health are all very important to prevent constipation.

At Frankly Pelvic, Dr. Kelly will look at all possible causes of constipation to find the best path to healthy, happy #2s which in turn will lead you to a happy healthier life!

Take the next step toward pelvic health and comfort!

If you’re experiencing pelvic pain, incontinence, or other pelvic floor concerns, I’m here to help. Schedule a free discovery call with me today to discuss your symptoms, answer your questions, and see how pelvic physical therapy can support your recovery and improve your quality of life.

Click here to book your discovery call now — your journey to healing starts here!