Bowel If there is anything more private than having a bladder problem, it is having a bowel problem. Bowels are talked about even less than bladders. Difficulty in emptying the bowel is not uncommon. Most people like to empty their bowels first thing the morning in the privacy of their own toilet. They do not like to share their sounds or smells . This means that if defecation is not regular in the morning, it may be many hours before the privacy of the home toilet can be reached. Bowels are very fickle. They do not like holidays, different food, change in routine, or different toilets. How often has a holiday been spoilt by irregular bowel habits, a feeling of distension, bloating and constipation? If the pelvic floor muscles have been strained, stretched or neglected, these bowel problems can be much worse. Along with strengthening the pelvic floor muscles, the correct defecation technique often needs to be taught and strategies to keep the bowels regular employed. These subjects are private and difficult for many women to talk about. However they should never be considered normal or inevitable. Bladder and bowel problems are surprisingly common and can affect comfort, confidence, control and choices. It is natural for people not to put themselves in potentially embarrassing situations. Because of this lack of control of the most intimate body functions, we often miss out on the things we really would like to do but instead make secondary choices. People may joke about laughing till they wet their pants, or having a "Woolworths" bladder. But these are not jokes for those affected and can make daily activities, interactions and outings very stressful events. The good news is, help is available. In the vast majority of cases these problems can be overcome or greatly minimised through expert assessment and education. The pelvic floor muscles are the most important muscles a women has, yet the most neglected. They are required for control of a woman’s most intimate body functions. Bowel problems include: decreased flatus control rectal soiling fecal incontinence constipation diffculty initiating bowel emptying incomplete bowel empyting These problems can be very compromising and have a huge effect on a women's confidence and self-esteem. Often bowel emptying difficulties are connected with pelvic floor weakness. To address these issues, as well as strengthening the pelvic floor muscles, the correct defaecation technique often needs to be taught. To make an appointment to see Brenda, click HERE.