Conditions we treat
BOWEL DYSFUNCTION
At Body and Birth we understand how bowels work and can educate you on the anatomy and physiology of your bowels, healthy bowel function, positioning to facilitate emptying and stool optimisation.
In addition we can assess the effect your pelvic floor may be having on your bowel function and manage this accordingly. Please get in touch if you are experiencing any concerns with your bowels and let us help you restore your bowel health.
What is it?
Bowel dysfunction will often fall under one of the following categories: difficulty emptying your bowels or difficulty storing your bowels.
Difficulty emptying your bowels may be associated with:
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Constipation and/or straining
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Haemorrhoids and/or anal fissures
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Painful and firm bowel motions
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A sensation of incomplete emptying
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The need to splint the vagina or perineum to assist with bowel emptying
Difficulty with bowel storage may be associated with:
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Faecal urgency- the need to rush to the toilet
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Faecal incontinence (involuntary loss of stool motion)
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Problems controlling wind
What causes it?
There are several potential contributors to bowel dysfunction and these may include but are not limited to:
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Inadequate or a change to fibre or fluid intake in your diet
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Medication changes
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Hormonal changes associated with pregnancy
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Changes to pelvic floor muscle function due to pregnancy, childbirth and ageing
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Alternations in pelvic organ support i.e. prolapse
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Gastrointestinal conditions such as food allergies or sensitivities or gut microbiome imbalance
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Persistent pelvic pain
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Bowel surgery, Stress, Anxiety