Constipation can be a challenge for many people, and can not only cause bloating and discomfort, but can play a part in pelvic pain. Straining and bearing down during a bowel movement should be avoided, this can result in stretching and weakening of tissues, hemorrhoids or anal fissures.
Many factors can contribute to constipation:
       A diet lacking in fibre or fluid
       A diet lacking in fibre or fluid
       Medication which can slow transit time through the colon
       Lack of exercise
       Delaying or ignoring the sensation of rectal fullness or reduced sensation of fullness
       Poor positioning on the toilet
Difficulty eliminating stool once it’s in the rectum: this is most likely due to a pelvic floor muscle dysfunction. Think of the pelvic floor muscles and the anal sphincter as a muscular ‘gate’ - they need to be able to relax and release to allow stool to pass. If the muscles are in spasm or too tight, we will have difficulty ‘opening the gate’. This is particularly true when there is pain in the area.