Constipation might be caused by the pelvic floor, otherwise, pelvic floor dysfunctions might be triggered due to constipation… Do you feel curious about why it’s important to prevent constipation?
Constipation and pelvic floor are closely linked.
The incidence of many different pathologies increases in people with a tendency to constipation. Defecation is a biological function we should pay attention to.
The World Gastroenterology Organization (WGO) considers constipation when at least 2 of the following conditions appear:
- An effort must be made to have a bowel movement more than 25% of the time you go to the bathroom.
- There are fewer than 3 bowel movements a week.
- There is a feeling of incomplete evacuation.
- Need to perform a pelvic massage to facilitate evacuation one out of four times.
- Stools are hard or in the shape of small balls
Why constipation causes pelvic floor problems?
If we are not emptying the bowel properly, we are increasing the pelvic floor tasks:
- The weight in the pelvis increase due to constipation. This can cause a pelvic floor spasm to compensate for the pressure. After years, the excess of pressure can weaken the pelvic floor increasing the risk of gas and leak incontinence.
- The continuous pushing to pass a stool will affect the contractility of the levator of the ani. Pushing debilitate the musculature and the connective tissue of the pelvic floor.
- If you feel pain during defecation the body will create a protective contraction. This will make the pelvic floor go into spasm. Consequently, painful defecation in kids can foment toilet avoidance behavior.
- The necessity to push is going to increase the manifestation of hemorrhoids and varicose veins in the pelvic area.
What should I do if I have constipation and pelvic problems?
Some people wonder why are they having pelvic floor symptoms without knowing that constipation can be the origin of them. The necessity to push to pass a stool can lead to a weaker pelvic floor that causes urine or gas leaks. Painful defecation (known as Dyschezia) can be the cause of sexual problems such as erectile dysfunction or dyspareunia. Constipation can also cause referred low back pain and pelvic pain.
Pelvic floor muscles need exercises as any other part of the body.
If you are starting a pelvic floor rehabilitation program and you don’t see so much improvement in the constipation can be one of the reasons behind it.
Contact me if you don’t have a very clear about how to start with your recovery, the most difficult step is always the first one but once you begin there will be only improvement!
Marina Vecino
Physiotherapist specialized in Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation
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