Bladder and bowel dysfunction in children can be very distressing for families
- Bedwetting at night or daytime accidents
- Leaking urine or frequent urination, which may lead to urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- Constipation or painful bowel movements and fecal incontinence
These are not uncommon issues, but they are often dismissed as a stage of life. Inside the pelvis are muscles and tissues that work to create support for abdominal and pelvic organs and help control bowel and bladder activity. If those muscles are too tight, too weak or are just not working correctly, they can cause these problems.
Bladder and bowel dysfunction in children
Most children are toilet trained by age 4; after that age, bladder and bowel dysfunction can be considered a medical problem.
Because these issues can be embarrassing and frustrating, they can affect the quality of life for both children and their families. Pelvic floor physical therapy
can help retrain muscles, help improve bathroom habits, and provide exercise to improve posture and increase confidence.