Healthy bowel function plays an important role in overall health and can also affect many gynecologic conditions. Constipation, accidental bowel leakage, and other bowel problems may contribute to pelvic pain, urinary symptoms, pelvic organ prolapse, and discomfort during daily activities.
Because the bladder, bowel, and pelvic floor work closely together, treating bowel health is often an important part of improving many pelvic floor disorders.
Many bowel symptoms improve with dietary changes, adequate hydration, pelvic floor therapy, and other conservative treatments, while some conditions require evaluation by a gastroenterologist or colorectal specialist.
The resources below provide information about constipation, bowel leakage, colorectal cancer screening, and other common bowel health topics.
While occasional digestive symptoms are common, persistent or concerning bowel symptoms should be discussed with your healthcare provider. Evaluation may be recommended if you experience:
• Persistent constipation despite lifestyle changes or over-the-counter treatments
• Accidental bowel leakage or loss of bowel control
• Blood in the stool or rectal bleeding
• A new or persistent change in bowel habits
• Unexplained abdominal pain, bloating, or difficulty passing stool
• Unintentional weight loss or symptoms that interfere with your daily activities
Depending on your symptoms, additional evaluation by your primary care provider, gastroenterologist, colorectal surgeon, or urogynecologist may be appropriate.
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