Constipation and Pelvic Floor: Why Going Every Day Doesn’t Mean You’re Not Constipated

One of the most common conversations I have with patients starts the same way.

I’ll ask, “Tell me about your bowel movements.”

Almost immediately, they’ll answer, “They’re fine.”

Then I’ll ask a few more questions.

Do you strain?

Does it feel like you completely empty your bowels?

Does it ever feel like you’re working really hard just to have a bowel movement?

How often do you go?

That’s when the conversation usually changes.

Many women suddenly realize that what they’ve considered “normal” for years may actually be signs of constipation or pelvic floor dysfunction.

Some tell me they only have a bowel movement every two or three days but assumed that was normal.

Others tell me they go every single day—but every bowel movement involves straining, pushing, or feeling like they never completely emptied.

That’s why I want to challenge one of the biggest misconceptions I hear:

Just because you go every day doesn’t automatically mean your bowels are healthy.

If you’d like to hear me teach this concept in more detail, you can watch Episode 34: Constipation & Your Pelvic Floor on YouTube.

We Don’t Talk About Bowel Health Enough

One reason this misunderstanding is so common is because most of us simply don’t talk about bowel movements.

It can feel embarrassing.

Too personal.

Maybe even “not ladylike.”

But here’s what I tell my patients:

Your bowel habits are one of the clearest indicators of your overall health.

As a pelvic floor physical therapist, I also believe they’re one of the best indicators of how well your pelvic floor is functioning.

Ignoring bowel habits because they feel uncomfortable to discuss doesn’t make the problem go away.

It simply delays finding answers.

That’s one of the reasons I started talking openly about pelvic floor health. Women deserve to understand their bodies without shame or embarrassment.

Frequency Isn’t the Whole Story

Many people judge bowel health using only one question:

“How often do you go?”

While frequency matters, it doesn’t tell the whole story.

I care just as much about how you’re having your bowel movements.

For example:

• Are you holding your breath?
• Are you pushing and straining?
• Do you feel like you’re fighting your body?
• Do you leave the bathroom feeling completely empty?

Those answers often tell me much more than simply hearing, “I go every day.”

A healthy bowel movement should feel comfortable.

It shouldn’t feel like a workout.

The Connection Between Constipation and Your Pelvic Floor

Many women don’t realize that constipation and the pelvic floor influence each other.

Sometimes constipation contributes to pelvic floor problems.

Other times, the pelvic floor itself is contributing to constipation.

That’s why I ask every patient about bowel habits—even if they came to see me for leaking, prolapse, or pain.

Everything is connected.

Once my patients understand that relationship, something interesting happens.

Their perspective changes.

Instead of thinking:

“Why is my physical therapist asking about poop?”

They begin asking:

“How can improving my bowel habits also improve my pelvic floor?”

That shift in understanding is incredibly powerful.

Understanding your body creates confidence.

Stop Fighting an Uphill Battle

At the beginning of this episode, I shared a story about becoming a mom.

Before my children were born, I had all kinds of rules about technology.

I was convinced my kids wouldn’t be interested in screens.

Then reality happened.

No matter how hard I tried to fight it, technology was part of the world they were growing up in.

Eventually I realized something important:

I could keep fighting an uphill battle…

Or I could adjust my approach and create healthy habits that actually worked for our family.

That same lesson applies to constipation.

So many women spend years fighting their bodies.

They strain.

They push harder.

They assume discomfort is simply part of life.

But once they understand how the pelvic floor works and how healthy bowel habits support that system, everything becomes less of a struggle.

The goal isn’t to fight your body.

The goal is to work with it.

Better Bowel Habits Protect Your Pelvic Floor

One of the biggest reasons I care about constipation is because repeated straining doesn’t just affect your bowels.

It affects your pelvic floor too.

Every time we bear down excessively, we place additional pressure on the muscles and connective tissues that support our bladder, uterus, and rectum.

Over time, that repeated stress can contribute to pelvic floor dysfunction.

That’s why I don’t look at constipation as an isolated digestive problem.

I see it as part of your pelvic health.

Addressing bowel habits isn’t just about becoming more comfortable.

It’s about protecting the strength you’ve worked so hard to build.

According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), healthy bowel habits involve more than frequency. Persistent straining or difficulty passing stool can signal constipation even if bowel movements occur regularly.

Small Changes Can Make a Big Difference

One thing I love about pelvic floor therapy is that meaningful progress often starts with simple changes.

You don’t always need a complicated plan.

Sometimes it’s learning to pay attention to your bowel habits.

Sometimes it’s changing your toilet posture.

Sometimes it’s improving your breathing.

Those small adjustments work together to make bowel movements feel easier and place less stress on your pelvic floor.

As I often tell my patients, once your bowels and your pelvic floor begin working together instead of against each other, that uphill battle starts to disappear.

Your Next Step

If you’ve always assumed your bowel habits were “normal,” I encourage you to get curious.

Instead of only asking, “How often do I go?”

Start asking:

• Do I strain?
• Do I feel completely empty afterward?
• Does my body feel relaxed, or am I forcing the process?

Those questions can tell you far more about your pelvic floor than you might expect.

If you’re ready to understand what’s contributing to your symptoms and want a personalized plan for improving your pelvic floor health, I’d love to help.

Complete Your Pelvic Floor’s Next Step Form to discover the next best step for your body.

👉 https://www.beyondthevbypauli.com/nextstep

Remember, your body is constantly giving you information. Learning how to listen to it is one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself.