Living With Bowel And Bladder Dysfunction: Tips For Daily Life
Key Takeaways:
Holistic Healing For Bowel And Bladder Dysfunction: Managing dysfunction calls for a holistic approach, including functional exercises, dietary shifts, and lifestyle adjustments.
Personalized Support For Every Life Stage: At The Lifted Lotus, our team tailors therapy to support your unique needs, whether you're navigating pregnancy, postpartum recovery, or the menopause.
Mind-Body Tools For Lasting Change: Through a healthy diet, mindful movement, and breathwork, you can build confidence as you move through life with resilience.
Bowel and bladder dysfunction can interrupt even the simplest parts of your day. These conditions are more common than most people realize, and they deserve more than silence or shame. At The Lifted Lotus, we take a thoughtful, holistic approach to pelvic health, offering personalized care that supports your overall well-being. With practical tools, functional exercises, and expert guidance, we’ll help you build habits that bring relief and restore a sense of trust in your body.
Common Causes And Symptoms
Recognizing what contributes to bowel and bladder dysfunction is the first step in finding relief. These issues are often rooted in changes to pelvic floor function, but they can also be linked to broader shifts in your health or life stage. At The Lifted Lotus, we help you uncover what’s going on beneath the surface, so your care is always individualized. We believe informed care is empowered care, so we’ll always take the time to share what we find and guide you through what it means for your body. With that foundation, let’s take a closer look at some of the most common causes and symptoms of bladder and bowel dysfunction. After all, the more you understand your body, the better we can support your healing.
Common Causes Of Bowel Dysfunction
Bowel dysfunction can arise from a variety of physical, hormonal, or neurological factors that impact how your pelvic floor and digestive system work together.
Chronic Constipation: Ongoing straining can weaken or disrupt pelvic floor coordination over time.
Pelvic Surgery Or Trauma: Procedures like C-sections, episiotomies, or colorectal surgeries can affect bowel control and nerve signaling.
Hormonal Changes: Shifts during menopause or postpartum can alter bowel regularity and sensation.
Neurological Conditions: Issues like multiple sclerosis or spinal cord injuries can disrupt communication between your brain and bowels.
Pelvic Floor Dysfunction: Incoordination or tension in the pelvic floor muscles may prevent complete or comfortable bowel movements.
Common Symptoms Of Bowel Dysfunction
These symptoms can vary but often interfere with your daily comfort and confidence. Identifying them is the first step toward finding relief.
Infrequent Or Difficult Bowel Movements: Struggling to go regularly or comfortably is a common indicator.
Incomplete Emptying: You may experience a lingering sense that your bowels haven’t fully emptied after going to the restroom.
Straining Or Pain During Bowel Movements: You might feel discomfort or find yourself needing to push excessively in order to have a bowel movement.
Involuntary Gas Or Stool Leakage: This refers to accidental loss of gas or stool and difficulty maintaining control.
Bloating Or Pelvic Heaviness: You may feel sensations of abdominal fullness or downward pressure in the pelvic area.
Common Causes Of Bladder Dysfunction
Bladder concerns can emerge at any life stage and are often linked to pelvic floor changes, muscle imbalances, or hormonal fluctuations.
Pregnancy And Postpartum Changes: Increased pressure and stretching on the pelvic floor from carrying and/or birthing a child can impact bladder control.
Menopause: Estrogen decline may affect tissue elasticity and bladder sensitivity.
Pelvic Floor Trauma Or Weakness: This can result from factors like childbirth, surgery, or injury.
Chronic Coughing Or High-Impact Exercise: Repeated strain on the pelvic floor may contribute to stress incontinence.
Underlying Conditions: This includes chronic health issues such as urinary tract infections, diabetes, or neurological disorders, all of which can affect bladder function.
Common Symptoms Of Bladder Dysfunction
Bladder dysfunction may manifest in many ways, and knowing the signs can help guide you toward the right support.
Urinary Urgency Or Frequency: You might feel the need to urinate constantly or experience a sudden, intense urge to go.
Leaking With Coughing, Sneezing, Or Movement: Known as stress incontinence, this is a common pelvic floor concern.
Incomplete Emptying: Even after urinating, you may feel like your bladder isn’t fully empty.
Waking To Urinate At Night: This condition, known as nocturia, causes disruptions to your sleep due to the need to urinate.
Pelvic Pain Or Pressure: You may experience discomfort or a heavy sensation in the lower abdomen or around the bladder.
While these symptoms can feel discouraging, they are also common — and typically treatable! With holistic pelvic floor therapy and supportive guidance, our team is here to help you feel more confident and capable in your everyday life.
The Impact On Daily Life
Bowel and bladder dysfunction can quietly shape the rhythms of your day, from how you plan your outings to how you feel in your own body. At The Lifted Lotus, we recognize that these challenges aren’t just physical; they can also affect your emotional well-being, routines, and sense of independence. Remember, acknowledging their impact is the first step towards overcoming these issues and building a care plan that supports your full self.
Emotional And Social Effects
Feelings of anxiety or hesitation about leaving home are common, especially if you're managing urgency, leakage, or unpredictable symptoms. You might avoid social gatherings or public places to avoid potential embarrassment or discomfort. These reactions are completely valid, but you shouldn’t have to isolate yourself out of fear. Restoring confidence often starts with feeling seen in a warm, welcoming space that makes you feel safe, and that’s exactly what we offer at The Lifted Lotus. Here, your story is heard, your care caters to your needs, and your journey forward is supported with compassion, expertise, and respect.
Practical Adjustments
Your daily life might involve some strategic planning, like mapping out restroom access or carrying extra supplies. While that can feel frustrating at first, these adjustments can also become empowering steps toward regaining freedom in your day. At The Lifted Lotus, we help you find routines that support your needs without limiting your life.
Health And Hygiene Routines
A consistent care routine can help ease symptoms and prevent flare-ups. Functional pelvic floor therapy — paired with habits like proper hydration, fiber-rich meals, and gentle movement — can help you rebuild strength and control over time. At The Lifted Lotus, we also focus on helping you understand how your body is functioning, so you’re equipped to make informed, sustainable choices that improve your quality of life.
Living with bowel and bladder dysfunction is not a road you have to walk alone. With holistic care, tailored services, and compassionate guidance, you can reclaim control. We’re here to walk with you, one step at a time. Feel free to contact us with any questions, or get started by booking your first appointment today! We’re always happy to help.
Pelvic Floor Therapy For Bladder And Bowel Dysfunction At The Lifted Lotus
At The Lifted Lotus, pelvic floor therapy is a whole-person approach to restoring function, comfort, and confidence in your daily life. Whether you're managing urgency, leakage, constipation, or pelvic pressure, our licensed Pelvic Health Occupational Therapists work with you to address the root causes through thoughtful, evidence-based care.
Initial Assessment
We always start off with a comprehensive 75 to 90 minute evaluation, where we take the time to understand your symptoms, your goals, and how your body has changed — especially if you're a new or expecting mother or undergoing menopause. Here, we typically assess your breath, posture, movement, strength, flexibility, balance, and pain. If appropriate, we may ask for your full consent to conduct an internal pelvic exam to pinpoint exactly why your pelvic floor is imbalanced. A thorough explanation of the exam will be provided beforehand, and we will only proceed with your written and verbal consent. If you feel overwhelmed, you may pause or stop at any time. Afterwards, we discuss our findings with you and determine the best plan of action to help you reach your goals.
Building Your Care Plan
From there, we build a personalized treatment plan that may include:
Functional Exercises: We focus on intentional movements that help enhance pelvic coordination, improve bladder and bowel control, and rebuild core strength without pushing your body’s limits.
Targeted Breath Work: Intentional, diaphragmatic breathing techniques help release stored tension, calm the nervous system, and strengthen the connection between your breath and pelvic floor.
Scar Tissue Mobilization: For clients recovering from C-sections, perineal tears, or abdominal surgeries, we offer gentle, hands-on techniques to support tissue healing, reduce discomfort, and restore mobility.
Lifestyle Modifications: Our occupational therapists can recommend ergonomic adjustments for home and daily activities, routines that reduce strain on the pelvic floor, and help create sustainable habits to support your long-term pelvic health.
Postpartum And Birth Support: Through our Postpartum Healing and Pregnancy & Birth Preparation Bundles, we provide individualized care that helps you navigate pregnancy, prepare for labor, and gradually recover in the months that follow.
Private Pilates Sessions: Led by a certified instructor trained in pelvic floor dysfunction, these Pilates sessions offer modified movement tailored to your body’s needs, whether you're postpartum, perimenopausal, or exploring safe exercise during IVF to support reproductive health.
Our Brooklyn-based space is inviting, inclusive, and warm. Whether you’ve been dealing with dysfunction for years or you’re experiencing new symptoms, we’re here to help. Remember, pelvic health challenges don’t define you. With the right care, you can feel strong and steady in your body again. Let’s work together to help you get back to living a life you love.
Dietary Strategies For Better Bladder And Bowel Control
Supporting your pelvic health through nutrition can be a powerful part of managing bladder and bowel dysfunction. At The Lifted Lotus, we believe that what you eat (and how you eat) can influence your comfort, energy, and overall well-being. While there’s no one-size-fits-all plan, here are a few thoughtful strategies to consider:
Stay Hydrated: Water supports kidney function, promotes regular bowel movements, and keeps the bladder functioning smoothly. Instead of gulping large amounts at once (which can trigger urgency), try sipping throughout the day to keep your system balanced without overwhelming your bladder.
Incorporate Fiber Gradually: Whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and legumes offer soluble and insoluble fiber that can support bowel regularity and prevent constipation. To avoid gas or bloating, increase your fiber intake slowly and pair it with proper hydration.
Get To Know Your Triggers: Some foods — like caffeine, carbonated beverages, citrus, spicy dishes, or artificial sweeteners — can irritate the bladder in certain individuals. A great way to start is by keeping a food and symptom journal. Identifying your unique triggers can help you make educated choices.
Aim For Balanced Meals: Eating regular, well-rounded meals that combine protein, fiber-rich carbs, and healthy fats can support steady energy, regulate digestion, and promote a healthy gut-brain connection, all of which play a role in pelvic health.
These dietary tools can complement your care at The Lifted Lotus, where we offer holistic pelvic floor therapy, hands-on healing, and movement-based approaches tailored to your life stage. Whether you're navigating pregnancy, postpartum, menopause, or chronic pelvic conditions, our team is here to help you stay motivated every step of the way.
Final Thoughts
Navigating life with bowel and bladder dysfunction can be challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone. At The Lifted Lotus, we offer a compassionate, encouraging approach to pelvic floor therapy that’s tailored to your needs. Through our specialized bundles and personalized movement strategies, we help you address symptoms at the root, empowering you to move through life with greater confidence, clarity, and comfort. If you’re ready to take the next step toward healing, we’re here to support you with care that meets you exactly where you are.
Read More:
How Eating Disorders Lead To Muscle Atrophy And Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
What Are The Causes And Symptoms Of Pelvic Floor Dysfunction?
Frequently Asked Questions About Bowel And Bladder Dysfunction Solutions
How important is hydration for bowel and bladder health?
Hydration is essential to maintaining healthy bowel and bladder function. Drinking enough water throughout the day helps prevent constipation and supports the bladder's ability to store and release urine effectively. At The Lifted Lotus, we often encourage clients to sip water consistently rather than all at once to support pelvic health without overloading the bladder.
Is it normal to experience incontinence as you age?
While bladder control can change with age, incontinence is not something you simply have to accept. It’s a sign that your body may need additional support, and there are effective, science-backed therapies available. Our pelvic health specialists at The Lifted Lotus work with women at every life stage to help them understand and manage symptoms with personalized care.
How common is bowel and bladder dysfunction?
Bowel and bladder dysfunction are more common than many people realize, affecting millions of individuals across all ages and life stages. Despite how isolating it may feel, you're not alone, and more importantly, these symptoms are manageable. At The Lifted Lotus, we offer supportive and individualized pelvic floor therapy to help you find relief and restore your quality of life.
How do I talk to my doctor about incontinence?
Starting the conversation with your doctor can feel intimidating, but being honest about your symptoms is the first step toward finding solutions. Try keeping a symptom log beforehand and write down any questions you may have. And if you’re unsure where to start, The Lifted Lotus is here to help guide you with clarity, empathy, and evidence-based education.
Can bowel and bladder dysfunction be completely cured?
Some conditions can improve significantly or resolve entirely with the right treatment plan, while others may require ongoing management. What’s most important is treating your body with patience and kindness. While you likely won’t see results overnight, if you’re consistent with your progress, it’s more likely that you will see the results you’re hoping for. At The Lifted Lotus, we take a holistic and individualized approach, helping you understand what’s happening in your body and working with you to improve symptoms in a sustainable way.
How do I cope with the emotional impact of incontinence?
Coping with the emotional impact of incontinence starts with acknowledging that your feelings — frustration, embarrassment, and/or grief — are completely valid. It's common to feel isolated, but you're not alone. Building a support system is key: talk to trusted loved ones, consider working with a mental health professional, and seek out care from practitioners who prioritize emotional well-being as part of physical healing.
At The Lifted Lotus, we take a whole-person approach. Our pelvic floor therapy sessions offer a space to process what you’re feeling, not just what you’re physically experiencing. We’re here to help you rebuild confidence, find relief, and feel at home in your body again, with care that meets you exactly where you are.
