Conditions for women bowel problems

Bowel problems can significantly impact a woman’s quality of life and overall well-being. In this section, we will discuss common bowel problems in women, their symptoms, causes, and the role of pelvic floor physiotherapy in managing and improving bowel function.

Faecal Incontinence

This is the problem of faecal matter coming away at an inappropriate time. It may happen with a sense of urgency and you just don’t make it, or small streaks may appear on the underwear without you knowing. Sometimes a lot can come away without much warning. These problems are not so common as bladder leakage but they happen to LOTS OF US through no fault of our own: in other words we delivered our babies and these problems come to haunt us as we get older. There is lots to learn and lots you can do to manage better and feel in control.

Constipation

Lots of people strain to empty the bowel thinking its normal. Lots of people just don’t go for days and days and know this is not normal but don’t know what to do about it! It is not normal to have to strain and straining will weaken pelvic floor over time. A normal bowel will tell you it needs to empty at an appropriate time, it will be as often as 3 times a day or as little as every third day. You will be able to sit, relax, and the bowel will empty itself. You will feel empty and satisfied that all is well. It will be easy to wipe up and finish. If this is not the case and you are bothered, seek help with us.

Rectal prolapse

This is where the inside of the rectum comes out after emptying the bowel. Colorectal surgeons manage this problem, not Gynaecologists. This is not a problem associated with childbirth. It is a problem associated with straining for the bowel. Occasionally we see people with connective tissue disorders whose collagen fibres are very stretchy and prolapse happens more easily.

Functional gut disorders/ IBS

This is a range of problems affecting the gut. Irritable Bowel Syndrome or “IBS” is a very common functional gut disorder. The usual symptoms are fluctuating stool (poo) type from hard to soft causing constipation to diarrhoea sometimes in one day. Painful abdominal bloating is often present prior to emptying the bowel. Your gut may be sensitive to certain foods and many people are sent to a Dietician to do a special “FODMAP” diet which eliminates certain food types to allow the poor gut to calm down, become comfortable and work properly again. We help people with these problems firstly to understand whats going on, and secondly to manage the urgency and frequency of diarrhoea or the difficulty emptying with constipation.

Obstructed defecation

If your pelvic floor muscles tighten instead of relax when you try to open your bowel, you will end up constipated. Eating more fibre makes the problem worse. This muscle tightening can happen without you knowing. After all, we take bowel emptying for granted. It’s supposed just to happen, easily. How would you know if your muscles tighten instead of relax? Pelvic Health Physios can do an examination and use ultrasound to find out what your muscle are doing and help you learn how to relax the muscles as you empty. Your Doctor may have asked you to have biofeedback or rectal balloon training. We can offer these treatments.

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About us

Peninsula Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy offers help for a wide range of problems relating to pelvic floor muscle dysfunction. Whether you’re dealing with concerns related to pelvic pain, bladder or bowel control, prolapse, sexual function, pregnancy or postpartum -you’ve come to the right place. 

Our mission is to empower our patients to live their lives to the fullest by addressing pelvic floor issues with evidence-based and patient-centred care. We are committed to providing you with the knowledge, support and treatment you need to achieve optimal pelvic health.

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Peninsula Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy

Call Frankston
Ph: 03 9783 9990

Call Dromana
Ph : 03 5981 8008
Email : info@ppfp.com.au

We acknowledge the Bunurong people as Traditional Owners of the land on which we work and recognise their continued custodianship and connection to the land, waters and community. We pay our respects to them and their Elders past and present.

We proudly stand as LGBTQIA+ allies and actively support and advocate for LGBTQIA+ rights, equality, and inclusivity. We strive to create a safe and welcoming space where everyone feels respected, valued, and empowered to be their authentic selves.

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